Coronavirus & Health Anxiety

Hey there,

I have pretty bad health anxiety and feel like every day it's something new with me. The constant news and media reporting on coronavirus has obviously gotten me feeling a lot more anxious than usual. I live here in California, a place I feel is quickly becoming a hot spot. I'm conscious of the fact that the chances of contracting it (currently) are very low given I haven't traveled or come in contact with any known cases. But alas, the fear persists. Every time I cough or feel a scratch in my throat, I think the worst is around the corner. I work from home but do go out and about socially, while practicing exceptional/likely obsessive hygiene. However, I just can't shake the anxiety.

Anyone else feels this way or have insight into things to tell someone in my position. It should be noted I take immunosuppressives for a separate condition--which has only heightened my worry that it will choose me.

Thanks.

I am also having a lot of anxiety about the new coronavirus. I am trying not to read all of the articles, but it's hard to avoid the headlines.
I've tried learning about it in order to get my fears in check but that hasn't helped either as there isn't a lot known about the virus or how it works.
I'm relying heavily on my xanax prescription, reading fiction, and keeping myself as busy as I can.
It's not just you, this is tough for any of us who deal with health anxiety.
I think the best we can do right now is practice our grounding and calming techniques, make healthy choices, wash our hands when necessary and try to keep calm.... And come here, on this forum, as much as we need to for support.

I agree the best prevention is washing hands frequently and thoroughly- at least 20 seconds (sing happy birthday song)
When outside of the home- wipe down shopping cart handles with the sanitizer wipes. Keep your hands off your face; don't touch eyes, nose, mouth.
Wash your hands as soon as you get home.

No one is talking about that are good old regular flu is causing way more deaths so it would be put into perspective.
It's also a flu that most recover from- just like the regular flu and just like the regular flu it's the elderly or people with underlying health issues that die from it.

Wishing you peace.

Bhutan...currency....
Happiness!
Money.....errr. A poignant message i received from my bro once: money comes money goes. If the planet used bartering the evil components of money would be diminshed, along with all the problems it creates. HT

I also feel very anxious about it. I do not feel like socializing at all. This morning my husband went to the gym and I was so scared considering that people do not wipe stuff after themselves.
I also started getting a little cough and start thinking the worst. I had a headache for days with the stress and just watching the news is so stressful. Hopefully, this will be over soon.

Try not to stress you guys. Just do the best that you can with washing your hands. Probably be cautious in highly populated areas. Try to remain calm. Breathe.

I would avoid the news too if it makes you anxious. A lot of it is common sense. Trying not to touch your face and washing your hands to get germs off. Maybe some wipes or hand sanitizer.

I wish you all the best. Keep posting, it helps. You will know you are not alone with this fear.

Hugs, Karen...

Funny rhat. The very day covid was announced...bam the movie outbreak came pn the box. Expletive sensationalist fear mungering media.

Regular influenza kills more in my neck of the woods...beart disease...suicide road deaths stroke etc. It's a bloody flu.

At risk are the elderly and those with a compromised immunity. I mean i am more concerned with maniacal dictators with itchy fingers ready to light up the sky.

Enough said. HT