topic Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak in Archived threads

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Sophie_M — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 01:07:23 GMT

We recognise that many of us here in the community are feeling scared, worried and overwhelmed about Coronavirus (COVID19).

As a result, we created this thread to allow people to come together here during those difficult times and encouraged those wanting to share or seek support to do so here in this space.

It was important with this thread that we maintained perspective and supported each other as best as we could, medical, scientific and public health experts around the world have and still are working hard to contain the virus and treat those affected.

The Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat.

There are some other helpful discussions taking place here within our forum community that you may find helpful to read or participate in: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/hi-there-i-only-just-joined-and...

This thread is now closed for further posting. Users are still able to read through and find support through already existing posts.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Matchy69 — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 02:07:44 GMT

Thank you for the post.You know this efffecting a lot of people when you cant buy toilet paper.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

uncut_gems — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 02:18:09 GMT

I'm doing my best to stay active and get fresh air, going for a run a few times a week. I have also found that the UK comedy show Taskmaster is the perfect light and funny entertainment for taking my mind off things. Other than that, getting plenty of sleep, eating well, stocking up on essentials (within reason), and talking with friends and family are great.

For now, where I live the streets and public life look more or less normal (with a few more people wearing face masks than usual), so whenever the news gets overwhelming I go out for a bit and remind myself that things aren't so scary as they seem. I also try to remember all the other scary moments in history (the Spanish Flu, Cuban Missile Crisis, etc.) when things were even less certain than they are now with even less knowledge and technology. Our 24/7 access to information makes things seem much more dire.

Finally, I like to think of things in communal terms. Public health is by definition communal, so every time you wash your hands or stay home it is an act of love not just for yourself but for society at large. I find that quite comforting and heartening.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

blondguy — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 02:37:09 GMT

Thankyou moderators for providing such a gentle and welcoming place for everyone during this difficult time 👍

my kind thoughts

Paul

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Guest_1055 — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:09:49 GMT

Somethings I am doing are:

... Avoiding media and the like as it was promoting fear in me.

... Making use of those santizing wipes in the supermarket, wiping down that part of the trolley where you hang on to

.... Building up my immunity in my body to help it do its job by fighting off possible harmful viruses. Things like eating loads off fresh vegetables and fruits. Juicing green juices and carrot type juices. Add ginger and tumeric.

.... Increasing vitamin C with a supplement.

.... Increasing vitamin D with a supplement ( I am considering getting a blood test done to see what my levels are)

.... Getting more sunshine

.... Attempting to improve my sleeping habits. Like get enough quality sleep.

.... Washing my hands really well. And avoid touching my face.

.... Limit my exposure to crowds of people. Which I naturally do anyway.

.... Drinking more water.

.... Keep a safe distance away from people who are coughing

.... Walking in the fresh air

.... If I had the funds I would properly make use of a infra red sauna. As many viruses cannot live in high temperatures.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Cthulhu — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 05:04:59 GMT

My anxiety is getting the better of me lately. My son was on oxygen until he was 3yo due to Chronic Neonatal Lung Disease, and though he is thriving now at 5yo, I’m unsure how his history might play a part should he get coronavirus. The worst part is, I work at a supermarket, so I come in contact with hundreds of people every day, and though I’m conscious to wash my hands and not touch my face, the fear is always there that I’ll bring it home with me.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Harry_Lime — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 07:35:44 GMT

Its great to see this thread about coping during the coronavirus outbreak - thank you Sophie_M for starting it. It will be a valuable source of information and support. H

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

PatienceBay — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 08:58:22 GMT

Hi Community,

Just sharing a few techniques that have worked for me:

1. Write a self care plan that works when you're in forced self-isolation at home. Also write a quarantine version (eg if I had to go to hospital, how would I keep myself sane and grounded).

2. Write a list of things I can control versus those I can't. I can control my diet, exercise, etc. I can't control government decisions, travel bans, the economy, my employers' decisions, family members' beliefs, colleagues' unhelpful comments, etc.

3. Write a list of possible positives arising from the COVID-19 outbreak. You will surprise yourself. Every dark cloud has a silver lining.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Pinkjules1984 — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 09:02:58 GMT

I have dealt with my anxiety over the last year & i’m due to get married next month. The Covid-19 pandemic is really peaking my anxiety. We are due to get married in the UK next month with half our guests travelling from Australia and my anxiety has reached new levels this week with all the talk of travel bans etc.... any advice or coping strategies greatly received

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Matchy69 — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:41:11 GMT

I dont think the government is telling us the whole truth about the coronavirus.The prime minister has made gatherings of 500 people or more illegal.All sporting games are being played without spectators.What about schools and shopping centres are they going to be shut down to that have 500 or more.I just want the truth from government.I am scared now and my anxiety is through the roof.I am scared for my kids.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Gambit87 — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 00:45:15 GMT

To be honest,

I'm not afraid of the coronavirus, if I get it, I get it. It appears to be nothing more then a bad cold.

I do worry for my parents, particularly my dad because he has heart issues.

My main problem is the hysteria because caused by the government/media. Which has caused people to panic buy which is causing vulnerable people to miss out on basic supplies.

Now the banning of mass gatherings?

I'm going to sound selfish here (and im sorry if does - I know all the banning's and stuff is in the interest of public health) but I hit long service leave in 36 days and I cant go overseas! (well I probably could if I really wanted to) I was really looking forward to going on a overseas holiday! tonight, I was looking forward a hawkers market - but that got cancelled because of this mass gathering ban.

I don't know - I guess im feeling a little trapped at the moment?

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

quirkywords — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 00:47:27 GMT

Thanks for this thread.

think the trouble with understanding all the decisions the govt makes is they are following advice from medical people who are trying to see the big picture and stop the spread.

School have been closed down already.

I have picked a person who I trust as he has years of science experience. I find if I only listen to one reliable person it makes it less confusing.

I am still coping with affects of the fires, and now with corona I am trying not to be alarmed.

I have been self isolated all year.

Take care everyone

Quirky

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Iann — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 03:06:26 GMT

Hello all, Thank you for this much needed forum, I live alone so I find my mind has been overloaded with THE NEWS ! ///Coronavirus (COVID19)

.... I came across a new book ' Don't Read The News ' ... " the NEWS is to the mind what sugar is to the body " Rolf Dobelli ".. author. rang home to me. I'm reducing ( alot) the news ..online/print/and TV and I feel much better. I can still be informed I feel. I feel this is an opportunity to be more of the 'real' me. ... staying home etc. I need to remember being alone is different to being lonely. May we all be well, happy and free. iann

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

beav — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 19:33:47 GMT

I am a public school primary teacher. I’ve been concerned that teachers are being used to keep the economy grinding along with the excuse that kids are safer in classrooms than in the community. Kids are in the community anyway. I’m worried for my own health as I have a rare health disorder which behaves unpredictably when i‘m sick. Many health professionals are saying schools should be closed now. I’m not understanding why they’re being kept open. This whole thing worries me quite a bit. Surely aggressive social distancing is wise? I feel frustrated by being treated as dispensable when other workers are being told to work from home.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Matchy69 — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 21:13:47 GMT

My question is how far do we go shutting down things?Do we close schools or what about shopping centres?I went to a shopping centre yesterday and people were coughing.Should we have to wear mask in shopping centres?

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Ggrand — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 00:43:43 GMT

Hello Everyone...🤗..

I didn’t..Well I hoped that the virus wouldn’t come out my way..unfortunately it has...and with small hospitals out here..no beds...they have been told to home quarantine themselves..but will they?...

Im more concerned about my children and their families living in the Sydney suburbs....I’m scared for them..

One of my sons msged me and told me decided to take his family to the markets today for a day out..These are big markets with hundreds of people walking around..I wish they had shut that down as well...Now I’ll be worrying for the next few weeks if they okay...

Its really scary for my family and what’s happening....I hope it all goes away soon...

Grandy..

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

quirkywords — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 01:23:05 GMT

Grandy, matchy, beav,Iann and everyone reading

I think the experts are trying to workout the best way to handle the virus.

I wonder if it is the unpredictability of the virus that is creating so much anxiety.

Human minds are good at predicting the worst.

I know research shows that people tend to overestimate how terribly they’ll be affected by negative events and underestimate how well they’ll handle and adjust to difficult situations.
Be aware that you areprobably more resilient than you think.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

PatienceBay — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 01:43:23 GMT

Hi Gambit87,

Your disappointment and frustration are valid. You have been planning your LSL for a long time and you have worked hard for it consistently over many years. Yes, the situation IS horribly unfair and frustrating. All your feelings are normal. I hear you.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

PatienceBay — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 01:52:56 GMT

Hi beav,

I think your feelings are valid in the circumstances. In your situation, I would probably feel exactly the same.

Thanks for sharing your feelings with the group. It's totally OK to go through the full range of emotions during times like these. Remember to reach out to friends and colleagues who get it. You don't have to face these feelings alone.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Matchy69 — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 02:26:38 GMT

Their is a lot of panic going on which triggers more panic.At the moment their has been 250 confirmed cases in Australia with a population of 25million.