Australia is moving into stage 2. But am I ready?

[macfan6]

Hi, My name is Kimberley, I'm 35. I live with my husband and son who is 4. My biggest worry with the coronavirus, is that I haven't been able to see my parents for two months. Now that Australia is slowly moving into stage 2 (as you know) we will soon be allowed to see friends and family and vice versa. But with not seeing my parents for so long, I feel anxious about the next step. How do we get back to normal with seeing each other again? They are in their 60's, and see themselves as high risk for coronavirus. I'm not even sure if they feel safe to see my family again. And I'm scared to ask.

[uncut_gems]

Hi Kimberly,

I think your situation is totally understandable, and if I had to guess, one a lot of people around Australia and the world are grappling with right now. Given how new all of this is, and how little truly solid info and guidance seems to be available, I think the best strategy is to simply be as communicative as possible with your parents about what they feel comfortable with, and what you would like.

In the coming weeks and months we will need to have lots of hard conversations with loved ones, who may understandably have very different ideas than we do about what risks they consider acceptable. May I ask if you are close with your parents (besides physically, I mean!)? I think your relationship with them will inform the best way forward to navigate this.

Would love to hear more!

Gems

[CalmCat]

Hi Macfan6,

Thanks for your personable post.

So many Australian will be thinking the same things as you are, this is normal in these uncertain times.

By simply talking about your worries, you are paving the step to success.

Just imagine all the smiles around Australia of all the grandmas and grandpas around seeing there grandkids for the first time in ages. This is a beautiful memories to cherish.

Best of luck, and enjoy the smiles.

Regards

Doz

[macfan6]

Thank you for your reply and helpful advice. I agree with what you said.

I have just asked my parents if they are comfortable with visits, and my mum said that she will think about it. It is hard to take, but I sense that they are not ready yet. I am going to respect that and give them time. I might suggest that when they are ready we could take the dogs to a quiet park for a short time. Maybe I might bring it up in a few weeks.

Yes, we are very close. We usually meet up at least once a week. My parent used to babysit my son often, until they signed up to lots of activities. They absolutely adore him, and miss him a lot. I talk on the phone with my parents daily, and my mum and I tell each other everything.

[macfan6]

Thank you for your reply. It is helpful to talk to others on here.

Yes it must be an amazing reunion for grandparents in Australia after not seeing each other for what feels like a long time.

[Belinda24]

Hi Kimberley.

I feel strange about coming out of isolation too. In fact, I don't want to. I've become accustomed to being alone all the time, only speaking to checkout staff once a week.

In a way, I'm dreading going back to my old life. It's SO peaceful being alone.

Problem is, I can feel my anxiety and depression getting worse.

Scares me cos I withdraw and don't answer my phone or return calls.

Despite that, I'll adjust. Change is always a bit hard at first.

Tomorrow is a new day.......

[lozzalovescats]

Hi Kimberly

I am also from Aus and the new restrictions are very worrying. I am a teen in high school and my greatest fear is somehow giving it to my grandparents. It is important to know that you don't have to physically hug your family you can just be near them talking. I understand this is scary and worrying but just think in 10 years COVID will be a part of the world's history. We will be focusing on the next thing soon enough when COVID is over so stay strong!

[blondguy]

Hello Kimberely

thankyou for being a part of the forum family! I just turned 60 back in December last year and dont see myself in the 'high risk group' as your parents do...My mum is nearly 90 and Im not going to visit just yet as she is frail

Can I ask how far you are from your parents? Of course its up to yourself whether or not you choose to visit your parents even with the current restrictions lifted. Since your mum has mentioned that she will 'have to think' about you visiting....just take your time until your mum is comfortable

This is a very difficult time for sure....even with the restrictions being lifted Kimberley..I hear you loud and clear

my kind thoughts

Paul

[macfan6]

Thank you for your reply.

I know what you mean about it being peaceful being alone. I’m an introvert, so I enjoy being alone sometimes (with the dogs.) But being away from friends and family can be lonely at times. I know how easy it is to settle in. But I think it is important to not let yourself get to used to it. I think that when the phone rings, you’ve got to push yourself into answering it. I hope I’m not sounding rude. I put off doing things sometimes too because of anxiety. But I know if I don’t do anything, it gets easy to do nothing. Like you said, that you feel your anxiety and depression getting worse.

I see you have a good attitude when you say “Despite that, I’ll adjust. Change is always a bit hard at first.” I hope that positive attitude helps you with slowly get back to normal.

[macfan6]

Thank you for your reply.

I hope that the lockdown isn’t affecting your school work too much. Thank you for your encouragement. I agree, we’ve got to remember that one day all this will be over.