Anxiety over COVID-19 symptoms

Oh boy. Hi there everyone.

So my story is I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety and OCD at age 16, when it initially started over health related concerns, thinking I had a brain tumor.

Ive been pretty good with managing it for the past 5 years or so, no major outbreaks or trigger moments (I'm 30 now). I even stopped taking my Sertraline last year.

However, a couple days ago out of nowhere... bam! I started thinking I have Coronavirus. It's not totally unfounded... Its a huge epidemic going on right now, AND I was just at the food stores 2 days prior to this popping up. (Its now been over 4 days since I've been there)

I started tricking myself, thinking I felt something in my throat that made me need to cough. Then I started envisioning the feeling of dry coughing. One thing led to another, I was shaking, had chills, and woke my wife up, sobbing.

I'm currently experiencing some prickly feelings in my throat, that I'm hoping I'm just doing to myself from anxiety and excessive throat clearing/focus.

Ive been obsessively taking my temperature (nowhere even close to a fever), swallowing, clearing my throat over and over, and of course Googling everything in the world. Can't focus on anything except this, and can't shake the feeling that it's just a matter of time...

Ugh. Really hate this feeling, and thought I was over this. Anybody else have any advice? Anybody else going through this?

Hi JorinL. Welcome to Psych Central. I am sorry you have so much anxiety about Covid19.

I tend not to drink enough fluids which can lead to coughing. I find drinking warm herb tea every couple hours is soothing and helps me stay calmer too. Peppermint and ginger are two of my favorites.

@CANDC

I was a bit worried when I was having mild asthma for a few consecutive days, but there were no other symptoms. But honestly, I just said to myself 'if it's covid, so be it'. Acceptance. But I knew it wouldn't be.

Hang in there, JorinL, and basically try not to ruminate. It's going to be okay.