Feeling Anxious.... and how to deal with it

[@georgekempson670]

Chin up Chris, it a very sureal time, i've never really had to deal with this sort of situation in my 60-odd years on this planet. I think about the last 50 decades and what i've done and the adventures i've had, although i haven't travelled like you have, so you should be very proud of what you've achieved. I'm pretty much ok here in Wales in my cottage, away from big towns and lots of people but i do worry about my 3 grown-up kids and the grandchildren, my son in Dewsbury is very anxious but there's very little we can do except batten down the hatches as try to find things to do. I have quite a bit of music to compose for some video's that i've been editing for clients, plus i've been re-decorating the living room but that;s had to come to a stop, until i can get more stuff to finish it off. My TV is in storage in my bedroom, due to the decorating, so i'm not watching the news, of course i see things on the net but i can choose what i decide to look at. I prefer to watch video's on KZbin and my DVD collection rather than look at negative things, that will just make you more anxious so try to occupy yourself with positive things if possible. I've gone though pretty much all of my box sets of comedy DVD's, the Carry on films, Summer Wine series, etc. The comedy stuff lifts you out of the negative vibes and takes you to a better place mentaly, back to better days. Take care Chris. ; )

[@ChrisGouge]

Thanks George, that's a very nice message and a cottage in Wales sounds lovely 😊 I am trying to distract myself as much as possible and watch comedy shows as you say rather than the news etc.... I am not looking forward to going back to work though, it's very hard to avoid thinking about things there. Hope you and your family remain safe. All the best

[@JanGagnon]

Even when we need positive vibes, it’s still helpful to know we aren’t the only ones with anxiety. I’m fairly certain my social media footprint paints a happy face even though I may very well stub my toe when I get up from this chair and the rest of my day will fall to pieces like a crystal vase on ceramic tile. I’m sure I will have it all swept up and things will look fine again but in my head I will still be crashing. These aren’t normal times so protocol is out the window but your points are valid. (And that soup/stew? looked yummy) A routine is great and small changes work wonders. In my quest for answers I’ve come to learn there are just too many questions but luckily I’ve found a few escapes to help me feel or at least appear sane, even when I’m on edge. I do think it’s ok to be on edge and anxious as long as you can still talk about it and still function. Things will get better! Sending virtual hugs! Take care!

[@ChrisGouge]

Thanks for sharing your experience Jan, appreciate what you said and I'm pleased this video wasn't just depressing to people haha

[@brianmoore7910]

That's the spirit Chris I'm climbing the walls i want to go fishing and metal detecting and camping but we will get though it Chris i work for the NHS it's on the back of your mind every day who's next keep strong and keep making videos every story counts 👍👍👍

[@ChrisGouge]

Wow big respect to you 👍 Thanks a lot Brian. Stay safe

[@SleepWalker0804]

Great vid Chris! Something I've recently started doing to pre-occupy my mind is to go back through old images - choosing some to re-edit - see if my style has changed much (Which it definitely has!) We need to plan a trip once all this is done and dusted (... and once the babies born and settled.... probably when Sayaka takes the kid to Japan!)

[@ChrisGouge]

Definitely! Can't wait!

[@MyAndrew143]

this it will get better and we will see the light

[@ChrisGouge]

I hope so

[@lilsparkydylan]

Chris, this is what I’ve been doing: I don’t allow myself to watch TV until after 6pm. I definitely don’t watch the news. I’ll check online to see if there’s anything I need to know then I move on. I’m in Phoenix, so I’ve been gardening. Planting vegetables. I suggest you find a hobby that has nothing to do with photography for now. Sketching, learning a language... your cooking shows are fantastic! Do more of those, go wild AND PLAY HAPPY MUSIC, TURN ON THE LIGHTS!!! You have so much to be grateful for. Get off the couch, please (and shave, lol).

[@ChrisGouge]

Not another one telling me to shave 🙈 haha. Thanks Lil, I'm doing much better now and I've stopped watching the news completely, started exercising more regularly which is helping too 😁

[@lilsparkydylan]

Don’t like to see you so sad. Smile often, even if you have to force yourself.

[@ChrisGouge]

@@lilsparkydylan don't worry. I think this is the start of a new beginning for me 😁

[@Accolades70]

Bild a bridge. You are not alone. You go to work - Talk to people, their are phones and people you can talk to.

[@ChrisGouge]

There's just no escape at work 😬

[@garyclaytonphotography5708]

Chris. You are off work for a couple of weeks so that is a good thing and maybe you can get into your work as a photographer, ie working on your web site or maybe trying something a little different like Macro photography. I also am off work till at least May but who knows, Here in Ontario we have just about everything closed very much like you do ,However i do get out every day hiking on the trails and i meet very few if any people at all this keeps me exercised at least. I wish you the very best and good health eventually this too will end. Take Care.

[@ChrisGouge]

Yes it's definitely giving me the chance to finally catch up on things and work on other important stuff I've needed to do for a long time, such as my website. I haven't been able to get out with my camera at all but I guess there's nothing much I can do about that. Sounds good that you are still able to get out. Stay safe mate.

[@4seasonbackpacking]

Chris' agree with you about the news I stopped watching news years ago. I had asthma when younger and bad flu was hard to breathe but in end was ok. I think because I had asthma alot and flu a few times I not.neen worried about it to much. News is only going show you the most unlucky people in this situation. Let's hope it's all over soon. Richard

[@ChrisGouge]

Yeah that's very true, good point. Hoping now that summer is on the way that will help. Cheers mate, stay safe

[@Accolades70]

Work on ya website do tutorials on what software you use and how you use it. Learn new programs, apps and then do tutorials on it. Maybe a cooking channel Air Fryer...

[@ChrisGouge]

Yeah I am using this time to work on my website and things like that which is good

[@PaulYeghouchian]

Stay POSITIVE Chris and keep making vids - it is therapy ain't it?

[@ChrisGouge]

I will 😊 yes, that's why I make videos like this. It's like therapy for me haha

[@venkadanathan1855]

Meditate yourself that feel good at the moment

[@ChrisGouge]

That's something I've started 😊

[@DAWN--x--]

How are you hun? Hope you are ok xo

[@ChrisGouge]

Hi, yes I'm feeling much better thanks

[@DAWN--x--]

@@ChrisGouge fantastic. X

[@DAWN--x--]

Love and hugs to you. Please STOP watching the news - it is intended to put people into a state of fear and anxiety. You are adorable. I know how difficult it is living alone. Im in the same boat. Best thing is to stay off social media and keep yourself busy. I bought 90 litres of paint from Screwfix to keep me going. Are you any good at painting? If so, come and live with me😊💖xx

[@ChrisGouge]

Thanks very much Dawn 😊 I normally don't ever watch the News at all for that very reason. Thankfully I've stopped now, I think you might be right about social media too, just a bit difficult to delete it all together doing what I do. And I'm afraid I am terrible with anything DIY related, I had to get my friend round just to hang some pictures in my flat 😂

[@DAWN--x--]

Ps. I really do know how triggered you are. I sat in intensive care for 8 days with my dad until he died in my arms💔. It is a living hell. Stay strong. Xxx

[@ChrisGouge]

@@DAWN--x-- Really sorry to hear that Dawn. I know what it's like. All the best

[@DAWN--x--]

@@ChrisGouge I just want you to know that you are not alone. Stay strong love💜x

[@ChrisGouge]

@@DAWN--x-- thank you 😊