Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

[Sophie_M]

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.  

[Doolhof]

Hi Everyone,

It is wonderful we have this forum to connect on, to share how we are feeling, to be supportive and help each other where we can.

Expressing how we are feeling and reacting to situations in life like the Corona Virus can be so beneficial.

This virus is very concerning, I appreciate that enormously.

On a lighter note, I have enjoyed some of the clever songs that are floating around on social media.

Someone mentioned they had seen a photo of an Aussie style bidet, it was a sprinkler in a toilet!

Another person wrote up safe alternatives you could use instead of toilet paper. Might be worth a look.

May we all find ways each day, maybe each hour to get through this.

Kindest regards to all from Dools

[Summer Rose]

Hi all

This thread is great reading. Thanks for sharing all your good ideas for coping during this crisis!

Strictly listening to two sources of information is really helping me to feel that I am staying informed without getting confused. I've chosen the Chief Medical Officer and Dr Norman Swan.

Catching up on the virus news once a day helps to reduce the risk of getting overwhelmed.

Doing all I can to maintain good hygiene and follow the public health measures reduces my anxiety. Also, focusing on the facts, not media hysteria, helps to keep things in perspective.

Have made a list of jobs to do around the house, ordered books online and started writing again to keep busy. My adult children helped me to develop a home gym program. So actually feeling pretty good. I have a plan and feel some sense of control.

Keeping connected with others by phone. Yesterday my girlfriend and I each made ourselves a coffee in our own homes and then just talked on the phone!

Stay safe out there everybody. Try to stay calm. We will get through this together.

Kind thoughts to you

[quirkywords]

hi everyone

mrs Dools,

there are some good parodies, I heard in to the tune of I am going to was the man right out of my hair from South Pacific.

I read from a woman who has been in self isolation to just except that you have no control over the situation and try not to plan too much for the next month . Things change so fast

.She also said that the time goes very fast and all those things you might have planned to do like reading books or watch movies or TV shows or learn to play musical instrument or go through and tidy up all the papers you may not get around to doing.

.She You will be grateful for the little things

I’m wondering does anyone have a special project or a book or something that they have been putting off for a long time or something new they like to try?

quirky

[Guest_1643]

Hi Mark ,that sounds like a good plan 🙂

[amblonyxx]

Hello all,

Just signed up to this community because I just need support. I struggle pretty badly with anxiety normally so this pandemic has just pushed me overboard.

I'm taking all the precautions against it but all I can think about is running out of food. I live in a small country town and people from the cities have been coming to buy from our shops, leaving them just as empty but with longer delivery times. All I can think about is running out of food and my children going hungry.

Sometimes I can bring it all back into perspective but other times I'm just locked into panicked thoughts.

I think I mainly just wanted to vent that, I know that I need to get some self care measures in place but I'm just struggling

[Matchy69]

Hi amblonyxx yes i completely understand what you saying.I live in a small country town and i dont even have a general store here.I have heard of the other towns of having people come in from the city and cleaning them out.Where were these people during the drought when we needed them spending in the country towns.I am having faith in the government that if we have to go into isolation that they wont let us starve.

Take care,

Mark.

[Guest_1643]

hi amblonyxx this time is crazy and it It must be extra hard as a parent not knowing what the future will bring...i admire your concerns for your children, i know you want to be there for them and that they don't feel lack. I don't know how to handle the panicked thoughts,but sending you compassion and companionship in this, as we are all going through it together. Hope it helped you to vent and you have a calm day

[Arielle]

It's been a long time, i never experience the anxiety i'm experiencing right now, because of overthinking about this corona virus, lots of "what if"... in my mind. I have to slow down, avoiding the news, take one at a time, live day by day, count my blessing. Im telling to myself I'm still lucky compared to other people. I've been here before, I will overcome this, and this will be passed by.

Cheers everyone.

[Matchy69]

Just letting everyone know that the results of the suspected coronavirus case at the doctor surgery while i was there came have just came back negative.Which is a load of my mine.It took 4 days for the results to come back.

[Paw Prints]

Hi Matchy,

that's great news

Paws