Just can't shake the Covid anxiety

Mofee1

So, I'm inbetween 60 and 70. I am fully vaccinated as of two weeks ago....meaning, it's been 3 weeks since my second shot was administered, so my immunity is as good as it is going to be. Still, I can't seem to shake the anxiety over not feeling safe in public.

I had moved in with my dad and sister temporarily (from April to January) to make sure that they were taking the right safety precautions to mitigate risk of exposure until my dad could get fully vaccinated. He is 91 and highest risk. We faithfully sheltered-in completely during that time except for essential doctor appointments and to get gas. We ate non-perishables for several months, then graduated to having groceries delivered because we really wanted fresh fruits and vegetables. We did not let anyone outside of our household visit us and we did not visit anyone else outside our household. I have moved back to my house now that we are all three vaccinated.

Here's the problem...my dad and my sister have moved on mentally from being concerned about getting covid and they are now drunk with freedom. They are going anywhere and everywhere everyday! They have had non-vaccinated visitors in their house and they go to visit non-vaccinated people. They have attended indoor gatherings like Sunday church, funerals and weddings. They aren't a bit concerned about being exposed or exposing any non-vaccinated people.

Then there's me. I haven't moved on from my covid fears and anxiety and am afraid to expose myself to anyone outside of my house, including neighbors who I have known for over 20 years and miss terribly since the pandemic started. I miss my non-vaccinated brothers too.

How do I move on? Please don't shame me. This is hard.

beagletracks

Try taking small steps. Visit with people outside, go to public indoor places with a mask. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Give yourself time.

corinasue1143

Covid is real. The fear is real.
Have you checked the most current new cases rate in your area?
Where I grew up, there have been 0 new cases in the past two weeks. Where my daughter lives, there have been 0 new cases in the last 2 weeks. You can’t catch it if there is no one to catch it from.
Where I live, 50 miles from my daughter in a larger metro area, cases are WAY down. I still wear my mask in the grocery store. But I certainly feel a lot safer after seeing the numbers.
I agree with BeagleTracks. You don’t have to be over it today. Just dip your toe in the water. See how it feels. (Maybe go for a drive? Maybe schedule a grocery pickup instead of delivery?)

Be_theBest_Me

Let me give ya a tool that has kept my family safe since 2016!!!! I clean houses....in the beginning I brought home every sickness using over the counter products and not knowing a real true way to protect myself!! Started some real testing with strips and the works all over town!! Learned that if you spray rubbing alcohol all over ya like mosquito repellent .......you are giving yourself a good layer of protection!!! I spray my kids my friends their kids and we have not had anything since 2016!! Use a lil vasaline if ya feel real worried mix rubbing alcohol in it and put a layer right on the inside of your nose!! Germs die coming and going!! Kept so many of my teacher friends safe from the flu and covid 19!! We just add a spray nozzle to the alcohol and keep in the driver door of the car. Right by every entrance to the house and one in each room. We have been doing this long before covid and we will do it forever because it works!! We also do not sit down in restaurants. Quit doing that in 2016....the germ level is too high. Clean is not priority. Fake sanitizer spray and a quick wipe leaves too much on the surface!! Washing your hands in public is risky!! I keep hand washing stations in my car!! Public SINKS are the germiest place in a bathroom!! Stay outta big crowds and never go out during peak shopping times!! Stay safe from all the germs!! It's a wild place out there!! Hope this helped!! Feel free to message me for more of my research info!!

SuzySunshine99

I think for a lot of people, it's going to be a gradual process.

I've been fully vaccinated for about a month now, so I can visit my vaccinated family and friends without worry.
But, I still don't like the idea of being in a crowd of strangers, like a theatre or concert. I still wear my mask in stores, even if it's no longer required for vaccinated people.

Just this week, I ate at a restaurant for the first time in over a year. We sat outside, but I would have been comfortable inside as well, since it was not crowded.

Logically, I know there is very little risk to me or others right now. But, there is still that anxiety that may take a while for my brain to sort out.

As far as worrying about unvaccinated people...
If you live in the U.S., everyone over 12 years old has the opportunity to get vaccinated. There's no lack of appointments. Those who choose not to are making the choice to be at risk. I am not responsible for their choice.

I understand that some people are immunocompromised, and I'll assume that those people would make the wise choice of not being in crowds or removing their masks. They are part of the reason that I'll still wear my mask in essential businesses like grocery stores.

Be_theBest_Me

Well y'all may disagree with me....but I did work with the CDC and it germ center for 2 years long long before covid 19......I knew I'd get a bunch of those🤣😂🤣😂🤣proof is in the pudding though. I have been published in all kinds of research!! It's a good thing I don't waste time worrying about what others think!! It works....ask my 650 clients in south tx!! None of our seniors have been sick. My mom who is 65 has not been sick. Many of my teacher friends have stayed safe.......through covid and before. Take my secret as a joke or utilize this tool to protect your family!! The choice is yours 🦾🦾🦾 lmmfao wow 🐏🐑🐏🐑