I'm having a panic attack

[easythere]

I can't cope.

Both my kids are poorly with bronchiolitis they are 3 and 10 months.

I have a history of panic attacks but not for at least 5 years.

I just lost it when the news was on. I've felt one brewing all day.
The past week has been tough with the kids anyway and the news is just getting worse and I can't see any positives anymore.

I feel so useless and like such a failure to my children.

I'm on my bed calming down now. I feel so rotten.

easythere, do you have a partner or any relatives nearby who could help you? Even speaking on the telephone would be something, it's amazing what good a 'phone call can do. There are techniques to divert panic attacks but I expect you know about those.

You will get through this, you will.

I am sure you are not a failure to your children !
This is very frightening, you are not alone, we are all privately scared and worried.
Do you have a partner ? Sick children are hard work, and exhausting. Once they are better at least you will get a bit more sleep. I am anxious , in isolation, and trying to just focus on each day and find tasks around the house.

Big long deep breaths.
Keep breathing
In and out
Long and deep
Sit down and breathe.
Feel your feet on the ground.
Wiggle your toes
Big breaths

There's a lot to take in and with small poorly children it's even more real.do you have a partner or family near by

Yeah my partner is here but he's not great with this.

We've been in isolation for a week and I managed to get the girls antibiotics by phone today from the doctor. That was something. Been told best to do another week. I'm going stir crazy.

The baby being ill is the worst. I panic about everything, My 3 year old is on the mend thank god.
I'm worrying about paying the mortgage, buying baby formula, everything.

I feel another one coming on and it's absolutely vile.
I think of the worst case scenarios and think what's the point in living if it gets as bad as what people say.
I'm a mess.

@easythere just know you aren't alone ❤️ I've been feeling gradually more and more panicky the last few days. I went shopping this morning (just a regular shop, not stockpiling) and the huge crowds at a normally quiet time of day and the empty shelves sent me over the edge. It's hard to feel positive when you're being bombarded with crazy worldwide news.
I thought I'd come on Mumsnet to take my mind of it as I can't sleep...and it's just a constant stream of corona worry, I feel like I'm going to vomit and my heart is beating so fast.

Just remember this will pass. I know it's difficult to take in but you aren't alone and things will get better

I'm the same. No panic attacks for a couple of years and today it just came from nowhere. It's awful.
I like the advice from @Lifesabeach86. Very simple and effective

You poor thing, it's a horrible feeling.

Avoid the news! Life will carry on whether you watch the news and read social media or not. There's no point putting it on and bringing yourself to panic. Instead, watch escapist, fun television or read a book or do something generous for someone else.

Where I live, life is starting to return to a bit of normal. We've had the schools closed and events canceled and quarantines etc, and now they are starting to set a date for when children can return, government workers are heading back to work, etc. There is light at the end of the tunnel I promise.

I take kalms. Helps me keep a bit more in control x

You're under so much pressure it's not surprising. Just keep breathing in and out. Maybe download an app for calming. Or centre yourself. Think of five things you can feel, five things you can touch, hear and smell and keep on going through them until you feel calm.
You have every right to be stressed but your doing an amazing job and should be proud of yourself. Everything is scary but it will be ok. Xxx

Hey there, fellow panic attack sufferer here. Take a deep breath. My daughter had bronchiolitis we were in hospital so I understand how scary this must be with the coronovirus on top. I'm pregnant and diabetic and self isolating due to a fever at the weekend I feel ok now.

Can you put some music on

Write down some positive statements- gp is aware of your situation, you have antibiotics, if things get worse you are still going to get nhs care, the nhs are working really hard behind the scenes.

How are the kids now- do you have enough paracetamol in for them

Can you contact friends who can drop off supplies there are local fb groups forming to help people in isolation maybe you could search for one

I can empathise with panic attacks. Sounds like we can all support each other, though.

Everyone's coping strategies are different, but in case it might help anyone else:

For 'grounding' yourself, try slowly rubbing an emery board.
(easy to carry in pockets at all times)
Or squeezing an ice cube.

As an antidote to stressful information overload, I can well recommend Michael Sealey's (free) YouTube channel.

Find somewhere quiet, put your headphones on.

His especially helpful audios:
(1)

&

(2)

&

(3)

Wish every poster an easier time.

Thank you everyone.

My girls slept really well last night so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

I had 2 panic attacks during the night though which wasn't so good.

Going to try tackle the house today. I've left it a few days and it's showing.
It might be a distraction