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Original poster

Help - covid anxiety and swimming

36 replies

cowardhelp · 16/04/2022 13:27

I'm autistic and have ocd, and I've been fighting my phobias a lot lately, bit by bit. I've been going into places and not avoiding people on pavements, that kind of thing. Honestly I'm miles on from last year.

One of the things I really miss from pre covid times is swimming. I'm trying to make myself go again but despite looking forward to it so much, I couldn't physically make myself walk through the door this morning.

I suddenly thought there's no way it can be safe, can it, even if the chlorine kills it off in the water, it could be hovering in the air or changing rooms, and what is it, one in thirteen people have it right now?

I am hoping that someone can digitally slap some sense into me or share how they've done it!

(Or alternatively, wondering if maybe for now I should leave this one alone and try again later in the year?)

OP posts:
MzHz · 16/04/2022 13:45

I’m a swimmer. One with agoraphobia, so I get it.

Rather I HAD agoraphobia, I think I lost it during the pandemic

Public sessions were hard for me to go to, but being booked into a time really helped.

Chlorine is bleach, bleach kills stuff like viruses and of course covid.

Washing hands protects you.

I would say to you to try and get yourself into a routine of going, perhaps now during Easter holiday is a good shout because people are away and the sessions won’t be so busy?

Take sanitiser it it helps. When we train there are a good number of us all doing the same thing, and the droplets/exhale were what “They” who set the frankly daft restrictions on us were worried about.

We exhale under water… under chlorinated water… even when stationary were soaked with chlorinated water.

I’ve been back in training for months now and we’re all well. There are about 30 of us and not one of us has caught covid at the pool.

Whatever it takes to get you back in the water, do it, you know you’ll feel better when you have done it

MzHz · 16/04/2022 13:48

You’re vaccinated? Social distance and if need be tell people to back away if they’re too close for comfort

Original poster
cowardhelp · 16/04/2022 14:42

Thanks @MzHz, I appreciate it Thanks

"I’ve been back in training for months now and we’re all well. There are about 30 of us and not one of us has caught covid at the pool."

I need to keep repeating this to myself.

I have a one day guest pass that I need to use today, I'm trying to psyche myself up for going this evening instead.

I am vaccinated, I'm just terrified of illness (any kind)!

OP posts:
Original poster
cowardhelp · 16/04/2022 15:51

Do you think I could wear a face mask right until I get into the water, leave it on the side and then put it on as I get out?

(I know it'd look bloody weird but at this point I think it might be the way to get me through the doors.)

OP posts:
InfrequentFlyer · 16/04/2022 15:56

@cowardhelp

Do you think I could wear a face mask right until I get into the water, leave it on the side and then put it on as I get out?

(I know it'd look bloody weird but at this point I think it might be the way to get me through the doors.)

Of course. If you've got a zip lock bag, put it in there, on the side with your water bottle or whatever and put it back on when you're done.

You will probably benefit so much from the swim, it's worth feeling a bit weird for the 15 second walk from the pool to the changing room.

Original poster
cowardhelp · 16/04/2022 16:05

Thank you! Yes that's a great idea I'll find a ziplock bag.

I just need to woman up.

I used to love it and go almost every day, I still dream about it all the time.

OP posts:
LollyLol · 16/04/2022 16:08

I wouldnt go, you'll feel uncomfortable and there's no guarantees in life. I'd wait until the current high rates of infection calm back down again in a few months.

MzHz · 16/04/2022 16:32

@cowardhelp

Do you think I could wear a face mask right until I get into the water, leave it on the side and then put it on as I get out?

(I know it'd look bloody weird but at this point I think it might be the way to get me through the doors.)

If wearing a mask right up to the water is what gets you back in the water, do it!
MzHz · 16/04/2022 16:35

Rates have literally halved in the last couple of weeks.

I was in an area of over 1700/100000 about 3 weeks ago. It’s now only 450/100000

NewYorkHello · 16/04/2022 16:35

I think you should go. My motto is that I would prefer to catch covid from doing things I really want to - rather than catching it from the supermarket

MzHz · 16/04/2022 16:36

If you go, please let us know how you got on? :)

MzHz · 16/04/2022 16:36

@NewYorkHello

I think you should go. My motto is that I would prefer to catch covid from doing things I really want to - rather than catching it from the supermarket
That’s a really good point Grin
MzHz · 16/04/2022 16:39

I’m also really cautious about catching covid btw, no unnecessary mingling with anyone

Swimming is all I do that involves people

I did fly for a work meeting a couple of weeks ago and while I was nervous, wore my mask the whole time and saw my colleagues, flew back and it was fine!

Life is beginning to be more normal, and we do need to be a little bit brave and get back out there.

HermioneWeasley · 16/04/2022 16:42

If masks work, they reduce transmission from infected people, they do not protect the wearer.

Keep your distance from people in the changing rooms and wash your hands when your finished - you’ll be fine

Original poster
cowardhelp · 16/04/2022 17:19

But surely masks help you a bit? They stop me smelling cigarette smoke etc, they must stop some stuff getting through?

@LollyLol, sort of wish I hadn't reward your post Grin

OP posts:
SummerHouse · 16/04/2022 17:29

Go! Wear a mask if that helps you. You will go, you will not catch covid, next time you will feel a little calmer. The swimming in itself will help your overall anxiety.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 16/04/2022 17:33

I was really cautious and wouldn’t go swimming even though l like it. I analysed all the places l could catch it in a pool.

Last Wednesday l got Covid. Today I’m bored to tears and nearly better.

Looking forward to going swimming😁

Overthebow · 16/04/2022 17:34

No where inside is ‘safe’ as covid is airbourne. Swimming is no different to anywhere else. Masks protect others, not the wearer, unless you get a proper fitted mask. Just go and live your life.

MzHz · 16/04/2022 22:17

I train twice a week for 3 hours, we push it HARD! There are a good dozen people between the lane I’m in and the next one.

Lots of breathing, but most of it under the water as we’re supposed to. We talk between sets, but not for long. if it were public sessions, there would be minimal conversation/contact

Did you make it in the end?

ZenNudist · 16/04/2022 22:22

Early in the pandemic I read a virologist saying they felt swimming to be safe.

Anyway I've been going 3 times a week or more since whenever in 2020 (June?) we were allowed back in. I caught covid in August 2021 at alton towers and again I got it recently (possibly but I didn't test) although not from swimming as I've cut my attendance and started going to pilates instead.

I reckon it's fine.

LollyLol · 16/04/2022 23:10

Hey I wasnt saying it wasnt safe, I was just saying go when you feel happier that you aren't putting yourself at risk.

My personal opinion is ths risk of catching covid whilst you go swimming is very low compared to the risk of most other activities in your daily life.

But if you feel really anxious maybe it's not worth pushing yourself to do it.

Samarie123 · 17/04/2022 10:25

Yesterday 15:51 cowardhelp

“Do you think I could wear a face mask right until I get into the water, leave it on the side and then put it on as I get out? “

No don’t be so ridiculous Grin

HiCandles · 17/04/2022 10:43

I have been swimming twice a week since the pools reopened so a long time now and have never caught Covid. Can you try to go at less busy times? You could ring and ask when that is if not sure. Obviously avoid after school children and early morning athletes. Might be worth planning to just go into the changing room and knowing you can always leave if it looks busy, but take your swim stuff just in case. Wear your cossie under clothes before and take a really quick dress and flip flops to throw on after.

Original poster
cowardhelp · 17/04/2022 15:50

I didn't, no. I'm mentally gearing up to go this evening instead.

I am terrified of getting sick and especially having long covid - but a pp is right, I could do so from just going to a shop or even outdoors if someone coughs in the wrong direction. I need to do it and if I get sick, think of it as worthwhile.

OP posts:
Jewel1968 · 17/04/2022 16:02

I have been swimming whenever pools were open during pandemic. At times I was a bit nervous but I told myself:

  • chlorine kills the virus
  • chlorine in your nose could help generally in that it kills the virus that might have been resting there before I got in the pool (my own theory)
  • pool was fairly empty due to restrictions
  • I reasoned that a healthy fit body would fight off infection better
  • swimming is good for overall health
  • I was probably more at risk in supermarkets

Never knowingly got COVID although think I had it right at the beginning before tests were available