I have learned that it doesn't define me. I can do so much--even with such issues....and actually sometimes it helps me---my hypervigilance had me buying masks 2 yrs ago and disinfecting wipes and lysol spray in February---I already had food stores. Always be prepared!!

Hi Hypergal,
It shouldn't define who you are. And I'm glad it doesn't. Your still the same Hypergal as you are. Lol. Sometimes you can learn a lot about yourself and really do so much more than you think. That's funny about the masks. Especially with now that we all need them in this day. Better to be safe than sorry. Thanks for your comment as always. Enjoy the day. Italianmomma4ever

Hypergal,
The wipes and Lysol help too in today's world. Glad to see your prepared. This whole virus really sucks!!! I'll be so glad when we can see smiling faces again. Take good care. Italianmomma4ever

How to prevent a case of psychic flu and how to treat it when preventative measure don't work. My psychotic episodes aren't all there is to life and each episode will pass with time and care. Soft foods, lots of fluids and extra TLC. Be patient with the healing process. In between bouts, I don't have to live my life in fear of the next go-round.

For what it's worth
I don't mind, too awful much, you guys hoarding the cleaning products I used to think were a necessary part of childcare. My foster charges and I have been getting along just fine without them. So far. I only need a mask when I go to mingle with ya'all and . . . Well. . . I still prefer extra measures of social distancing over the medical trauma flashbacks I have to endure when I try to talk to a mask.

Hi Arfie,
Yes I do believe this day will pass just like all the episodes we experience. I like to eat well and drink water to stay hydrated, plus it's been so hot here. Always need TLC. That makes me feel good. Kinda of like a stuff cuddly teddy bear. Lol. I just take each day as it comes and whatever life throws at me I'll be ready and alert. The cleaning products in the beginning of all of this virus everyone bought up all the toilet paper, paper towel, napkins and cleaning supplies. It was crazy. But now it's all available. Than God. I think people just panicked. The mask to me is just so depressing. But it's something we have to wear. Ugh.
I just want everything to get back to normal in the world. I don't know how long that's gonna take. Everything is so unsettled. Ugh. Thanks for your comment as always. Italianmomma4ever

Guess I should add the background that in the late 80's and early 90's I worked with a VA psychiatric nurse practitioner who taught me how to treat my recurring psychotic breaks (currently being called, "PTSD flashbacks") like cases of "psychic flu." Within her theories, I learned how to nurse myself through the episodes instead of judging and punishing myself for each and every go-round.

In the late 80's and early 90's, combat PTSD was still being called, "Shell Shock." Civilian PTSD was still being called, "JPC." Just Plain Crazy.

Hi Arfie,
That was nice of the nurse to help you break through your PTSD. It helps when people understand and are willing to help. I'm glad she taught you how to deal with it. Much thanks to her. PTSD is a serious mental health. It's not crazy. You have flashbacks of things in your past that are real. That's not being crazy those are things that still can haunt you to this day. I wish more people would get educated about all the mental illness that occur in the world. And be more understanding. That's the part of people that annoy me. Thanks again for sharing. Italianmomma4ever

I think for me the most important thing that I have learned is how to deal with it. And just knowing there are options out there on how to manage it. And just knowing that has helped me understand and live each day one day at a time. It's a on going process that you just have to work on.

I don’t know. I’m so in the middle of this that I can’t see anything else. I trust the TDoc and PDoc to have my best interest. Maybe I should be back in the hospital again. Everything seems to be closing in.

Hi Thor,
So your a 50/50 on this question. Do you feel like what you are going through has taught you anything? I'm glad you trust your doctors. That's important and that they have your best interest. I think with your up coming surgery you just are experiencing a lot of different emotions or feelings. And that's perfectly normal. Sometimes we all go through different situations that makes you seem like your stuck or you can't get out. Kinda of like you said closing in. That's just the fear building up and you start to feel panicky. Just take some deep breaths and focus on everything's gonna be o.k. And it will. You have good doctors that take care of you. So your in good hands. You have been through so much in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Italianmomma4ever

Thor,
If you need to talk I'm here for you and anyone else. We're all in this together. Pm me if you want.❤️

I like arfie's definition of "psychic flu". It fits for some of the anxiety I experience. I learned that what is natural is going to help me with whatever I'm experiencing.

Having gone through the walls of fire experiencing both physical and mental pain, when it's in the moment, it's real, it's valid, and it feels like it is there without a way out.

Writing it out and walking in nature.

Stay in the present.

Fear is too much focus on the past.

Anxiety is too much focus on the future.

Stay in the present.

Hi Mid,
Yes Arfie has a way of putting everything into perspective. And I totally agree with you. Whatever you are feeling or going through is totally natural and it might feel like it's never going to end. But it's just temporary feelings that your experiencing. I can understand the pain of going through it. It's definitely real. But it also is manageable to deal with. You just have to find what works for you. It does feel like there's no way out I get that feeling sometimes. But it too shall pass is kinda of my theory. Love walking and I journal all my feelings and thoughts. I know your big on journaling and staying hydrated. I do them both. Eat good and sleep helps too. Thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate your input. Italianmomma4ever

Hi Kenfused,
Staying in the present is what it's all about. The past is the past and you can't change it. And the future you can't predict. Unless you have a crystal ball. Lol. Just being a wise ass.. Lol. Be thankful everyday you wake up and make the most out of everyday. Thanks for your comment. Italianmomma4ever