THE BIG ONE - CORVID 19 PANIC
THE BIG ONE HAS ARRIVED…there is nothing that is harder for a person with depressive/anxiety disease as uncertainty. If the uncertainty is related to a life or death situation it does not get worse.
The physical discomfort that the anxiety caused by Covid 19 virus is rather significant. It feels like I am in a war zone but I do not know who the enemy is…so guess who I am upset with…myself. Since this is obviously ridiculous, I need to find a way to calm myself down. Every tool in my arsenal has to be at full alert. First, “being in the moment” is essential. If I think I may be trapped in my home for the next several months, I feel insane. So I have to take it a moment at a time. I just took a walk and focused on the flowers. Next, meditation more than once a day is essential. During the meditation I image that I am driving a bus full of depression/anxiety monsters. In my imagination we are driving to a beautiful beach or meadow to spend the day. It is a place of great peace., a place to play. It is also helpful to have a phrase to say to calm yourself down. My favorite is “Let go and Let God”. Another thing to think about is self care. It is hard to think straight if you are hungry and tired. So make sure you eat regularly and sleep enough. Medication is also important. Be sure you contact your doctor and have enough medication. One does not want to be going through a depression medication withdrawal in this situation.
It is also important to accept that you are going to feel lousy. As we all know medication only helps so much. While this type of situation makes everyone feel depressed and anxious, it is harder for those of us who suffer from the hard core disease. The people around us may be upset but they are not thinking of ways to end the tension. For example, I was thinking I could get sick and then it would be over one way or the other. This is not a good idea. But I have to realize that these types of thoughts will pass through my brain. This is when the saying “MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT MY FRIENDS” is essential to keep in mind.
Another way to become panicked is to read all the news on the Virus. At this point we have enough information to protect ourselves. Reading all the sometimes hysterical news leads to panic attacks. I actually think I had one yesterday. The bottom line is the people who suffer from Depression/Anxiety are particularly at risk. Therefore it is so important to establish a route of good mental heath.
Another idea is to write about your feelings. I know that in writing this post I have calmed down. Writing forces you to face what is happening and can give you ideas of things to do to calm yourself. I have a 4 1/2 year old granddaughter who has major health problem. Everyday she has to go through procedures that are uncomfortable. I have watched her perfect the art of self soothing. It is a good lesson for all of us.