Scared

[Bostonjimmy]

Hi there, I’m 37 yo male, married for the past 11 years. I have two kids, aged 6 and 3. I’ve had anxiety all my life, from school to sport to work to social interaction. My wife stays at home with the kids, I am the only provider, and since that has happened my anxiety has increased. Last year I was diagnosed with clinical depression. Through a mixture of drugs and therapy I’ve being able to keep things manageable, however there are always triggers. I love my kids and my wife, they mean everything to me, and with everything going on with this virus I am petrified of them getting this, or me dying from it and not being there to protect and provide for them.
We’ve all had coughs and sore throats the last 2 weeks, everyday I feel like I’m improving I get these anxious thoughts, I feel a weight and pain across my chest, I don’t know if It’s anxiety or respiratory symptom, or both. Just when I thought my life was getting back on track, this terrible virus happens. Now it’s the sleepless nights again, anxious thoughts that fill my day, not being able to truly enjoy my life and wonderful family. I am scared

 

[LittleMissCatastrophe]

Hi there, I’m 37 yo male, married for the past 11 years. I have two kids, aged 6 and 3. I’ve had anxiety all my life, from school to sport to work to social interaction. My wife stays at home with the kids, I am the only provider, and since that has happened my anxiety has increased. Last year I was diagnosed with clinical depression. Through a mixture of drugs and therapy I’ve being able to keep things manageable, however there are always triggers. I love my kids and my wife, they mean everything to me, and with everything going on with this virus I am petrified of them getting this, or me dying from it and not being there to protect and provide for them.
We’ve all had coughs and sore throats the last 2 weeks, everyday I feel like I’m improving I get these anxious thoughts, I feel a weight and pain across my chest, I don’t know if It’s anxiety or respiratory symptom, or both. Just when I thought my life was getting back on track, this terrible virus happens. Now it’s the sleepless nights again, anxious thoughts that fill my day, not being able to truly enjoy my life and wonderful family. I am scared

It's OK to feel that way. Everyone is scared and stressed out, even people who don't have anxiety. The times are scary . Just be gentle to yourself, and try to find some way to relax a little, something you like to do, put on some music, take a shower to wash off the day and the stress,watch a movie, play board games whatever you feel you need to do.

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

Hi, BostonJimmy. Hopefully being on AnxietyCommunity.com during this coronavirus pandemic will help you out.

Stay safe and welcome!

 

[Bostonjimmy]

Thank you guys

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

Thank you, BostonJimmy.

 

[Husband/Father of 3]

BostonJimmy, welcome to the community. I’m right there with you, this is certainly a time where the far fetched “what-ifs” feel a little more plausible. I have 3 young kids, my wife is immune comprised, so the thought of ending up a single father has certainly crossed my mind many times over the last few weeks. Statistically, the odds are in our favor of getting through this thing but that doesn’t help the anxious mind. What has been most helpful for me is making sure I take care of myself. It’s so easy to just fall into despair, but requires work to feel okay/good. Melatonin or an herbal supplement on amazon might help with sleep. These help me. Make sure to eat well and exercise consistently. I usually fall off when I haven’t exercised for a few days, it’s so important for mental health. Enjoying the moment with the kids has been a silver lining, being completely present with them, going on walks, scavenger hunts, reading books. Take care.

 

[smilingsoul]

Hi Bostonjimmy, and welcome. I can promise you, many people are feeling the way you do now. There's nothing wrong with feeling scared, especially when it comes to the health and welfare of the people we love. You do the best you can by keeping yourself healthy. Eat well, exercise, and keep as much outside contact with work and friends as you can in the circumstances. Sleeplessness isn't the worst thing in the world, and worrying about it won't help. If you can keep mentally busy, exercise, and eat well, sleep will return. Be well.

 

[Bostonjimmy]

Thank you guys. Thank you for the support