Can someone please calm me down?

[SpongeCake23]

I’m already a complete panicky mess about this as it is. My pre existing anxiety is through the roof. But after watching the WHO press conference I’m filled with even more anxiety and dread.
He said babies and children have died...I thought we were told they were safe? They would only have mild symptoms.
The 17 day old in China survived. I’ve also read of other children contracting it and being fine, but no deaths. I honestly felt I could cope in a way knowing they weren’t at risk.
Are there any statistics or evidence to back this statement up?
I have a one year old DS and I’m now terrified.
He has to go to nursery twice a week as both me and DP work in schools. Why won’t BJ just shut schools?!

I have done a quick search and I can’t see any stories about a baby or child dying. I didn’t listen to the conference so didn’t hear what they said, but I don’t think this is a widespread thing at all. It does seem to be the case that babies and young children are not badly affected.

I hope you’re ok. As a fellow anxiety sufferer I know what it’s like to dwell

Maybe these children that died jasper existing conditions?

To be fair, Italy and China didn’t elaborate on ages of those who died

*Died from!

The most recent statistics I have seen show a death rate of 0.2% globally for 0-20 year olds. No deaths under 20 as yet in Italy. So yes, there have been some deaths of children but the likelihood of a child dying remains very, very low. That is my understanding.

In my opinion, the WHO is not helping. How many countries can realistically manage to test every case and to provide hospital care for the majority of cases, even mild? How many families could not share a kitchen or bathroom with a confirmed case? What should be done in an ideal world and what is practical aren't always the same, even if individual governments could do more than they are.

Yes I too was going to say maybe these poor dc had other medical issues.

I think we’re all worried, I keep having WTF moments then take a deep breath and try to focus on something else. I’m on a low does of anti anxiety meds and I have upped the dose for a few days. Do you have anyone in RL you can talk to?

Best thing for your anxiety would be to get off the internet and do some breathing exercises. You must have things that need doing - worry achieves nothing. Focus on the job that is in front of you.

www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/
Age 0-9 no deaths.
Ages 10-19 death rate 0.2 percent

Try to get away from news and anything corona related for a bit. It's very sunny where I am today, can you go outside or on a balcony and catch the last sun rays (while keeping a bit of distance from people), just for 15mins? Everything feels so much less panicky as soon as you get away from screens etc... Plus exercise, fresh air and sunlight are good for your immune system. If you feel better when actively doing something cook a healthy meal for dinner with seasonal fresh veggies to boost your and your LO's immune system? Hope you feel less anxious very soon.

This is what I have found helpful: repeat as needed:
Everything is OK now. And now is all that matters now.
It helps ground you.
The constant news is just too much, isn't it?
There's a thread here called "Positive mental health" which you might find useful.

I agree with getting some fresh air. Very important for mental health.

www.storystorks.co.uk/post/coronavirus-can-i-take-the-kids-out-or-not

I found this really good for calming my nerves. It's a long read but worth it.

Totally agree with honestlyitsfine- try and think only of today, what can you do to make today good. I have been panicky but when I thought about all the things I can do now in my own home it really helped me. Trying to make even the simplest things really special has also helped. For example tea in a special cup, big old splash party with music and lights for my DD bath, light a candle for dinner. Like pps hope you are feeling calmer soon, lots of deep breathing xx

I feel ya, OP. You're not alone.

Agree with not looking too far into the future. Isolate yourself as much as you can, take all the practical measures you can to protect yourself and your family.

Fresh air is very good, and it was a lovely day today where we are, it did feel better just getting out in some sunshine.