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.  

[Gambit87]

I hope that the government increases the sessions! good to see they're not leaving mental health behind.

My partner and I did the grocery shop today - I was so excited haha.

I'm still seeing alot of people not practicing social distancing.

[blondguy]

There is always some good news 🙂

The hoarding of groceries has reduced...a lot...thank goodness!....went shopping today and there was heaps of stock...Shelves full of minced beef....fresh bread...Moo Juice....canned food......Its all good here...except for the lack of social distancing as Gambit mentioned above

[Gum_Leaf]

Morning All,

Something I’m really struggling with at the moment is my overwhelming shock and sadness when I see the figures of how many people in the world have died and are critically sick from this virus.

I’m also very scared and angry for countries like India with so many people living so close together. They are in complete lock down but I can’t even imagine how hard that is for them when a lot of people live in such small dwellings.

I don’t know how to manage my emphatic feeling at the moment. Any suggestions?

Take care of yourselves,

Mel

[Guest_1643]

Yes I was so excited - stores are filling back up with products. I got soy milk and oats yesterday.

I got a little TOO excited and took 3 boxes of soy milk, and the cashier told me nah-ah - i'm only allowed two. Forgot about that!

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone

Gum leaf, it is hard how other countries are treating people. I get upset too.

We cant control how other countries treat each other but we can be kind to each other here and patient.

I must be in an area we there are low supplies or lots of hoarders but am glad other shelves are filling up.

ow often are people going to supermarket? Is it more or less than usual?

Sleepy in other times buying 3 of something you use would not be noticed.

[CalmCat]

Hi Gum Leaf,

You sound like an amazing person, full of love for all.

One of my specialties is Geo-Politics, all I know is that each country is developing day-by-day. Once Australia was a bit rougher. Now we are so blessed, with the children of these countries most likely to be blessed like us in the years to come.

I think reaching out on this forum is a great way to utilities your empathy.

Regards,

[PamelaR]

Hi Doz 86

I like your wisdom, reaching out here is a great move for anyone.

Hello all, I've been away for awhile due to my own mental health, then Coronavirus happened. I haven't read through all this thread, as it's late and I must away soon. I'll start with looking at the questions Sophie posed at the top of the page -

What thoughts are helpful for you at the moment?

Being in the moment helps me. That is - focussing on me and those close around me (e.g. my husband). What I'm eating, what I'm doing (gardening, photographing, walking in the street keeping 2m distance, watching 007 repeats, keeping the cats amused, helping friends and neighbours). I don't think past that. To help me with this I only look or listen to the news very infrequently. Just so I know what is going on about me - i.e. what's closing, what's opening, but not enough to make me feel worse. To watch and to listen to news from overseas about how other countries are fairing is unhelpful for me. I cannot do anything to change what's happening,so why do I need to know about it. It's sad, awful and heartbreaking, but I do not need to think about it.
What are you doing to remain connected?

My main source of connection is through - Facebook, Messenger, Phone. I make sure that each day I look to see posts from my friends and family. How are things going for them. Is there a need to personal message them and to talk. In some case this is necessary. I stay in touch with neighbours who stay in touch with me. It's been really good. Then a relative who is in a nursing home was able to Skype me earlier this week. How good is that - the organisation has set it up. Wonderful.
How are you taking care of yourself and others?

Being mindful of what we are all experiencing. It's something completely new, profoundly changing and letting myself and others talk about our feelings at this time. That's been one of the very important things for me and my friends and family. Switching off the news, unless I think there is something we need to know about shutdowns etc.

I'll finish the last question in the next post.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[PamelaR]

Hi all,

The last question is:

What are you finding helpful in reducing your anxiety during this time?

Basically not reading, watching or listening to news reports, or current affairs programs.

Staying in touch with friends and family via social media. On Facebook I try to post funny jokes, to find and post new and innovative things people are doing in isolation. There are so many wonderful things happening out there. For example, an orchestra from the Netherlands played a performance - each musician was in their own home. The piece they played was remarkable. It made me realise how resilient we are. Then I saw another performance by musicians all over the world that was introduced by Ringo Starr - wow. He just rocked me.

These performances are available through YouTube. If you're up to it feel free to do a search for 'Playing for Change'. Here are some links that give me hope and that help me reduce my anxiety:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph1GU1qQ1zQ The Weight Featuring Robbie Robertson and Ringo Starr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNBtwsPigcc Ode to Joy

Then dare I say it, I've been listening to all the songs that have been rehashed to insert words about what's happening. Some may find this appalling, I've found it relieves my stress and anxiety no end. I won't list the songs here because they could be seen in bad taste. But if you're up for it you'll find a lot on YouTube. People are very innovative and creative in the down times. It's truly heartening, it gives to me hope, strength and resilience.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Temora]

Hi Sleepy21, This is my first post and it’s great to feel that you are not alone at this time and that many people are dealing with anxiety, depression and uncertainty. Making the most of the nice weather so have enjoyed sitting in my small garden. At least my two dogs love having me home. I think it will be hard over winter so need to find something new to learn. Have not been motivated as yet still trying to cope with the isolation and changes. Very worried about family overseas was planning on visiting them this year as they are older and have health problems. Not sure when I can now. I have a step mum in aged care that I cannot visit which is so upsetting as she is now quite frail. I have found putting on music and doing a jigsaw puzzle is really relaxing for me. A few hours can go by without worrying about anything else. So it’s a way of being mindful for that time. Old fashioned I know but it works for me.

Sleepy21 said: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

know but fun.

[Feeler]

Hi PamelaR

Limiting news helps me as well. I do check my news site three times a day (I feel shallow if I don't) but I don't -following my first look- go further down than I need to to know the local situation. I still have two other news outlets Liked on Facebook (I can't bring myself to even temporarily Unlike them) which has given me some difficult moments but I'am mostly feeling better for efforts to avoid as many developments as I practically can.

I too too have been staying in touch with friends. My Family are mostly at home with me but we keep in touch with my interstate Brother.

I'll be sure to check the orchestra video out.

All the best