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Covid

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Original poster

Family members Covid anxiety

14 replies

WandaVision2 · 23/08/2021 18:30

I have a family member who is still incredibly anxious about catching Covid. She’s still restricting her activities and disinfecting her shopping.

I want to help her to begin to get to some sort of normal but everything I suggest she refuses to do! I just don’t know where to begin.

Has anyone had a similar situation with a family member or friend? How did you help them overcome their anxiety?

OP posts:

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 23/08/2021 18:39

Have they asked for help? Maybe they don’t want any and are happy to keep to limited activities for the time being given how numbers are going up again.

Original poster

WandaVision2 · 23/08/2021 19:05

No, she hasn’t asked for help but she does need it. She isn’t just been over cautious, she is paralysed by fear.

OP posts:

strugglingmummy2021 · 23/08/2021 19:09

Why don't you ask her how she's doing ? And see if she opens up and tells you she's struggling. Then you can gently explain to her about the risks as most people now perceive them to be. It might help.

I'm personally anxious about it a bit still. But have a friend who's like your friend and she's not very educated on the subject at all. She literally doesn't read any news on it or watch much on TV about it. So I try to gently educate her and explain things. She doesn't seem to mind and it makes her more relaxed.

Unsure33 · 23/08/2021 19:32

Is she vaccinated?

Original poster

WandaVision2 · 23/08/2021 21:43

Whenever I try and broach the subject she shuts me down, but I will keep trying.

Yes, she and her family are all vaccinated

OP posts:

HangingChads · 23/08/2021 21:51

Honestly, you might be better just letting them come to the realisation in their own time. Like alcoholics - you can't force them to see the behaviour is damaging etc, they need to come round to it themselves.

Original poster

WandaVision2 · 23/08/2021 22:06

@HangingChads

I think you may well be right. It just saddens me.

OP posts:

LilyPond2 · 23/08/2021 22:21

Frankly I think restricting activities to some degree can be perfectly sensible at present. Covid rates are still very high and some people still get Covid badly even when double jabbed. However, I think that most people would agree that disinfecting shopping is OTT. I would suggest focusing on suggestions that are very low risk, eg going for a walk in a spacious park. If even that is too much, I agree with other posters that you probably need to back off for the time being.

Original poster

WandaVision2 · 23/08/2021 22:27

I’ve suggested walks but she won’t leave the house unless she really has too. Fortunately she has a big garden so the kids are getting lots of time outdoors, they’re only 2 and 3 so I think it hopefully won’t have too much of an impact. She’s a really good Mum and from the photos/videos she sends me they seem like they’re having lots of fun.

I do know I need to back off though. I don’t want to put so much pressure on her that it causes a fall out. I’ll just keep letting her know I’m here.

OP posts:

LilyPond2 · 23/08/2021 22:36

Are the children getting to leave their home and see other children at all? I think the potential knock-on effect on the children is the biggest issue.

Original poster

WandaVision2 · 24/08/2021 00:27

@LilyPond2

Are the children getting to leave their home and see other children at all? I think the potential knock-on effect on the children is the biggest issue.

Not really, no. The 3 year old was due to start nursery in September but I’m not sure that will happen now.

OP posts:

Original poster

WandaVision2 · 24/08/2021 00:38

They’re wrapped up in this little bubble, her dh has WFH since the very beginning and his employer isn’t bringing everyone back at the moment.

He does seem to be getting on with things though as much as possibles and does leave the house more often to go for a run, or to run any errands.

Dsis will only go out if it’s completely unavoidable, she has attended medical appointments and visited the dentist. She did come and sit in my back garden one day over Easter but it was understandably impossible to keep our children apart and her anxiety went into overdrive. She was really upset for weeks.

I genuinely do think she needs to see her GP, how do I get her help if she refuses? I’ve spoken to her dh but he has his head firmly buried in the sand

OP posts:

Sosososotired · 24/08/2021 16:11

Sounds similar to my sister and her dh. They haven't left the house in 18 months except to go for walks. They do have a small baby now, but make my parents isolate before visiting. Its all very ott and draining, but there is no reasoning with them. Eventually they will be plunged either into depression or into reality.

Klee30 · 24/08/2021 16:59

If she's happy doing things her why, why try and change it? I am anxious about the virus.we haven't completely restricted ourselves. Dp has worked throughout. We do go out buy mainly early in the morning before it gets busy or quieter places and social distance. We didn't like crowds before covid so that's a non issue for us. We got our shopping delivered before covid... I am nervous about seeing family as none of them take it seriously. I have two children with sen. It's he fear of getting very ill and not being able to take care of them. I am double vaccinated. My quiet life makes me happy. I wouldn't be impressed if someone was trying to change my view. My mental health is actually a lot better since covid! Not living to make other people happy - but being happy in my own little bubble!

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