Hi all

@genie Thanks so much for your continued support! You always make me feel good, even when I don’t particularly feel like I’m making progress. Download an app called Netflix Party on your PC and you can tune in to Netflix at the same time and chat, though my sister and I have been doing it over video call the last few nights which works as well. Happy romcom watching!

@michelle Solid advice as usual, thanks. Yes time is often the enemy of my anxious brain, but I know that distraction is only a band aid really so being forced to sit with these thoughts and work through them isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just feels uncomfortable. A few months ago I would have tried to deal with it by seeking a response from my ex but as I’ve learned that just drives further anxiety. And I now value myself enough not to put myself through that. Glad to hear that you are back in the UK and finding things okay!

@Shelbyville Waiting for a test result must be really anxiety-inducing! Glad to know I’m not the only one having an annoying amount of thoughts about my ex at this time. You’re right not to berate yourself over it and be gentle with yourself. Love the image of the inflatable raft you are trying to build in your mind. I agree, just have to focus on getting through day by day and exercising gratitude where we can while taking care not to get sucked into the hysteria of the news.

@Kkkasxo nice to hear from you! Glad you are surviving despite all the challenges of quarantine. You’re right, freedom and being reunited with our loved ones will feel so sweet when this is all over.

@Doseofreality I know what you’re trying to do and appreciate the intention but personally your approach has little effect on me. I’m self aware to know that it’s because a lot of my thoughts and ways I react to things are driven by a sense of shame, so someone else shaming me doesn’t have the motivational effect you’re hoping it does. Personally I am my own biggest critic so there’s nothing anyone else could say that I haven’t told myself. Not being self pitying, just honest. Clearly helpful for some people though, as Sammy has articulated above. Like Michelle says it’s all a balance.

Not really much to report from me. Just trying to navigate this strange reality we are in. I lived through some significant earthquakes 9-10 years ago and it feels somewhat easier than that in at least having power and water in the proceeding and not having to worry about further damage caused by  aftershocks, but on the other hand the global nature and ultimate invisibility of it all makes it hard I think. Interestingly my anxiety levels are lower than they are when everything in my life is actually fine which if I think about it is messed up, but on another level makes sense. I felt a lot more anxious when I first got into a relationship, for example, even when it was bringing a lot of joy and excitement  and I know it’s because I’m afraid of being abandoned/alone more than anything else. Anyway, like others have said, just recognising that everyone has different responses and ways of dealing with the stress of this time and supporting each other will get us through! Take care all. x