Do the things you can do at home. You can step outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Breathe. Count five things you notice to help you get "in the moment".

Best wishes to feeling better and staying in balance.

Hi Lucille,

thanks for sharing. I agree with you that all of this can be quite disheartening. Even though I tend to be a home body and not go too many places or socialize anyway, there's something about NOT being able to even if you wanted to that kicks the sucky factor up a few notches.

I kind of find humor in that "social distancing" is a way of life for me always, and the rest of the world is now coming out wondering how to cope. Well, as someone who is socially distant 90% of the time, I rely on a strong routine, positive affirmations, and the love of immediate family to get me through.

I feel your pain about looking forward to being out and about and challenging that anxiety. I've pretty much made a habit of running each Springtime, so I am particularly unhappy about all the springtime races being cancelled this year. Oh well, just have to wait until the heat of summer, when it will hopefully have blown over.

While this whole crisis hasn't really affected me or my family all that much personally - apart from the grocery store shelves looking a bit bare each trip I've taken, I can feel the pain of those who have had their jobs placed on hold.

The other day, I helped a friend of mine file for unemployment, as he has been out of work for about three weeks now, and he's starting to worry that his SSI isn't going to cut it. That really made it come a bit closer to home for me, as there is a very real potential for economic hardship for a lot of people.

But my friend said that his spirits were lifted after I helped him out, and I felt good about being there for a friend in their time of need.

Keep sharing and keep your head held high. These things are not historically unprecedented. There will be an end to this, and I think we'll come out ok if we support each other.

I was just barely out of survival mode before corona crowned. Since that yaddah blah discombombulated the course I was pulling out on? ? ?

I'm just breathing. . . I am not feeling optimistic about the odds of survival. If the microbe don't get ya, the insanity will.

Strange times we live in for sure. It can be hard for some people and I feel empathy for them.
I live alone and have no family so the isolation is even more for me but I am used to it. I used to have an occasional chat with other dog walkers or a couple of the neighbors but that seems to have disappeared already.
I am trying to turn a negative into a positive by starting a program of self improvement. Giving up smoking, losing weight, restarting meditation and renewing my vegetable garden are the list I’ve made so far. Although not an actual Buddhist I like a lot of philosophy of theirs and will be refreshing my reading with that. After all they do this isolation stuff on purpose

I too am feeling isolated because of corona and was trying to get out more to help with my anxiety but this epidemic thing has got me closed off and sitting at home which I hate. I hope it gets better soon.

I am right with you! Feel exactly the same. It's not knowing that's scary but just take it day by day. We will get there eventually. Positi v e vibes sent...

I am right with you! Feel exactly the same. It's not knowing that's scary but just take it day by day. We will get there eventually. Positi v e vibes sent...

thank you all for your replies - nice to see we have some sort of solidarity here on DS. That we arent so isolated

I did wake up feeling overwhelming sad, still.. :( It is going to take time for me especially as before this I was struggling with anxiety/depression thoughts... And this just heightened a lot more of my fears. Anyways...
I am trying to make more space for compassion; something I do believe we could all use right now.
hope your finding ways to stay sane at home.

Stay healthy and safe out there, DS friends! cheers

I’m feeling the overwhelming sadness. I’m in a rabbit caught headlights mode. I can’t focus on anything.

My body constantly feels anxious and tense, which obviously means I am anxious. It's just bad news all around and just waiting for some good news. Whenever I read the news I get anxious so I try to sip it in small doses and don't go to news sources that sensationalize with big headlines. Been working from home the past 2.5 weeks. Worried sick about the parents getting sick. Made a mask for myself to go outside for a walk today.

Rruussnn - how was your transition to working from home? How long did it take you to get into work mode?

Surprisingly easy, thank goodness, from day one. I usually work one day from home a week anyway. But I when I read a news link someone sends me or peek at the news, then I get anxious. People are dying and hospitals are overburdened. And I worry about older people but also younger people are dying. Work helps me distract from the crisis, but sometimes it gets hard to focus because of anxiety and worry. This is a treacherous virus. Everyone who has the luxury to be able to stay home should do it. I pray for those who have to work out in the world that they stay healthy.

Sorry, I went beyond your question. It is easier for me to share the full extent of my worry in writing and online than to friends or family in person.