Stress Center Peer Support

Hi friends, I contracted this bad cold about 2 days ago and I really feel terrible. Not just from the cold but my anxiety level has shot up. I live alone so I have no person to lean on for support and I rarely have colds. I don't know which is worse, the cold or the anxiety. Has anyone had a cold that brought up their anxiety level?

I know I've been under a lot of stress lately and that probably contributed to catching this cold. I'm so anxious that I can't hardly walk around and I know I should be doing things to help ease my cold, but I don't even feel like pushing myself to do anything. I slept in a chair last night as it was easier than going to bed with this cold. All I did today was watch some tv in a chair covered by a blanket, drank lots of water, ate some toast and blew my nose.

I really don't have anyone to talk with, except on here, and I feel too bad to go to the store to get some stuff for my cold and I can't take a lot of stuff anyway. It's cold and raining a ton here. Is there anything perhaps in my house that I could use that could maybe make my cold feel better as I can't get to a pharmacy?

I'm trying to think positive and say, "it's only a cold, it will get better", "you'll feel better soon", and similar things and when I get really anxious I'm trying to listen to the relaxation tape, but it's tough - I can't seem to concentrate on it.

I guess I don't fully understand why having a stupid cold would make my anxiety take off like this. Does this happen to anyone else? Sorry for the rambling here. Thank you. Rob.

Hi Rob, I understand you feel very fearful right now. But, I don't think it is particularly the cold you have. I think more is going on. You feel alone and isolated and sick. Try to get to your positive self-talk. You only have a cold. You have the right to relax with a blanket until you feel better. Try to drink a cup of decaf tea and relax. You'll be feeling much better in a day or two. You're not alone. Keep posting. Everyone here understands your feelings. Change your thoughts to ones to make you feel connected. There is always someone who will respond to you and help you here. Hang in you will feel yourself again physically and keep motivating yourself to believe you are strong and you are safe. This will pass.

Donna

Change your thoughts to ones to make you feel connected.

Hi Donna and Emma, thanks so much. It's nice to know that there are people here to chat with. How do I do the above, Donna? Rob.

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Rob, I feel we are all in this together (connected). Some way God has brought us all here for a reason. Sometimes the pain and fear we feel through this anxiety and panic seems uncontrollable and never ending. I've suffered with this for 34 years. I've been in support groups also. Through meeting these people and now the people thru this site, I sense such a connection between all of us. We are all strong and ultra-sensitive human beings. If we weren't we wouldn't feel the way we do. With these traits we can accompllish unimaginable things. Just feel the connection to each of us. You are never alone in these feelings. We really all share them and together we will use them to accomplish the impossible!!
Donna

Just feel the connection to each of us

Donna, I know how to get to my positive thoughts, although I find it very difficult. I know what I should be saying to myself and I know I should be replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, but I'm still learning and having a tough time. However, can you elaborate more on how to do what you suggest above. Thanks. Rob.

weird. i was going to post asking if anyone gets the flu/cold or flu/cold symptoms due to anxiety. I feel like i am always getting a cold or flu. not TOO intense every time but i'll get headaches, body soreness, sore throat, chills, fever etc.. .. but that scares me so much when i get like that. can lack of sleep also cause that? but im so sensitive only 1 day of not that much sleep will cause all this. its weird. could that also be chronic fatigue syndrome? . .anyway, Flyer99 i feel your pain. i am always home alone and feel terrible. i am drinking a peppermint tea. i think teas and drinking alot of water so you can pee a lot will help your cold go away more fast. gargle with warm salt water and LIGHT exercise can relieve cold symptoms. i hope you feel better.

Rob Ive had this ridiculous cold/allergy thingy going on now for over a month...it makes me absolutely crazy mad and yes it makes me start to get all anxious at times. I start in with the what if this is more than a cold. What if its pneumonia, the plague or worse....lol

I know its not funny at least to me its not but sometimes when I talk about it I see how silly it really is. I am so bad at putting me first and taking the time I need to get over a cold. Good rule of thumb colds last 7-14 days....during those days expect to feel better then worse again and then youll finally improve.

On the positive self talk...try saying things like Im ok. I have a cold and I know what to do rest and fluids are the big factors.

I take allergy medication and that helps to dry up some of the crap in my nose and throat. Humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep will do you wonders....go get one at the department store in the pharmacy section they can be as cheap as 14$ and you fill them with water. Saline nasal spray...all natural and its wonderfull for keeping those sticky congestions from getting stuck.

HOme remedies sometimes sound silly but they really do work. Hot teas, hot soups great for killing germs and most important throw your toothbrush out after your better get a new one.
Lots of people dont do that and they get sick all over again.

lysol is great spray your pillows and rooms and open the windows and air it out when you start to feel better kills the germs.

Youll be back to yourself in no time.
Take care.
Dodger

Flyer99 - I live alone too and I do notice that my anxiety starts up some when I'm sick. In fact lately I've had some kind of intestinal bug and have gotten a little down. I always try to keep things on hand in case I can't get to the store -like chicken broth, pepto bismol, motrin, saline spray for the nose, juice, tea and anything else I can think of. I've gone to the store before with a 103 temperature and it's not fun. It just gets plain boring when you're sick and home alone huh. I try to tell myself I've been thru this before and it goes away and I'll be fine.
Dodger- Good tip on the toothbrush thing, I never thought of that!

but im so sensitive only 1 day of not that much sleep will cause all this. its weird. could that also be chronic fatigue syndrome? .

Hi Holly, I, too, find that much of my problem with anxiety is due to lack of sleep. And, now with this cold, it's even harder for me to get any sleep, so my anxiety gets even worse. I think this makes sense. I know I don't have chronic fatigue syndrome but this tossing and turning all night sure play havoc with my anxiety. And, of course, having noone close doesn't help the situation. It seems all I have to concentrate on are my symptoms.

But I am trying to put to good use all the suggestions I've received here and you and Donna and Dodger have some great ones. I just need to be able to get those positive thoughts in my head. I know this is just a cold and that's what I am telling myself right now. I think I need to take Oprah's course with Ekhart Tolle on "A New Beginning" and "The Power of Now".

Take care Holly and Dodger and PM me anytime, of course.

Rob.

Hi Mary! What you do makes tons of sense. I hardly have anything here in the house to fight off this cold (or a flu). And with this rain and cold weather I don't want to go get some. I am definitely going to stock up when I feel better. And, yes, thanks Dodger, re the toothbrush tip! Rob.