Coping with fear during pandemic

[specialmom]

How are you all coping with the inevitable fear.  Fear of our health, our finances, life changing forever.  What are your coping strategies?  Anything you are looking at in a new way now verses before?  

[xtina1113]

I have been doing theta healing .. google it. Reprogramming the subconscious mind. Helps with my thoughts and healing in a hard time. If you have time to yourself to meditate for a little you should try this if you’re struggling

[specialmom]

Thanks xtina, I'll check that out.  How are you coping?  Things okay?

[xtina1113]

Honestly I’m about to have a baby in the next week or two. My baby was diagnosed with kidney issues via ultrasound 20 weeks. I’m in a completely different state then all my friends and family and currently unemployed. I’ll be giving birth out here and no one will be visiting because of corona. My parents are not very healthy people.  Since you asked.. i have been a lot better. I’m just trying to be hopeful and have faith. It’s scary i don’t even want to be near a hospital but have no choice i can’t do an at home birth.. i just hope everything goes ok. It’s my first baby.

[specialmom]

Ahh, honey,  that's sad to hear that you are alone right now.  Listen, from what I have read, they have obstetrics and delivery on major lock down.  They know that mama's and babies are vulnerable and they are taking every single precaution.  Communication is totally key.  Talk to the hospital/doctor.  How do you arrive (where do you go)?  What do you bring with you?  How will you discharge?  Ask those questions now so you are prepared. But in my city, they have taken such very good care to prepare delivery for women during this time.  I know a young woman that had a baby last week in my city.  Very good experience.  Lonely that you can't see anyone after and I'm more worried about that.  Do you have anyone that can drop things off to you like diapers? food?  etc?  If not, I'd call a church in your area.  Churches in my area WiLL help someone by dropping things off.  I get groceries delivered.  It costs 10 extra dollars for the delivery but it keeps me out of the stores. So, that is an option too.  I know it is a scary time.  And you are about to give birth to your beautiful baby.  It will be okay.  We're here to talk to.  hugs

[mkh9]

auntiejessie,
There are some games like words with friends on your cell phone you can down load that app. It has people you can play scrabble with. I like that game. Also, I play design home. Keep busy and walk around even inside the house. If you can get out a little stay away from people. I cross the street because a lot of people won't move and don't care about social distancing here in San Diego. Also, keep in touch with friends and family and social media helps . I write to my friends all day or join a friendly chat like this.
mkh9

[AnxiousNoMore]

Joggers are the worst because they come at high speed around corners, so if you have your back turned on a sidewalk they can get close to you before you notice. I treat every walk outside the house or in supermarket aisle intersections as if I am expecting to get mugged. Look behind yourself and ahead to make sure no one is going to cause a problem. I wish the stores would tape arrows on the floors to make every aisle one way so we wouldn't end up with a game of chicken when people enter an aisle from both ends. They must think most people aren't ready for that yet.

[mkh9]

As I mentioned above, I am not sleeping as well and more tired. Also, the thought of this lasting until we get a vaccine (year and a half maybe) is hard. One weeks seems like a month. I am coping by trying to keep a similar schedule, with a mixture of exercise, house work, and art or reading etc. I bought weights before we got locked down and so I work out with those 2 times a week and walk on most of the other days. I write to friends often on social media. Keep connected to them. Getting as knowledgeable as possible about it all. We try to not talk about it when we first get up and about an hour before bed.
mkh9

[ChitChatNine]

I've been working from home for 3 weeks now  ..  stay at home orders came next, with social distancing .. and now, the CDC has imposed a travel ban ... I have been considering doing free online yoga or mediation classes .. they are listed in local groups I belong to online in my town.  I have resumed watching my favorite evening TV shows and allowing myself to enjoy them, along with popcorn and a glass of wine.  

[auntiejessi]

I'm still working, so I'm not worried about finances, though I know many are.

I'm scared for my health, for my mother's health, for everyone's health.

I've started to stop watching the news, and am only allowing myself a certain amount of time for that, like the local evening news and world news.

Other than that, I have no coping strategies. I've ordered some games and puzzles and stuff from Amazon, and some have even arrived. Escapism helps.

[specialmom]

There are a couple of apps you can get on your phone that are pretty cool at times like this.  My son uses one called Headspace which is free.  His psychologist recommended it.  It gives calming exercises, has guided meditation (that even a teenager will do), etc.  I got one for myself called Calm.  It's free but I just upgraded to the one that has a charge for it.  I'll let you know if it is worth it.  It also has guided meditation.  Now, I've always been not a meditation fan.  I'm way to either unable to sit still or falling asleep for that.  But this is different.  They really made it for the masses and it's helpful.  So, Headspace and Calm, I can recommend both.  

We have puzzles out here too. What games did you get from Amazon?  I'm a big fan of distraction.  Netflix is well worth every penny these days!