Can somebody please calm me down..

[BiNgOoOo]

I feel really panicky and claustrophobic, pains in my chest at the thought of lockdown. I know it is probably the best thing but it's really panicking me

Me too. I know that doesnt help at all, but just offering solidarity.

Here for a hand hold because I'm starting to freak out too now. A week ago I was fine but now I'm in isolation I'm not fine. I have health anxiety so I'm really not built to cope with this shit.

I think it's worse because I have young children and I am worried for them. I just wish I would go asleep and never wake up, or wake up and it's all over.
to everyone feeling the same

Hi Bing,

many, many people throughout time have stood where we stand now looking out on a frightening landscape.

JRRTolkein summed up what our role is quite nicely when he wrote this.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

Me too Bing it’s ok, love. How you feel is as valid as how anyone else feels.

I found this helped me:

1. pour myself a glass of wine
2. drink it
3. top it up with a shot of vodka
4. breathe in and out long and slowly
5. stop reading news
6. turn on Netflix to watch friends
7. repeat to myself 80% of infected had mild symptoms and recovered in China

Hope this helps you too

Oh Emeeno1, that’s just what I needed to hear. Thank you.

Agree, thanks Emeeno1.

Definitely agree with turn off the news.

Nice to see kind words to people feeling anxious. To be honest anyone who isn't even a bit worried now probably should be. We live in very uncertain times and the coming months will be testing xx

I was calm until yesterday and now feel unsettled and a bit anxious so I feel for you OP. Have a look at this maybe and remember we will get through it:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/17/silver-linings-how-to-stay-positive-during-the-coronavirus-crisis

Oooh Emeeno1, I might start reading LOTR to my kid

Me too.
I just feel really out of control and overwhelmed. I think it’s all natural and however we feel is ok.

We’ve been on lock down for a few days. I find what helps is to have some routine and structure to your day which will give you a sense of purpose and to talk with friends about other things.

Love That LOTR quote, might have to put it up somewhere...
it is scary Op. Personally I think the word "lockdown" makes it sound scarier than it is - somehow more constricting and unpleasant. "staying home" sounds much better!

I've found keeping routine, getting out for a short walk when I feel edgy, and limiting my exposure to news (at one point I was continually Googling It) helpful. If I'm tempted to Google I try to read positive perspectives like this. Good luck.

www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2020/03/15/9-ways-to-stay-positive-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

I realise that these are really scary times but some of it is under our control. I can’t imagine what it was like during the blitz when people were having bombs dropped on them and there was only a minimal amount that people could do.
We can at least keep our distance and take all the sensible precautions.

I feel incredibly unsettled and anxious but am trying not to burst into sobbing because I want to keep it together for my poor DS (single parent).

It's oddly comforting knowing others are feeling the same and it's not just me. I had to go and open my front door just now and breathe the night air because I was feeling so lonely in my panic and seeing some cars passing by made me feel a bit calmer.

This feels like a dream I want to wake up from. I'm also wrestling with disappointment as I always felt I was the kind of bombproof, pragmatic person who was good in a crisis and I'm not at all, I just want to curl up in a ball and cry and have someone hug me and tell me everything will be alright. And there is no-one to do that.
I love being single but desperately wish I had a partner to talk to about this. I know many of you have DH/DPs who are being less than helpful but I just feel so alone in this.

The DC have been off a week now, we are social distancing as much as possible, playing indoors or on the trampoline, evening and early morning walks, I'm already starting to crack up, plus an ex smoker so terrified of getting the virus. It's tough.

Honestly I'm bordering on hysterical. I'm sobbing. I know I'll have to get a grip.

My mental health is shit anyway and I'm gutted my dcs whole education and social life has effectively been paused.

Meanwhile I'm furious that some of the very people these measures are supposed to protect are swanning around like nothing is happening.

I feel the same ! I’ve burst into tears in the last 3 days and verged on panic attack last night! It’s so bad I’d call the docs if I didn’t feel I was wasting valuable doctors time! I feel like I’m being really stupid! My dad is in the high risk category and has two hospital ops he has to attend this week! He’s trying not to let me take him as said he’d worry about me and his grandson too but that would make me feel even more helpless. Meanwhile I have friends who have said as much as that they think I’m overreacting. (I also live in one of the worst hit areas!). Feel like I’m going mad!

I think i have a bit of perspective because for the last 3 years my life has been turned upside down by my sen kids not coping in school and pretty much self isolating. I had to withdraw from what I considered normal life then so this change is not alarming to me.

it is shit, it is a shock. Allow yourself to feel angry, upset and whatever.

The education part is not as bad as you imagine. Even if your DC cannot access formal education for now it does not mean they will not learn. There is more to learning than formal education.

Take time to build family relationships. Get to know your family better and take it an opportunity to focus on interests that you would not have time to if this had not happened.

There can be positives to this situation, and there will be, you just may not see them yet.

I have been watching World Horse Welfare videos today of horses that have been rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed - I needed reminders that light can come after suffering. It's been reassuring to see such caring behaviour and happy endings when everything is so uncertain for us right now.

Some of the rescues are preventative where people couldn't cope with their animals anymore and asked for help before any suffering. Some of the beginnings of some videos about abuse rescues are a bit upsetting, so be selective if you look at any, but this one I think is lovely about a rescued sad foal that is now a calming companion for other scared horses:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=trAwkN5shJ4

The foal initially had to be isolated after being rescued, which they mentioned, so it's also nice seeing life beyond isolation (even if it's a totally different scenario).

There are no images of abuse or anything graphic in this video, the foal just starts out very sad and quiet.

Just thought I'd share something that's brought me a little comfort.

I know how you are feeling trapped/overwhelmed and bitching about the lack of stuff on the shelves - childcare - missing the ski season - BUT I (along with a significant amount of the population) have Crohn's/ UC, Type 1 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, one Kidney and teetering over 60...

I am absolutely terrified terrified and more terrified that I will catch it - and if I do and have an adverse reaction they will look and me and say "Naaahhh - too much wrong - next...."

There is still so so so much that I want to do and I have tried over the last couple of weeks to adhere to the guidelines to try and keep myself safe....

Please please for all us "oldies and comprised" - think about your actions....

@RhubarbTea

It is oddly comforting , I think the reason is because social media will now be our closet friend we can talk to! I rarely come on Mumsnet but have been involved in a fair few posts because, although I have a partner and friends, They’re either not taking this seriously, or i don’t want to burden them with my problems and come across negative.