Media is definitely a no goer for me. I only watched and listened to an update from channel 9 for about 1 minute.

And I started to feel troubled and fear. I started to soak up the media presenters own emotions.

Wish they can say some happy things.

Well I am not going to live in fear, not going to be motivated by fear, not going to be trapped in fears jaws, not going to consumed by fear and not going to be a slave to fear any longer.

Instead I am going to look up into the sky, focus on beauty and lovely things, smile at people. (if I happen to see any)

Those presenters don't smile. They are just spreading doom and gloom.

A cheerful heart is good medicine. Surely that is what everyone really needs. Myself included, as I am not feeling cheery at all.

I feel for me, I just have to take a vacation in my thoughts about this whole virus thing.

Distraction, think pleasant things, focus on whatever makes you smile. Notice the beauty.

I need look at little babies they can still smile and laugh at the simple things in life. They seem to have a simple trust that everything is going to be okay.

My son taught me this mini-meditation : use it when you feel that awful wave of anxiety or stress starting to overwhelm you.First, think of three things you can see. Look at them carefully, their shapes and colours. Now think of three things you can hear. Listen to their different sounds. Now think of three things you can smell; savour each smell and lose yourself in it.

If you concentrate on this and focus your attention on your senses you will find that you suddenly feel less anxious/stressed. It sounds silly, but it works - I speak from personal experience.

I wanted to begin by saying how much I value and appreciate everyone's advice on this forum, it is nice to see that I'm not alone in my feelings.

The full scope of this virus has only just begun to hit me. I have lost 90% of my hours at work, and with not much annual leave I am likely to go on unpaid leave soon. I was in the midst of a mortgage application to build a house, which will have to be postponed until all of this has passed and work goes back to normal which has devastated me. Although I know it is for the best, the thought of going into lockdown absolutely terrifies me and I am filled with anxiety every time someone talks about it. My depression and OCD are getting worse and I am fighting to keep them at bay. It is exhausting. My parents keep telling me to stay positive, and that our relatively small city will be fine. Anyone else find this frustrating, when it seems like nobody is sharing in your fear? I feel ridiculous sharing these concerns with my partner, always being the person that has blown things off in the past. But this time feels different. Despite the fear around impending lockdown, in a way I am almost hoping for it, so that at least we will have an answer. The uncertainty around 'what's next' seems to be the worst part. How is everyone coping with the uncertainty, and learning to sit with that awful feeling?

Hey Ellu - not sure how old your son is , but that's a really amazing trick!!

I do that with 5 things each, and it helps!

Hello Everyone :-)

While the current situation is scary – it doesn’t have to be.

There are three simple strategies you can adopt right now to eliminate, or at least significantly reduce the anxiety and fear of the unknown:

1. "This too shall pass". This is a strategy for HOPE. Keep reminding yourself that this difficult situation - no matter how painful it is for you at this moment - is only TEMPORARY. There is a brighter future on the other side; see it in your mind, feel it in your heart, and KNOW that it is going to arrive.

2. "You can't control everything - control what you can". This is a strategy for RESOLVE; your resolve to get through to the other side, no matter what. It brings your energy into focus: “what can I do right now to support myself in this crisis”? Focus on what is within your control, now: Your thoughts, your emotions, the time you go to bed….people you contact to talk to…..how you talk to your partner and your kids….what you eat and don’t eat…. whether you exercise or not….the music you listen to….the book you read…. how deeply you breathe… the plans you make…the changes you consider…See? You’ve got so much control over your life right now! This is the backbone of your RESOLVE that you WILL get through this to the other side.

3. "You are NOT alone - if needed, seek help”. This is an important strategy supporting your RESOLVE. Whether it’s a health issue; financial, emotional, or family pressure there is plenty of help available. The slogan “We are in this together” we are now hearing all over the place is not just a slogan – it is a back-bone truth. Reach out!

In addition:

- Breathe! Remind yourself to breathe deeply and slowly whenever you start feeling anxious. Imagine you are breathing through your heart in and out for few minutes. This bizarre technique will calm you down, I promise!

- Ensure you are getting enough sleep. If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, try to catch a nap during the day.

- Meditate. Give yourself 15-30 minutes of uninterrupted time every day. Meditate in silence, to some relaxing music, or to a guided meditation. Simply relax, close your eyes and place your awareness on …nothing…the space around you. You are safe. All is well.

Will see you on the other side! :-)

welcome its me,Thanks for your helpful post.

Bellajade thanks for making your first post and welcome.

Can you keep in touch online with friends and text and message people?

quantum 88 welcome to the forum and thanks for your informative post.

here has been a lot written about what we can control and how we can help ourselves and others.

ou have made a good summary of many of the points that have been discussed so far on this thread,

Xtinex

Welcome to this thread. I am glad yout are trying things to make sure you are calm. It is hard when you are surrounded by so much information.

Do songs help yoou calm.

Instead of Watching the News I am : -
Watching Arrested Development

Lighting a candle and reading

Emailing friends

Listening to music

Thank you.

Yes, we do "know" a lot, but often don't pay attention or simply forget.

There is nothing new under the sun until the light shines from a different angle. "oh, I haven't seen this before..."

I read we should be saying physical distancing rather social distancing and physical isolation because we can stay in contact when home in many ways. Just a call to say I am thinking of you, how was your day, do you need anything.

Hi Quarantined,

Thanks for your enlightening post. Firstly, I think you're going great guns, and to write so openly should be commended.

Secondly, you haven't made a mistake, your just doing your best, that's all a loved once could ask. Keep smiling and just rest, just rest.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Regards,

Hi Everyone :-)

the power of 'distraction' can be a huge plus during this temporary crappy period

we are here and listening

Paul

Hi Texoz

I feel for what you are going through....'kids' at 20 & 17 dont take a lot seriously....as you know they are invincible and having a good time

I understand you about having 'spiking' anxiety.....this is awful yet very common to have...I hope you can 'let go' of tracking the media....I just realised that I have been doing the same Texoz and have to back off as my anxiety has been accelerating...doh! Have you spoken to your doc about this? You have nothing to lose by doing so

you are always welcome to write your own thread (same for everyone above) as you will have better support :-)

just a friendly note...I have a 26 year old daughter that lives with her BF and has the same attitude...oh my god

my appreciation and kind thoughts:-)

Paul

It's good to see that so many newcomers have joined the forums by posting on this particular thread because this is something that none of us has had to go through before, in such a large magnitude, with lockdowns and restrictions in what we are able to do.

We are all in full support of one another and hope the sooner a vaccine has been trialled and then approved, then we can get back to life.

Remember to have the 'flu shot' this winter, if you decide to, as my GP says every year it improves, which brings me to the question, I wonder how many people have had last years flu injection and not had coronavirus.

Take care.

Geoff.

Gees that's a bloody good point Geoff. l've never had one but l'll get one this yr just as soon as they're out - when do they start btw ?

Hi Randomx

If you didn't know, you can also receive a flu shot at most pharmacists. I called to book in our family last week (my usual practice) and was told the vaccine will be available in April.

Kind thoughts to you

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all being extra gentle & kind to yourselves (and each other) during this challenging time.

I just wanted to address and thank some lovely forum members who addressed me directly on this thread.

I hope that’s okay :)

Summer Rose: Thank you so much for your very encouraging and supportive words. It was generous & unexpected, & made me tear up a little.

It is now Saturday, so I’m in a more relaxed state of mind compared to earlier in the week. Many thanks again for supporting so many of us, including me, and I hope you’re taking good care of yourself this weekend :)

Kewbear: I’m glad that my words resonated. Yes, I think there is definitely something to be said about taking things day by day these days.

May you continue to find some moments of beauty & light during this difficult time.

All: I’ll be home as I don’t need to go out for work or essentials today. I think that I will look up some free exercise lessons online, make some art, and FaceTime a loved one tonight.

Staying home is an act of love for myself, family, friends, & the wider community, so I always try to remind myself that :)

Kindness and care to all,

Pepper

Hi RX, he surgery where I go tell patients that names will be put on the list in April, that's in the country, and injections given to people by the pharmacist may not have all the strains as what the one is given to you by your doctor, so just check.

Only going from what my GP told me.

Take care.

Geoff.

Hi Texoz4

Firstly, I'm sorry you are experiencing increased anxiety. This is a really hard time, particularly in the USA. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I have young adults (22 and 24) living in our family home and we have had many discussions regarding their need to adhere to social distancing requirements. It's a little different for us in that, their father works in an essential service. The consequences of him falling in would be catastrophic, not just for our family but for our State.

Talking to them about the need for all of us to work as a unit has resonated with them. They understand that no one in our home can put others at risk because we are only as strong as our weakest link.

We set the rules together. I do the weekly shopping, hubby continues to work and they stay home and study uni on line. Everyone can take two walks a day. At the first sign of a sniffle or symptom, the unwell family member will be isolated within our home.

It's really as simple as that. Although we did have to fork out for some new gym equipment to keep the peace.

Without overly scaring them, try talking with your children some more. They need to appreciate the very real consequences for you should they bring the virus in your home.

Kind thoughts to you