Corner of Struggle Street & Alone Avenue

[Keeeks84]

Hi All,

I'm new here.

I ended up here after I google searched why my tongue was dry and apparently it's from anxiety - which makes sense because these days, my anxiety is through the roof.

I live in Sydney and in one of the LGA's in lockdown. I am not allowed out of my LGA and I don't know anyone that lives within a 5km radius to join the singles bubble.

All of my friends and family are in the other LGA's that are locked down. I live alone and I am so thankful that I still have a job and can work from home. I know alot of people are unable to which I couldn't imagine how hard that would be.

On the weekend I had major anxiety. I've always struggled with it but last weekend was just ridiculous. I am struggling with not knowing how long we are going to be in this for. I understand the need for a lockdown, however, it doesn't seem to be improving anything. Not being able to see my family and friends really sucks. Before the complete lockdown, I was able to go to the office a few days a week which was great, because I had people there to talk to. I work for a great company and everyone that works there is like family. So not seeing them every day is hard. Obviously we talk on the phone but it's not the same.

I worry every day that I have the stupid disease. Even though I've hardly left the house. The last time I went somewhere was last week when I had my first Pfizer vaccine. Since then I've had a negative test. I've stopped watching the 11am updates because it's too depressing and I've stopped going on facebook every 5 seconds. But even without that, you still can't avoid it. It's when the ads come on and they tell you how dangerous it is and that you should get vaccinated. There's no escape.

My work has some agreement with councellors so I started with them. I need control over this. I've also emailed the Premier (lol) and NSW Health asking if I am able to move in with my Dad and sister for the duration of the lockdown due to my mental health. Just waiting on their response as I don't want to do it and then get in trouble. I'm a sucker for rules and I don't like to break them.

I'm also grieving the loss of my Aunty who passed in May. I feel like i haven't had the chance to feel it. I spent a long time looking after her in her final months. It's hard to grieve when you can't see your family because you feel so alone.

So that's me in a nutshell.

I hope you're all keeping safe and soldiering on.

[jaz28]

Hello there,

First of all, I'm so sorry that you're experiencing anxiety. Being in a lockdown certainly doesn't help! I send love from South Australia, every day I see the case numbers in Sydney rise and it is upsetting. Although it sucks, it is the best way to get the virus under control and stop it from spreading. So even though being alone is stressful for you, you should know that you are doing amazing by staying home and doing the right thing.

I am glad you are getting in contact with a counsellor, that is a great place to start. If you are confident enough to leave the house, I would go and see a GP and maybe get a mental health plan. I assume GP's are open in Sydney? If not, maybe ring your GP and see if they do telehealth. That could get you started on the right path for a referral to a psychologist if that is something you would be open to as a way to help manage your anxiety.

Again, I am not sure about Sydney, but when we had a recent 7-day lockdown in Adelaide, you were allowed to visit someone to provide care or for "compassionate reasons" which I think includes mental health support. Maybe that is something to look into?

I agree that staying with your family would be a great idea. In Adelaide, we have a COVID hotline, which you can call to ask questions about COVID or restrictions? Does NSW have anything like that? You might be able to get through to someone easier and quicker that way.

I am so sorry you are feeling this way. It is only natural in a pandemic with these lockdowns. Just try to stay in touch with people virtually as much as you can, and remember to practice mindfulness and stay positive (I know it's easier said than done!).

Sending love,

Jas.

[BugsBunny21]

I’m so sorry to hear about your Aunty passing. It sounds like you’ve got a fair bit going on. I don’t know if this helps but you can absolutely move house during this Covid times! It’s on the NsW health website and you can also call the hotline to confirm. I moved residence as well for my mental health and I also confirmed how many helpers could assist with the move, all by calling the hotline. It’s great you’ve got your job, do you have any hobbies you can pick up? It’s such a challenging time but it won’t be forever. I know what it’s like to live on your own, it has its pros and cons. You sound like you’re really aware of your emotions which is the start to feeling better again. Look into moving house as there are exceptions in this situation

[The_Bro]

Gidday Keeeks84

A big welcome to our forum! I can see it has taken courage and thought for you to write your post. I can see that Jas and Bugsbunny have both made some very helpful points in their replies to your post.

I also congratulate you on your strong family ties and values which shine out of your post. I am one of six kids, we are lucky to be a functional family with zero feuds, and it is so sad to hear of a family when members have a falling out and don't speak to each other.

This blimmin Covid thing has a lot to answer for doesn't it! The media are loving it with their very dark updates, the worse the news, the better it seems to them. I wonder how the media will cope when it improves? My wife now refuses to watch the mainstream news bulletins because of their inflationary negativity.

Living alone can be awesome and a great way for you to get to know yourself. I can see you choose to do this and are not a recluse as you love and miss the social contact and stimulation of your workmates. Don't we all?

A couple of very simple things to try (if you haven't already) are a Zoom mini get together with some friends, Have a wine and nibbles handy and you'll be the envy of the group! The second thing is a very simple facetime call with friends and family. If kids are present, they can 'animate' you face as you talk and other stupid but funny things.

In regards to moving in with you father and sister, I agree with Jas and Bugsbunny and can't see any issues with that at all. Awesome idea! You may need a letter from one of your Counsellors.

Over the next day or so I intend create a thread on our forum about how our Olympic athletes are coping with sudden quarantine, right on the heels of being in the adoring public eye. The common thread is they like to have a schedule and keep busy every single day. Some of them just don't have the time to get depressed or feel anxious!

So I do hope this has helped a little bit - please stay in touch and let me know how you are going. We are here for you.

The Bro

[Keeeks84]

Hi all,

Thank you so much for your responses.
I contacted NSW Health yesterday (thanks Jas) and they lady gave me the ok so move in with my Dad and Sister for the lockdown! The relief! So I went for a covid test today just to triple check that I am ok. That should come back in the next few days and I will move on the weekend. She basically said it was 'compassionate'

Yesterday I deactivated my facebook because every second post is covid related and I can't deal with it all day. Like your wife The Bro, I do not watch the news. I couldn't tell you how many cases there are today. I have felt a little lighter that it hasn't been in my face today.

Yesterday I woke up and decided that I was going to make myself have a good day. I put music on and cleaned the my place and danced and sang. Sent silly snapchat videos of myself singing to my friends. Then I did a jigsaw puzzle to keep my mind busy. Today I organised Zoom trivia with my family which was good. My nieces (3 year old twins) jumped on the video and showed us their drawings (or scribble). It's hard being away from them but hopefully we will see them soon.

This forum has really helped me. While I know that I'm not the only one in the world feeling like this, its nice to read posts and actually realise that I'm not alone. Does that make sense? I kind of hid my anxiety about this while supporting my friends who are struggling.

I think that if I was able to go to the office, I would be fine. But I know that me not being there is helping to stop the spread. So thankful that I can work from home. I don't know what I would do if I didnt have that. And I know that alot of people don't and that breaks my heart.

[jaz28]

Yay! I am glad you can move in with your family and are feeling better.

These are uncertain times, but it is certainly great that you are finding the positives!

Stay well!

[Keeeks84]

Hi Jas,

Well i stayed with my Dad and Sister for a month and moved back to my own place 2 weeks ago. It was just what I needed. With the 70% plan that the NSW government had, I moved back home knowing that there was an end to this. I don't plan to go out partying, but knowing that from Monday I can see my family, that changes everything.

Anxiety is still there. It always will be so I need to learn to deal with it. However, I'm not down like I was when I first posted. I would cry at the drop of a hat.

[jaz28]

Hello,

I am glad to hear it. Finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Hope things start to get better.

All the best,

Jaz.