I feel overwhelmed. All I think about is what I need to make it through this coming crisis. My mind won't shut down and I am finding it difficult to get a good nights rest. I guess my biggest concern is my family. If I only had to worry about preparing for myself I don't think it would be as hard. We have four young children. Will I plan enough essentials for everyone? How long should I plan for? How will I cook food they will eat? Tons of what if questions! By the time this is all done we will have spent $1000's for extra food, supplies, wood, purchasing an air tight woodstove for heat and cooking, etc. and I plan to can my own food as much as possible. My mind gets overwhelmed at all the food storage troubles. Like plastic buckets, trouble with infestation, variety, water storage and containers for that. This is a ton of work to get done for a family of six and it truly is about all I think of these days. I guess I am afraid of waiting to long and finding some things difficult to get, but am spending a bundle already. HELP! How do I plan and prepare without losing my mind and causing those around me not to go bonkers?

-- Mary Howe (toga@madbbs.com), October 04, 1998

Answers

you have time, just being aware your ahead of the game, get your other 5 to understand and help, one do research on heating, food, water,etc. get them involved...it sounds like you dont have anyone to talk to.. dont scare them but explain and answer their questions..this will not be good but it may be what brings this country back to where it was 40 yrs ago before computers kinder, more compassionate toward each other. im scared also for my family but i have to think something better will come of this. theirs a book out right now that is something like...we had every thing but money...its about the depression, and how familys were happy being together and helping each other..good luck and god bless.

-- j bern (bernj@aol.com), October 04, 1998.

Mary:

I probably spend too much time thinking about this too. I always try to live for today, plan for tomorrow. That can be hard to do. When I think I'm not making enough progress, I have to give myself a pat on the back for what I've done so far. I'm very impatient, so I usually want to have everything done NOW. It never works. One step at a time...that's the only way.

-- Mike (gartner@execpc.com), October 04, 1998.

Mary: Take frequent breaks. Go to a concert or a movie or whatever it is that gives you a bit of relaxation. Time away from thinking about this issue is vitally important over thelong haul.

Also, you cannot do this all by yourself. Just caring for your children is a full time, exhausting job. Add to that your other responsibilities and that probably doesn't leave much time for Y2K personal/family planning/preparation.

Do not spend the money you do have quickly or foolishly. There are many unknowns and you must leave yourself some flexibility. No one on can tell you for certain exactly how these events will truly unfold or how severe they will actually be.

You are not alone in your feelings and anxiety. We, and many others, share your concerns and your fear. Most of us could easily prepare to live without electricity and/or other basic services for a week IF we were given sufficient advanced notice. I find this a helpful starting point as it lets you conserve what resources you do have and involve family without panicing anyone.

None of us (well very few) can prepare to live without these basic services for extended periods of time (years). Don't focus on what you can't do, focus on what you CAN do. And keep talking to those of us experiencing the same feelings.

Regards and best wishes, now go give yourself a break.

Arnie

-- Arnie Rimmer (arnie_rimmer@usa.net), October 04, 1998.

Mary

It is, believe it or not, a good thing. There is a lot to do and not enough time to do it in. That uncomfortable feeling is your survival instinct kicking in, and the overwhelmed feelings will pass after a time, and become merely a feeling of uneasy awareness. Hang in there, this is what is refered to as a "character building circumstance", you will surprize yourself with your ability to cope.

"One ought never to turn one's back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half."

Winston Churchill

-- Uncle Deedah (oncebitten@twiceshy.com), October 04, 1998.

Mary: I know exactly what you mean. I keep waking up around 5:00 AM with a million things on my mind about y2k. I have two daughters to protect. I have learned a great deal in the past year or so and most of it is on my website, Y2K Survive (www.y2ksurvive.com), with more to come. The most important thing I've learned is to take it one step at a time; don't get totally stressed out on the whole thing. If you proceed in small, steady steps, you'll get where you need to go. Just stay focused and keep moving toward survival; you'll make it! Good luck and God bless you.

-- Ron Courtney (cody@y2ksurvive.com), October 04, 1998.

Hi Mary,

a lot of really bright people have already provided some really good responses, and I thought I might just suggest one more thing: pray about it. I know exactly how you feel and quite honestly if I wasn't maintaining a daily prayer time and regular weekly attendance at church I don't think there's any way I, or any of the rest of our group would be getting through all of this.

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), October 04, 1998.

I relate totally! It helps,however, to see preparation as a good thing to do anyway, to always "be prepared". I presume, since most on these forums do, that you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior. If not, that is your most important preparation. He WILL give you peace. Shalom, Y2Dave

-- Y2Dave (daveforbes@earthlink.net), October 04, 1998.

Try some ginseng tea.

-- Dave (dave22@concentric.net), October 05, 1998.

Dear Mary, I am sure that you can surmise by the many responses that you have received, that many people out there are experiencing the exact same thing. We have four grown children, and three small grandchildren. We are the only family members preparing. Of course, we are trying to prepare for the whole family. One thing that might help at this point, is to buy a little extra each week to store. For example, two jars of Ragu, one for storage. Do the same with tuna, pasta, cocoa, just watch the dates they are due to expire. Most foods will outlast that date. Since we are getting down to the wire, it is easier to prepare, because you can store more of your everyday foods. Be sure to have things for the children, puzzles, good books, an encyclopedia set from a garage sale. I just bought rain forest kits, which can be set up, and gives alot of information, should take the kids hours to do (YES!) Don't forget to get away from this thing for awhile. I am grateful for a business that overworks me on a daily business. After that I come home and homestead. Just made my first yogurt from my cows milk, it is great. There are perks as you go along. Learning new skills sure is better than just doing laundry, and dishes (I think we have that one down). God Bless and take care. You are doing great! Abigayle

-- Abigayle Greenleaf (jgreenleaf@townsqr.com), October 05, 1998.

Thanks to everyone for your sharing. I did get a good nights sleep last night and am thankful for that. Yes, I am a believer and I should know better than to let this think get a grip on me like I did. I have given it over to the Lord, I will do what I can and depend upon Him for the rest. Thanks again for all the support and understanding. Mary

-- Mary Howe (thanks@everyone.com), October 05, 1998.

as if there wasn't enuff to worry about, consider ed dames, a technical remote viewers predictions. he says we dont have to worry about y2k, 'cause we arent gonna last that long. according to him, a solar flare is gong to wipe us out early next year. he has also pinpointed amelia earharts wreckage, and to prove it, is going after it in three months. he is a frequent guest on the art bell radio program, and was a tecnical remote viewer for the dod, and then passed it on to the cia. his nickname, as given to him at the white house, is dr. doom

-- ed (edrider007@aol.com), October 05, 1998.

Mary,

For heavens sake go easy on yourself.

You wrote: Yes, I am a believer and I should know better than to let this think get a grip on me like I did. I have given it over to the Lord, I will do what I can and depend upon Him for the rest

Mary, Do not set unrealistic expectations that because you are a believer, things should never get to you. Believers still have to go through the same stages of dealing with problems as non-believers. Certainly there is strength to be drawn from knowing the love of God, but that still does not make you superhuman.

Statistics show that believers still suffer from anxiety and depression at times, and getting down on yourself for having these feelings just makes things much worse for yourself.

There have been some excellent responses to your question. Although some of the answers are in the spiritual realm, do not forget the physical realm answers like proper nutrition, exercise and plenty of rest as they are extremely important in maintaining a healthy body and mind.

-- Craig (craig@ccinet.ab.ca), October 05, 1998.

Mary, this may sound too simplistic, but it has worked for me many years. (I'm a great granny.) I've always been a very active person with my "fingers in many pies." So, I make lists...grocery lists, chore lists, lists when I travel, gift lists, and I've been making Y2K lists. It gets a lot off my mind when I put it down on paper. Relax into a comfortable chair, Gospel music on the radio or tape, pencil and paper in hand. Make a list of what your family eats, paper goods used, food supplements, medicines, and be sure to put WATER on the list. Each week, buy some more of these items. (Rotate and replace regularly.) The way I figured it: for one person spending an average of $30.00 a week, if 10% more is purchased each week ($3.00) by 1/1/2000 the person will have stashed a month and a half of supplies We have 64 weeks left now. God bless you and yours!

-- Holly Allen (Holly3325@juno.com), October 05, 1998.

Mary, there are some really great suggestions posted here. You will likely phase in to another cycle, after you feel that you have either exhausted your resources or have prepared to the very best of your ability and can only do sporadically what you were once doing 7/24.

At that time, you will spend more quality time with your friends and family to make the memories you will need to survive on, to recharge yourself and dissipate the stress and fear somewhat. Take advantage. The time ahead could become extremely trying for you as maternal head of the house.

Best wishes.

-- Goldi (goldilucks@yahoo.com), October 07, 1998.

Dear Friends, I truly appreciate the comforting advice some of you gave Mary regarding her worry about the coming events. As a teacher of disaster preparedness seminars, I have watched everything from smug over-confidence to almost panic regarding one's personal readiness to face whatever comes at us. Healthy concern is necessary, for otherwise we will not break out of our complacent position and DO something to learn to take care of ourselves. I try to challenge people to make it a stimulating learning experience; to learn how to be less dependent on "the system" to take care of our every need. If your children are old enough to understand even simple tasks,they can make great helpers in many preparations. They will enjoy being taught skills and being given information which empowers them. I always teach that in preparedness activities, there can be no dependents. We each can make some contribution in our own way to strengthen the group in which we find ourselves. Remember to keep a loving heart, a clear mind and skilled hands. We'll all laugh about this some day.

-- Chuck Blackburn (chuckblackburn@netscape.net), October 10, 1998.