YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

1 of 3 Intrusive thoughts:

I think I had COVID a month ago.

I was in the ER a month ago for "chest/abdominal pains" (hmmmm), and two days later (circa March 2) I had shortness of breath for about a week. I certainly noticed it, but didn't mention it to anyone. It went away after a week and I've felt fine since.

A week ago I ended up in the ER again, due to a car wreck. The kind doctor said the main symptom of COVID to precipitate an ER visit was shortness of breath.

I have felt "crazy" (I don't like that word, but it is how I felt) to suspect I had COVID before it was supposed to be in my state.

I fully recognize it I could still get it for real. But I've had this nagging suspicion that I had it a month ago today.

This is really difficult to use my words with.

I feel a little better having talked with a friend today: she also ended up in the ER a month ago for "bronchitis/pneumonia" (hmmmm) and wonders if she, also, had it before it was """officially""" here.

I really hate pejorative words like "nuts" or "crazy", but in a moment of just saying what I'm feeling: am I nuts?

Inasmuch as you’re feeling overwhelmed, yes. You’ll need to do or seek some mental health first aid. And then talk more openly about what’s going on for you. And be the thing you’re afraid to be. For me, that’s being a burden on others. That’s the fear for me anyway. But I have to if I’m going to make healthy attachments?

Thanks Beany Boo. I really appreciate your advice.

I’ll try some “mental first aid” (a delightful idea I had not previously considered!) and post here with an update.