I can get overwhelmed when I try to do too much. I tell everyone, 'I'm taking a break', and go sit down and relax, breathe, and get my heart rate down and oxygen up. Im learning not do too much or I will get chest pain. Big sign for me, when I over do it. Relax and breathe.

I completely understand, I often struggle for the words for objects, and trying to explain what I need is hard. Brain fog is worse.
I've personally found peace in prayer. There are times I pray that a complete peace comes over my whole body and I cant find the words to explain it, but I know God is with me helping me through my tough times.

Anxiety makes everything worse. I am accepting this is my new life. Yes it is frustrating when you see yourself not being able to do the same things you did just a few months ago. I don’t allow myself to get anxious. It doesn’t help. It’s something you have to fight and that takes up to much of my energy.

Kay83,it is not unusual to go through this phase you are talking about. When anyone is first diagnosed the fear of the unknown tries to take over. You have so many questions and don't always find answers very quickly, it is such a long process sometimes. I know when I first was diagnosed with my Mixed Connective tissue disease and my lung disease showed up, my rheumatologist let me know that what I was going through (still working and not handling all the stress) was not unusual. Talk to your doctor about your feelings. What I found helped me the most was getting back into my Bible studies, going to different church functions like small groups and a church family that prays for me constantly. I was able to find a peace about living with a number of chronic, progressive diseases. I still don't like not being able to control what's happening but I truly believe my God is in control and will be with me through it all. Kay, you find something that brings you calm as Alex said, find those that you can talk to (like this group that understands), stay active and involved. Try not to isolate if you can, we need relationships. Let us know how we can help. ❤️🙏

This condition has changed so much in my life, physically and mentally and emotionally, and I find it much more difficult now to deal on all three of those levels.