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.  

[quirkywords]

Hoplah,

Welcome to the forum and this thread.

I am glad swimming helps you and brings joy and makes you calm,

Decisions are made in the interests to stop the virus spreading. People will be impacted but it hopefully stops the virus spreading and helps to flatten the curve.

Is there some other activity you can do that could clam you.

Thanks again for writing your first post.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sleepy21

In answer to your question, how are my kids coping with the new house rules? Pretty good, all things considered.

It was harder during the past two weeks because a lot of their friends were still getting together to hang out, go the beach, etc. But most of that has stopped at present, which makes life easier. They are both missing their partners deeply, so there's a lot of Face Time going on in our house.

We've started a game of Risk--for anyone who doesn't know, this is a board game and it takes a long time to finish this game--and play for an hour or so each day when we are all bored. We've also ordered a heap of books to make good use of the time. And we are talking, really talking.

This time for me with my adult children is a gift. Normally they are so busy with work (both have now lost their hospitality jobs), partners, gym and uni that I feel like we don't have time to really connect. A silver lining for me and hopefully many other families.

I'm like you, I'm frustrated whilst out walking that some people seem oblivious to the self-distancing rules. I feel like some people are still a little blase about it all. Same is true for the grocery store. Sometimes I'm tempted to gently ask people not to come too close to me but haven't as yet; I just move away from them. I'm conscious that many people are stressed and anxious at present and might not appreciate even a gentle reminder!

Kind thoughts to all

[CalmCat]

Hi Andre_P & others ,

I agree, if owe beaches are closed its going to put a stop to an amazing outlet. If been going to the local park instead.

On a personal leave, I have a new housemate moving in tomorrow. I'm really worried he won't like me because we will be living on each other. He works in childcare, so is still working for the moment. I'm just stuck on how to start an amazing relationship with someone in the different times.

regards,

[quirkywords]

doz,

I think he will be feeling a bit apprehensive too so be honest and have a chat about living arrangements like guidelines in the kitchen etc. Maybe a chat about cleanliness guidelines as everyone will be thinking about them.

Did you interview for the housemate?

[Ren]

Hey there, so glad you’ve found some entertaining viewing. It’s so important that you want to find something that you can have a genuine laugh at to stay on top of the blues. I also am thankful I love to read, I’ve got 6 books on the go right now lol If you have Netflix and like food and travel shows try one called ‘Somebody Feed Phil’...... I’ve have been belly laughing out loud. Especially as I’m in self isolation due to an autoimmune disease and a suppressed immune system etc... I hope you are all finding the small joys in our forced homestay!

[Guest_1643]

Hey Ellu - good tips!! what did people do before washign machines, right? They managed!

I finally washed my clothes and have clean stuff. I wander if laundromats will close now, since they have announced today that you can only have 2 people together at once. I did read somewhere though that they are essential and also taking care of yourself and having clean clothes is important. I left my stuff for weeks lol without washing... not great. Still trying to keep normality and remember self care in this difficult time. Thanks for your great tips

[Guest_1643]

Hey Ren - Welcome!!!! what books are you reading? What else are you enjoying on Netflix?? I'm actually so so bored and trying so hard to remember to do pleasant things and not just get lost in how mundane everything is getting. Now I'm off to boil up a healthy hot chocolate. Maybe journal a little... Would love to hear from others what is working for them to feel human and relaxed during these end-of-days times

[quirkywords]

Ren, I too welcome you to the forum and the thread.

I too have a few books going at once, Do you like fiction or non fiction or both?

Sleepy I think there have been quite a few posts where people explain what works for them and helps them be calm. It is always good to hear new ideas.

there is another thread How to take practical advantage of isolation that you may like to browse.

[Black Bubblegum]

Hi guys,

This thread has been a massive help, but today i've just been hit like a train with absolute misery feelings. I've been self isolating as much as possible for the last two weeks that I was on annual leave from work, but i'm headed back to work this morning as my company is deemed essential and I can't work from home.

Just the thought of this going on for months is tearing apart my insides, i'm lonely and desperately craving seeing people. A month I can handle, but seeing things that these doctors and scientists are saying 12+ months of this, I just don't see any value in continuing at the moment.

Sorry for being so negative 😞

[quirkywords]

Blackbubblegum

Thanks for your post and welcome to this thread.

I can understand that feeling of feelings so misery that takes you by surprise.

If you are back at work wont that mean you will have company at work or are you worrying about when you are at home?

It is overwhelming to think of the long term when all we can do is approach one day at a time.

Can you remind yourself daily that this is temporary.

Please take time to remind yourself that although this is very hard and will go on for an undetermined time.

It is part of life and it will pass.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feel free to do so as much as you like.

I find mornings hard too and I feel saddest then. Things will change and I do know that listening to lots of news can be very unsettling.

We are in this together . You are not alone and there is support here.

Take care