Anxious about WA’s border

[Liss-]

Hi all, WA border is coming down in 2 weeks time and my anxiety is through the roof as there is so much of the unknown since we’ve been living in a bubble throughout this pandemic.

I’ve never had a formal diagnosis eventhough I suspect that I’m someone with high functioning anxiety. In the past I’ve found ways to cope using self care method, physical exercise, various relaxation techniques and healthy diet but am finding it very difficult recently.

My mum is stuck overseas for past 2 years, so there’s the anxiety of trying to get her on a plane to get back to Perth (which has proven impossible due to border situation and lack of connecting flights from a small town and the challenge remained to this day)…

I’m also highly stressed at work as I’m in management in health care and the lack of directives from the government and the upper management is causing a lot of anxiety for staff which has its impact on my own mental health. I’m anxious about the impact of extra workload on top an already demanding role; worried about the ongoing uncertainties and just feeling the pandemic-fatigue big time. I’m experiencing poor sleep, increased agitation and inability to “switch off”… any advice will be greatly appreciated

[white knight]

Hi Liss, welcome

Sorry its taken so long to respond, sometimes posts slip through the net.

We are not professional mental health staff however most of us are people that have experienced what you are going through.

My view is that worry and anxiety are two separate things, both can be debilitating and in your case they have manifested to high levels. Here's my take on the topics you've raised-

• Worry is obvious when you are dwelling over issues that are beyond your control
• Anxiety isnt something easily overcome without professional intervention, medication and therapy
• Government actions/inactions is presenting confusion in these troublesome times. I think the main reason for this is (although they wont admit it) because once in 100 year pandemic means we arent prepared mentally for it. Hence they are also making decisions based on a "on the run ongoing changes to the disease". This means they are reacting to the development of the disease as thats all they can do. It results in us the public wanting more leadership and we tend to criticize them more than ever. I think sometimes we are wanting reasons to point the finger but in reality they are actually doing all they can in a menacing situation.
• That the medical profession has been pushed to limits. We have to be patient. Patience is not something we can buy.

I've compiled a list of threads below. Just read the first post of each and I'd be interested in whbat you think if it helps at all.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/worry-worry-worry

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/depression-distraction-and-variety

The following one includes contact here at Beyondblue

https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/coping-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak

TonyWK

[Petal22]

Hi Liss,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it would be difficult for you.

Have you thought about speaking to your gp about the anxiety you are feeling and how it’s affecting your life?

You could do a mental health plan together this will enable you to see a psychologist who can give you many strategies for anxiety.

[geoff]

Hello Lisa, I'm really sorry that your mum is stuck o/s and the governments make a decision and then retract on what they're said, so it's so confusing not only for you and your mum but for everyone.

Nobody knows what's going to happen next, and wonder whether you are able to talk with her visually on your phone or the computer.

Take care.

Geoff.

[jaz28]

Hi Liss,

Welcome. I am sure you are a bit more conflicted now that the premier has suspended the opening...

[jaz28]

Sorry accidentally clicked post!

...I am sorry you cannot get your mother home to see her. My dad is stuck in WA working (I am in SA), and it is hard for him as well because he cannot get home to see my siblings and I.

Have you considered seeing your doctor about your anxiety? A psychologist really helped with mine.

The uncertainty is sure frightening in a pandemic. But I am sure WA will be more prepared than any other state when they open.

I hope things improve soon,

Jaz xx