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.  

[rememberme]

Hi Im new to this thread, I agree with the measures against the coronavirus. I had two casual jobs in Hospitality which have both finished, financially I am okay and will be able to weather it out for six months. My concerns are that I live alone and now only leave the house twice a week to go shopping, will I go crazy from loneliness and boredom (work was a big social outlet) and I wonder how bad the economy and job market will be once this is all over. Will I be re-employed or be able to find alternative employment or will it be a complete shit show. Also I adopted a cat four weeks ago and she has been an absolute blessing at this difficult time.

[Gambit87]

Hi everyone

Its so hard not to do your usual routine.

I'm walking to get a coffee in the mornings and going for short walks to keep the exercise up a bit. Staying home is hard haha.

I hope you all are doing well.

[rememberme]

Thats a good idea about doing the coffee run in the mornings I think Ill incorporate a walk and coffee into my daily routine should break the day up a bit.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi rememberme,

Welcome to the forum. Your post resonated with me today as I was talking to my friend in Canada who also has two hospitality jobs which have gone into hibernation and she also was expressing concern for her future and had some big questions as you describe about the hospitality and tourism industry, the economy, will it be the same again? AND today my brother just got a kitten (this was planned before the pandemic) and says it is blessing to have a new pet in the house.

As far as socialising during this time, you are already doing it to some degree. You are online, you are on this forum and posting. These are steps that not everyone is comfortable doing so well done for being here and reaching out in the public space.

So many of us have these big questions and it is truly an unpredictable space, even for our global leaders. Taking things slowly and not feeling pressured to know everything is important for our own mental health.

Allowing time to question the unknown is important but putting some structure around that time can help us to stay in a more practical space. In some therapy structures, you can even name it and call it 'worrytime' or something of the like.

For example, you could spend an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening worrying about the things you cannot control, but then put those worries in a box on a shelf and focus on some of things you can control such as time with your kitten, trying an online course or class, Facetiming others, using the BB forum etc.

The forum is a safe place to reach out and I hope you find many outlets across the different areas. You will see that there is social zone where many people connect and do games and other activities.

You are not alone.

Nurse Jenn

[rememberme]

Thank you for your response Nurse Jenn, . I will try setting time out to worry as you suggest and spend the rest of my time being more constructive. I love my kitty cat she is very spoilt and loves having me at home. She says thanks for the good advice and sends you gentle paw massages

[2BC_Gal]

Hi,

I love slow tv - I watch videos of people walking around. It is very relaxing.

[Luca_Brasi]

COVID-19 Hello every1. This is my 1st post. I just signed up. I live alone. I have no family in Australia. Friends I'd normally c r isolating. Joined 4 some socialisation & company 2 help 2 curb onset of possible depression. I have experienced episodes b4. I hope ppl r well & doing all possible 2 cope 🙂

[Black Bubblegum]

Hi Quirkywords,

Being at work if anything is actually making me worse. Due to the amount of people being laid off they've dumped 2-3 people's duties onto me so i'm running around like a maniac trying to get things done. I always dealt with disliking my job and my career path by thinking at least I have the weekend to look forward to, to motivate me but without that i'm struggling to not break down at work.

Literally the only reason i'm even trying is my parents. I'm trying to put on a fake smile so they don't worry.

I honestly felt like I was getting on top of my anxiety and depression, finding something to live for in the weeks leading up to this, I guess that's the universe's way of saying that there's no point.

[Lilly18]

Goodmorning
I have been waiting for my psychologist appointment a few months now it's coming up and I can't go as I am home with my young kids. I will call the office and see if I could talk can I email as an option, is anyone else in the same situation?

[quirkywords]

2BC Gal, Luca Brasi,

Welcome to the forum and this thread. Thanks for making your first post.

2BC Gal, I have not heard of slow tv, I may have a look.

Luca Brasi, I hope you can browse some of the threads and get support. You are not alone.

Black Bubblegum, I can feel the frustration and pain in your words. It does seem so unfair just when you felt you were getting on top of your anxiety and depression.

Who knows why this has happened at this time? I know I was so angry when the virus came as I was recovering from having my home and shop destroyed by the fires on NYE. I thought that would be enough to cope with but now this. I am thinking now when I get through this how resilient I will be,

It is hard , this is a chance for everyone to work together and support each other. You are worried about your parents and you are self aware enough to be aware of how this pandemic is affecting your health.

There is support and you are not alone.