How are you handling anxiety in this time of COVID-19?

I have been sewing to keep my mind mind busy n active, also went to cut my grass no one was out felt I was safe. STSY WELL BE SAFE

I agree keep busy will help pass the time away I mowed my grass to keep me busy n distract from news short break was good stay well stsy save

Thank you for this. I copied and sent to my sisters and mother. We all need strength...

Hi @nannymed, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. How are you staying connected with your sisters and mother during this time? Any creative things you're doing together while apart?

We are doing the email and phone thing. My son set my mother up on video phone, but being 89, she will probably not accomplish it without him. I suffer with anxiety anyway, and this situation is taking its toll. I was on anti depressants for 25 yrs and just weaned off them - last pill was Dec 25/19. Was full of anxiety after that, and with this Covid19 - my anxiety is right up there. Go for long walks which seem to help somewhat. However, tears are on the surface most of the time. I have heard that there is quite an attitude where baby boomers are concerned...like this is our fault. What is wrong with people? One post actually said that now the boomers are going to die, maybe I can buy a house...

I’m right there with you. From the start of my “colon” adventure to todays topsy turvy world, I have used exercise/body movement to release built up stress. I wanted to say to everyone participating on this site, each of us have looked at our fragility in the eye either personally or through caregiving another. I believe our personal trials have given us a strength and a fortitude to be warriors. We should be proud and giving guidance to others who have not been challenged in the same way. It’s easy to be happy when life is rosy. Now, we get to dig deep. Believe me, this is my challenge. That’s why I appreciate your feedback and support Thank you.

I too was recently weaned off my antidepressants (my choice) with my doctors ok. Don't believe they were helping. Wanted to start me on a different medication but unfortunately the drug company doesn't have a generic. Way too expensive for me approximately 300.00. Handling it day by day.

In January, 2019, I started vomiting every day. Went to the doctor, but he couldn't tell what was wrong. Referred me to a gastroenterologist (haven't heard from him yet!) Anyway, I was surviving on 12 hour gravol morning and night. Went to visit my sister, who is a registered holistic nutritionist, and she went through my meds. She determined it must be the anti depressants, so when I returned home, I went to see my doctor and asked him for help getting off them. He indicated that the drug I was on (valinofaxin) had generic brands started a couple of months previous - maybe that was what triggered it. But after investigating, I found that I had not been given the generic. So basically had either been on the drug too long, or had developed an allergy to it - which can happen with anything.But he is such a good doctor, he helped me get off them and is seeing me every month.

Weaning off the drug was not easy, as I am sure you found as well. But the nausea and vomiting stopped gradually. Each time I reduced my dosage, I would vomit - weird, huh? I no longer vomit and the nausea has finally stopped as well. So my sister nailed it!

I have been taking ValeriCalm, which is anti anxiety/sleep aid. Purchase at health food stores. It seems to help. Also, I don't know if you are in Canada or not, but cannabis CBD oil is another one that helps. My heart flutters when anxiety is high, and the CBD oil seems to help that. (It does not have marijuana in it) It is effective in treating anxiety, OCD and other things. Having said all that, I find tears are under the surface all the time. So much so that I embarrass myself by times.

@virgo1952, Thank you sharing. I am sorry that you, me, all of us are dealing with hardships and additional stress these days. I believe that it is the caring and sharing by members like you that is going to strengthen all of us as we move forward.

yes...we are socializing from a distance, to be sure, and it is helpful to know others are caring out there and sharing