Hi.....

Sorry to hear you're so worried. Just a few thoughts I had when I read your post.

Fall is a long way off. By then a lot of things can change and you MAY be limited to online classes. I can't imagine the university putting all of you students in a fishbowl when there's a pandemic going on. And the staff certainly isn't going to go for that either. I think it's worse now than when they closed everything!

I've seen some of the news lately just in passing and this thing is spreading. BUT it's because people are NOT being compliant. They're choosing to be defiant instead.

I went to the market yesterday and was sure to wipe my cart handle with disinfectant, plus I had an N95 mask on. Three people walked in behind me, grabbed a cart and kept going. Really?

I see people out w/o masks. They think it's a big joke. The people who are not taking precautions are the ones who are responsible for spreading this virus and may get sick themselves.

My best advice is to be very compliant about masking and sanitizing. When I get home, I wipe everything in my car that I have touched with sani wipes. I wipe the door knob. I wash my hands. I have hand sanitizer in the car. And I have trained myself not to touch myself above the neck.

All of this may not be 100% protection but no protection is just plain foolish.

You said you are worried about your family getting sick if you are not there. Your being there will not keep them from getting sick but they should be protecting themselves as well.

Our gyms and things have opened too but there's no way I'm going to a gym huffing and puffing in the midst of a pandemic!

It's very easy for those of us already suffering from anxiety to move right into health anxiety too. Just protect yourself and keep in mind that most people who get the virus do recover, not that's an excuse to be careless.

Good luck to you!

Take a moment to breathe.

Keep your goal list up on the mirror. Your last year to finish. You're already set up with an apartment. You have made it this far. That's a huge accomplishment.

Stay focused on what you can do for you. Keeping your well-being healthy includes your thinking.

One of the hardest things to let go is knowing we are leaving behind the people who help us grow. Stay in touch with them, stay positive, and enjoy the time you have now with them. Make precious moments together.

Best wishes as you find your better balance.

Gentle empathy on that escalating anxiety, Blue. This year finds me having to choose academic options for 2nd grade and Pre-k for two recently orphaned foster charges. I'm still not afraid of the virus, but the yaddahs of Coronaville blahs have been nothing short of brutal to the folks who were socially marginalized before social distancing became socially mandated. I don't know how much more loss and instability these children can handle. Equally, I wasn't prepared to have homeschooling as part of the foster agreement. I used to think socialization was a critical part of childhood, but that was way back in March. I'm not so sure any more. Now I'm not even sure I have the faith to keep putting one foot in front of the other, much less play teacher and/or keep up with the rapid cycling marshal law on top of all the rest.

Healing hopes for all. No exceptions. Prayers in progress. . . Just praying.

@TypeC: Thank you for your kind words. It is true that Fall is a long way off, and a lot can happen between now and then. I did find it a bit insane that my university did decide to reopen even with their new rules and such because I just don't see how it's going to work out. I think that once we go back cases are going to increase because there's just too many students. I really hope my professors decide to move their classes online because I would just be too paranoid to be in the classrooms even with facemarks.

I am also annoyed with people not taking the pandemic seriously especially with the amount of cases that there are. I am going to be taking my percautions and such once I have to go back to University, and hope for the best. My family is taking precautions towards Covid by wearing facemarks and such and only going out for necessities.

I think that my anxiety has been acting up lately due to being inside a lot (I've been a little hesitant to go for walks only because the area that I live in has a lot of people, but I try.)

Again thank you for your kind words.

Best,
Theblueumbrelladream

@Mid: I never thought about putting my goal list up where I can see it, Im going to do that once I move into my apartment, mainly because I know that it's going to be a tough one this year due to everything going on. But I think it will be a good reminder for myself and to keep my goals in mind, Thank you.

I do think that the hardest thing for me this time around is gonna be being away from my family because of the pandemic, but I know it is something I need to do in order to continue my education. It's something that is necessary. And best believe I am making the most out of the moments I have with my family right now.

I hope everything is well on your end,

Best,
Theblueumbrelladream

Hi,
My son’s university will also re-open this coming fall. As a Mom, I’m also worried but I pray that the pandemic is over by that time.

My family walks in the parks every Saturday with our masks on and social distancing. Try to go outdoors but always take care of yourself. Enjoy your time with your family. God bless.

Hi there,

You know what? You do NOT have to finish college this year. Take the stress off of you that absolutely must go back to college in August. Chances are, the decision will already be made for you anyway. If things get bad again, and it is looking like they are, there will be no college this fall to go to. Problem solved. :)

@eli_mom: I pray that this pandemic resolves at some point or that a vaccine is found. My school has recently opened sites to test for COVID but I still do not feel like it's going to be a good outcome. My thoughts are that maybe 2 or 3 weeks into the semester they may end up putting us back to online courses because cases may increase.

I've been taking more walks with my dogs daily to be able to leave home for a brief time, and making sure to wear face masks during this as well. Thank you for your kind message, I hope you and your family continue to remain safe during this time.

Best,
theblueumbrelladream

I have the same worries-I am a teacher and I am terrified of going back in the fall--I've also been making myself go out to make sure I can actually leave my house. do know that you don't have to finish next year--you CAN wait a year. If you are determined to go back--get your best mask-and think of ways to protect yourself -like sit in the back of the class-by the door--try and stay away from other students-sit by a vent--train yourself to not touch your face--carry that sanitizer! wear glasses (even if they are fake) and/or buy a mask that has a little eye shield on it!! I saw them on the computer the other day! Hopefully when cases shoot up-they will go back to online learning! (crossing my fingers!)