Sudden recent anxiety?

[Katy]

I rarely have anxiety.  But I’ve had it for the past few days. It’s not specific, just a general feeling that something bad is happening. I’m starting to think it’s about schools and Delta. 

Several friends & family members have discussed the same thing this morning.  Are you feeling it too?

[MEmama]

1 minute ago, Katy said:

I rarely have anxiety.  But I’ve had it for the past few days. It’s not specific, just a general feeling that something bad is happening. I’m starting to think it’s about schools and Delta. 

Several friends & family members have discussed the same thing this morning.  Are you feeling it too?

Yes.

((hugs))

[kbutton]

On and off, but it's more about all that AND the fact that people here are ranting and raving on FB because private healthcare systems near us have mandated vaccines for all employees (they all announced it basically at the same time). The deadlines vary by system, but they are pushed out quite a bit, so I wonder if it will even end up helping with Delta spread, sigh. At the same time, a lot of larger vaccine venues have shut because rates have slowed down, so pushing the dates out might've been necessary.

Masks aren't common here, and vaccination rates are hovering around 50% of adults. 

It's just lonely, and it's hard to even talk to people. They have news because they have stuff to do. We don't have much news because we are scaling back. So it becomes the elephant in the room even with people who are have been careful (vaccinated, etc.). A lot of people who are vaccinated are just not going to go back to masks, so even the people we know who are cautious are likely to start looking askance at us. 

[cintinative]

12 minutes ago, kbutton said:

On and off, but it's more about all that AND the fact that people here are ranting and raving on FB because private healthcare systems near us have mandated vaccines for all employees (they all announced it basically at the same time). The deadlines vary by system, but they are pushed out quite a bit, so I wonder if it will even end up helping with Delta spread, sigh. At the same time, a lot of larger vaccine venues have shut because rates have slowed down, so pushing the dates out might've been necessary.

Masks aren't common here, and vaccination rates are hovering around 50% of adults. 

It's just lonely, and it's hard to even talk to people. They have news because they have stuff to do. We don't have much news because we are scaling back. So it becomes the elephant in the room even with people who are have been careful (vaccinated, etc.). A lot of people who are vaccinated are just not going to go back to masks, so even the people we know who are cautious are likely to start looking askance at us. 

Hugs. This is exactly how I have felt lately.  

[Dmmetler]

Yes, but I'm attributing it to having a kid moving into a dorm in about a week. Rationally, the campus is likely safer than at home, because vaccination is required unless you have a medical waiver, masks are required in public areas indoors on campus and in the surrounding community, and the school is doing testing at move in and pooled testing until at least October. But I'm still terrified, even though rationally I'm more at risk when I come back in person in September, with students too young to be vaccinated. But I feel like that is under my control, since the precautions last year seem to have worked, and I'm vaccinated.
 

And in some ways, seeing friends and family  and having a more normal social life the last couple of months makes it even harder now. 

[catz]

YES.  I am having to reconnect with some mindfulness techniques.  I had the first panic attack I've had in years a week and a half ago.  Perimenopause isn't helping either.  It's actually reassuring other people are feeling this.  

[Shoeless]

Yep. I have had crushing anxiety for about 3 months. Perimenopause has made the situation worse.

[Not_a_Number]

Yes. I’m feeling a lot of dread about the coming months 😕. It feels like my carefree summer has been ripped away from me.

[Pawz4me]

Yes. I'm long past perimenopause, thank goodness. All of you who are dealing with it at the same time as a pandemic have my sympathy. My struggle is mostly related, I think, to dealing with DH's health on top of the pandemic. And I suppose my own health, although even though I'm (supposedly) higher risk I don't come anywhere close to his risk level. For me it's more about controlling anger than anxiety. Although perhaps it's anxiety manifesting as anger? Who knows for sure? It's an extremely unusual emotion for me. I'm very glad I got into Buddhism mindfulness stuff several years ago. That's truly been a sanity saver.

[TravelingChris]

1 hour ago, kbutton said:

On and off, but it's more about all that AND the fact that people here are ranting and raving on FB because private healthcare systems near us have mandated vaccines for all employees (they all announced it basically at the same time). The deadlines vary by system, but they are pushed out quite a bit, so I wonder if it will even end up helping with Delta spread, sigh. At the same time, a lot of larger vaccine venues have shut because rates have slowed down, so pushing the dates out might've been necessary.

Masks aren't common here, and vaccination rates are hovering around 50% of adults. 

It's just lonely, and it's hard to even talk to people. They have news because they have stuff to do. We don't have much news because we are scaling back. So it becomes the elephant in the room even with people who are have been careful (vaccinated, etc.). A lot of people who are vaccinated are just not going to go back to masks, so even the people we know who are cautious are likely to start looking askance at us. 

Yeah, I had been looking forawrd to a vacation after my long wound care treatment and one week that started in March when I was hospitalized for a week.  I am just so grateful that I got the cellulitis in March and not now.  I can't go on vacation now- it is too risky with lack of hospital places all around anyplace I was going to visit .  And then the air is bad because of the wildfires out west.  SO I am stuck at home- at least I have things like Netflix, Amazon Prtime, TV,. books, etc.

[ktgrok]

It may be regarding schools/delta, but sometimes sudden onset anxiety is from a new medication - over the counter cold medications are notorious for this, or anemia, or high blood pressure, or thyroid issue. Something to keep in mind if it continues. (anxiety makes your heart beat faster, but conversely things that make your heart beat faster can make you feel anxious, because your body links rapid heart beat with anxiety)

[ktgrok]

20 minutes ago, Pawz4me said:

Yes. I'm long past perimenopause, thank goodness. All of you who are dealing with it at the same time as a pandemic have my sympathy. My struggle is mostly related, I think, to dealing with DH's health on top of the pandemic. And I suppose my own health, although even though I'm (supposedly) higher risk I don't come anywhere close to his risk level. For me it's more about controlling anger than anxiety. Although perhaps it's anxiety manifesting as anger? Who knows for sure? It's an extremely unusual emotion for me. I'm very glad I got into Buddhism mindfulness stuff several years ago. That's truly been a sanity saver

I know when I was learning about my son's outbursts when he was young, it was often said that anger was a manifestation of fear. So that makes sense. 

[ktgrok]

Oh, check your coping mechanisms. I usually take a hot bath in the evenings with bubbles and some nice smelling epsom salts. I had to stop when DS was isolating due to Covid, because the only bathtub was in the bathroom he was using. I did not realize how much not doing that was effecting my stress levels until I finally got a bath last night. Holy heck, I felt like a new person! So if there is a normal stress relief for you, even a small one, that you are not using right now, try going back to it. 

also, make sure you are hydrating. It is hot as heck in many places and my only panic attacks in life were when I was dehydrated - both times some gatorade really helped (and benedryl....which I think has anti anxiety properties). 

Oh, and allergies drive inflammation, which makes brain stuff worse - so if you are effected by pollen maybe try an antihistamine. Not breathing well can be a trigger for inflammation. 

Edited August 8, 2021 by ktgrok

[Dmmetler]

1 minute ago, ktgrok said:

Oh, check your coping mechanisms. I usually take a hot bath in the evenings with bubbles and some nice smelling epsom salts. I had to stop when DS was isolating due to Covid, because the only bathtub was in the bathroom he was using. I did not realize how much not doing that was effecting my stress levels until I finally got a bath last night. Holy heck, I felt like a new person! So if there is a normal stress relief for you, even a small one, that you are not using right now, try going back to it. 

also, make sure you are hydrating. It is hot as heck in many places and my only panic attacks in life were when I was dehydrated - both times some gatorade really helped (and benedryl....which I think has anti anxiety properties). 

Oh, and allergies drive inflammation, which makes brain stuff worse - so if you are effected by pollen maybe try an antihistamine. Not breathing well can be a trigger for inflammation. 

Benadryl is chemically similar to hydroxizine, which is used for short term anxiety, as well as being a strong antihistamine. One reason why my allergist has hydroxizine in my surge protocol is that since it is a lot stronger, you can take a lower dose and have similar effects, with less drowsiness. 

 

 

[Spryte]

Yes.  Over the past week and a half, anxiety has been building here as well.  No specific reason, but I think it’s caused by Delta worries (and knowing something else might come down the road).

[Shoeless]

1 hour ago, Pawz4me said:

Yes. I'm long past perimenopause, thank goodness. All of you who are dealing with it at the same time as a pandemic have my sympathy. My struggle is mostly related, I think, to dealing with DH's health on top of the pandemic. And I suppose my own health, although even though I'm (supposedly) higher risk I don't come anywhere close to his risk level. For me it's more about controlling anger than anxiety. Although perhaps it's anxiety manifesting as anger? Who knows for sure? It's an extremely unusual emotion for me. I'm very glad I got into Buddhism mindfulness stuff several years ago. That's truly been a sanity saver.

Anxiety shows as anger for me.  I get stuck in a fight-or-flight response and come out swinging. 

[Rosie_0801]

Sudden anxiety can be a side effect of low B vitamin levels.

[elegantlion]

My anxiety is kicking in. Part of it is Delta, part of it school, part of it stress about the future - things that we're having to plan for, some of which we shouldn't have to be. I'm tired and I need a vacation which isn't going to happen for a number of reasons.  

[MercyA]

Yes! And I'm well medicated so usually feel pretty mellow.

Hugs.

[popmom]

Yes--for a variety of reasons. Delta is definitely up there--and the feeling that it will never end. 

[Ausmumof3]

How’s the air quality where you are?

[Katy]

2 minutes ago, Ausmumof3 said:

How’s the air quality where you are?

Bad.  Warnings almost daily to not take the young, the old, or those with heart or lung conditions outside.  Good point.

[Katy]

1 hour ago, Rosie_0801 said:

Sudden anxiety can be a side effect of low B vitamin levels.

I’ll keep that in mind.  I have been skipping my supplements lately.  I’ve had migraines and those pills make nausea worse but it could be contributing.

[ktgrok]

19 minutes ago, Katy said:

Bad.  Warnings almost daily to not take the young, the old, or those with heart or lung conditions outside.  Good point.

smoke? It would make total sense for the body to react with anxiety if it smells smoke. I mean, the smart thing to do when there is fire is get away, you know? So fight or flight. 

[Not_a_Number]

Hmmm, last time I had a panic attack, we were having air quality issues... 

[TravelingChris]

50 minutes ago, Katy said:

Bad.  Warnings almost daily to not take the young, the old, or those with heart or lung conditions outside.  Good point.

Yes, when my asthma oor pneumonia is bad, , meaning my ocygen level is too low, I get anxiety.

And also another warning to all- I have no idea who changed the air quality level warnings, biut opver 100 is definetely no good for anybody and over 50 is bad for asthmatics.  I keep seeing over 100 for suscepticle people- no- it is bad for everyone.

[Katy]

4 hours ago, TravelingChris said:

Yes, when my asthma oor pneumonia is bad, , meaning my ocygen level is too low, I get anxiety.

And also another warning to all- I have no idea who changed the air quality level warnings, biut opver 100 is definetely no good for anybody and over 50 is bad for asthmatics.  I keep seeing over 100 for suscepticle people- no- it is bad for everyone.

That is very helpful and interesting information.  Thank you.  When I first read this earlier I checked and my weather app said it was 49, after raining today. I couldn't smell the smoke when we were outside then.  I was feeling better than the past few days.  My pulse ox is 99 right now according to my home monitor. And my o2 monitor on my watch says 98.  I'll make sure to repeat both the next time I feel anxious.  Like @ktgrok said, I did feel MUCH more anxious on the day with the worst smoke smell, the day when we were told everyone should avoid being outside.

[The Governess]

When my anxiety hits hard, I have to up my magnesium and cut out all caffeine and chocolate (it can make my heart race and make me feel more on edge in general). The magnesium helps my muscles relax; I tense up a lot when I am anxious and then that creates other symptoms that I of course then get anxious about. Hot drinks help as long as they are decaf. I think it’s a vasovagal nerve thing. When I’m anxious, too much cold food/drink can make me feel panicky. 

I hadn’t had a panic attack for at least 15 years but have had a few since last November that were really bad. So you’re definitely not alone. 

[Drama Llama]

My anxiety is up.  Back to school, new job, Delta.  There's just a lot going on, and decisions to be made that are stressing me out. 

I'm sorry you're feeling the same way.  I hope it resolves soon.  

[ktgrok]

8 hours ago, lovelearnandlive said:

When my anxiety hits hard, I have to up my magnesium and cut out all caffeine and chocolate (it can make my heart race and make me feel more on edge in general). The magnesium helps my muscles relax; I tense up a lot when I am anxious and then that creates other symptoms that I of course then get anxious about. Hot drinks help as long as they are decaf. I think it’s a vasovagal nerve thing. When I’m anxious, too much cold food/drink can make me feel panicky. 

I hadn’t had a panic attack for at least 15 years but have had a few since last November that were really bad. So you’re definitely not alone. 

Oh yes - if I forget to supplement magnesium it is worse (another reason doing without my epsom salt baths for 12 days was hard on me, I bet!)