17 Random & Scary COVID-19 Thoughts & Feelings: Understandable, but Disposable

In times like these, mood and anxiety disorder sufferers can come up with some, well, creative thoughts and feelings. Unfortunately, they’re often terribly negative and can really bring us down. Sure, they’re understandable. At the same time, they’re disposable. In the spirit of sharing – community – let’s take a look…

I know, I know – I said in our last article I was aiming to keep the COVID-19 hubbub in the background “unless something radically changes.”

Yes, the social isolation guidance has been extended for a month in the US. And I’m aware the “curve” isn’t even close to flattening. But I wouldn’t consider that radical change. I mean, are you surprised at this stage of the game?

Still, I decided to go with the “bug” again because I perceive a real need for community, as well as a sense of reason.

17 Random & Scary COVID-19 Thoughts & Feelings

One of the ways we can ramp-up community and reason is to share, and identify with, each other’s thoughts and feelings pertaining to COVID-19. Especially the unsavory ones.

I vividly remember how comforting it was to know others were experiencing similar thoughts and feelings when my disorders were taking-off all those years ago. When I came to know others were in the same boat, it helped me feel less alone, understood, and not so freakish.

In an effort to encourage exactly that, I’m bringing you this list of alarming thoughts and feelings – in no particular order – that may understandably be buzzing about in your mind and heart as the pandemic unfolds.

If they are, I’d like you to do what you can to closely examine them and see what you can do in terms of disposal. Okay?

1. When is this madness going to end? I can’t take another day, let alone be stuck at home until April 30th. And I bet there’ll be an extension.
2. I feel fatigued and icky. But I don’t think it’s because of my depression and anxiety. It has to be COVID-19.
3. What if I have a physical or mental breakdown? The ERs and hospitals are full. Besides, I couldn’t take being there. What will I do?
4. What if there’s a run on the grocery stores and they can’t restock? I could starve to death.
5. I went through the drive-thru at McDonald’s and the guy who handed me my food looked sick. I ate the burger, but maybe I should get tested.
6. What if I tested positive? It’s not like I could get any help. The medical system is overrun. What would happen to me?
7. Watching the news is freaking me out. But I’m afraid I’ll miss something life-saving-important if I turn the channel.
8. I live so far from my family. What if I get sick and die? You mean the last time I would have seen them would be the holidays?
9. What’s really going-on? And how did it really start? They say it’s a pandemic caused by a virus, but you know how that goes. What aren’t they telling us?
10. I really miss the way things were. What if we never return to normal?
11. I’ve been tracking the numbers every day. It’s scaring me that they keep going up – a lot. Things aren’t supposed to be that bad, right?
12. I’ve been clean and sober for so long now. But I know I won’t be able to get through this without using. And, man, those cigarettes.
13. If I get sick I know I’ll need a ventilator. But there won’t be enough. And I’m sure they’d pick me to do without.
14. Truth really is this virus is airborne. I’m going to get it whether I distance myself from people or not.
15. It’s only a matter of time before all hell breaks loose – looting, rioting. Even if there is martial law we won’t be safe.
16. I’ve taken such huge hits financially. I just know the markets won’t bounce back. There goes my retirement.
17. See, I’m just jinxed. Of course this would happen to me. I’m a disaster-magnet.

So what do you think? Any of those hit home? If you’d like to add to the list, go ahead and do it in a comment.

We Gotta’ Keep Moving Forward

These are strange and hard times. And it’s so easy for any mood or anxiety disorder sufferer to come up with prize material that can bring them down. But I have to say, I think it’s perfectly understandable.

If such thoughts and feelings have invaded your personal space it’s important that you know you’re not alone. Nor are you some sort of psycho-freak. But it’s equally as important to do all you can to recognize and challenge – dispose of – them. Dang, what potential they have to tear you apart.

We’re going to get past this mess and move forward, people – as a community. Never doubt it.

If you’re looking for an even greater sense of community, consider joining the Chipur Facebook group.

And if you’re longing for some excellent reading material, ya’ gotta’ check-out the Chipur titles.