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.  

[Ellu]

Dear Sleepy21,

Here is an old depression era way to wash clothes. Half fill your bath with warm water, pour in laundry liquid and put your clothes in the bath. Then, with bare feet, stomp up and down on the clothes until they are washed through. Pull the plug on the bath and refill it to rinse the clothes. You will have to wring them out by hand. Hopefully you have somewhere you can dry them.. good luck!

dry liquid

[Summer Rose]

Hi Jacey

If you are still around ...

I heard the issue of "retrenchments of nurses at private hospitals due to the cancellation of elective surgery" being discussed on today's ABC TV morning program. You are certainly not alone and the issue of how best to utilise this important nursing resource and private hospitals is bubbling up to the forefront. Hang in there.

[quirkywords]

Quarantined

hanks for your post and welcome to this thread.

I think very soon all people coming back to Australia will be quarantined in hotels and the police will making sure rules are followed. The Police in charge explained the people are not criminals but ordinary people who have been overseas . The police are there to help them.

I think that while the hotel means you are away from family at least you will be isolated. Also many people were not self isolating.

I started a thread Dear diary in staying well, where people can talk about how it feels daily to be self isolated.

You are doing well and there is support here for you.

You have not made a mistake you are following the guidelines that were in place.

[Hanna3]

2quik, The physical distancing measures are to try and help stop the spread of this virus and it's important to abide by them, it's for your safety and everyone else's. I don't think Australia has over-reacted at all when you look at what is happening in countries like Italy and Spain. I don't know which country you would move to - the USA is in a bad way and New York is in a terrible situation.

Please people understand the physical distancing, hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, are really important to reduce the spread of this virus! The restrictions are there to try to help safeguard as many people as possible and reduce the load on our hospitals. Thanks everyone.

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone

Hanna I agree that the health guidelines are important but I had woman scream at me to get back, before they had crosses, and was already so far away from her I wasn't getting served. I think we are all so anxious and tired that a little kindness is needed.

If I am standing in the wrong place, please just say to me in a soft voice where I need to stand. Mostly people say please and thank you and that is reassuring.

I think most of us are trying to follow guidelines and be resourceful and kind in these difficult times.

like the song that Neil Diamond parodied his own song sweet carloine, with the chorus hands, washing hands reaching out, I wont touch you, don't touch me sweet caroline…

I know sing it when I wash my hands makes a change from nursery rhymes.

I think celebrities making health messages are a great way to spread the hygenic guidelines.

[CalmCat]

Hello Forum Friends,

Hope you're all well.

I'd love to hear from you all, what are you doing inside to keep smiling? I'm making the below a route to help keep smiling in these trying time:

- Watch slow-tv on YouTube daily, with my favorite channel being "Village Life". It's so relaxing to watching the ladies cook start to finish (its a form of mindfulness).

- Do 10,000 set a day (only walk the block)

- Making sure I read all the posts on our forum

Looking forward to hearing what you're all doing,

Regards

[Guest_1643]

Hi Summer Rose - your rationale approach was so calming. Thanks for sharing how you're managing in your home. How are your kids doing with the new rules? It sounds like eveyrone in the household is working together and keeping an open line of communication.

I also do two walks a day, although I've been walking along a shopping strip and sometimes I don't like the way people are still congregating, and I feel they are a bit close to me as well. I'm maybe going to walk more in quiet streets going forward. But it's great to get outdoors during this time, with social distancing

[Andre_P]

I totally know what you mean. For me it’s not just the isolation that bothers me but the fact that if I need help now I feel like I’m more alone and simply won’t get it (whether it’s a medical emergency or general help).

the panic of this whole thing is definitely worse than the virus. Whether u have anxiety or depression it makes no difference, times like this wreck havoc on your system.

ive been playing a bit of RuneScape online to take my mind off things. It’s been years since I’ve played 😁

[Elizabeth CP]

I agree totally with Andre. I would prefer really strict measures for a short time with total quarantine for anyone from overseas or in contact with the virus until it is controlled throughout the world. But at least if we were really locked down for a short period we'd stop new cases & be able to identify anyone with the virus & then get back to normality except for OS travel. Partial lockdown is just dragging it out and making it worse.

My husband has a chronic condition but he is now only able to get medical help over the phone but they can't check his chest & give proper advice. Procedures planned to reduce his risk of serious life threatening complication are on hold because hospitals don't have the resources to care for him properly during this crisis. As for getting any other help that is now impossible.

[Hoplah]

For the last two days, I’ve been trying to go for a swim in the ocean. I generally go for one every day. Where I live, the beaches/ocean pools are closed.

I have depression and anxiety, I don’t take medication, the ocean is my medicine. It caresses me, revitalises me, makes me joyous and calm.

I think closing our beaches, gyms etc will have a profound impact on people’s lives. I also believe this impact is underestimated.