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.  

[Sophie_M]

Thank you for sharing that with us Elizabeth CP.

You say you've been finding it hard to add anything positive lately and yet you give us these lovely examples of things that are within your control right now that you are doing to improve your lot.

What I'm doing I'm focusing on doing what we can to stay as well as possible including regular exercise and healthy eating. Some therapists are providing help through telehealth which we are using.

I'm trying to arrange for help with extra cleaning & gardening to keep home as safe, clean & comfortable as possible while we can't get out.

This is exactly the sort of thing we want to see on this thread as it is so helpful, constructive and therefore supportive to others.

Thanks again to you and all those contributing to make this the safe, non-judgmental and welcoming thread it is, which for many is their first experience with our valued online forums community.

We appreciate your efforts.

[Speak Your Truth]

I do know, of course, that we are all in this Coronavirus situation “together,” that probably everyone has a range of difficult situations to manage, that I am not the only one, but ....

Yesterdays news about 3 months of isolation has really thrown me, and to think of 6 months is absolutely mind blowing so I am really worried how I will cope. And as well as that I had major surgery earlier this year, a close friend died recently, there’s an ongoing drama involving police next door, I have financial worries ...

I know many of the things I need to do but my depression which was under control until recently is coming back and it scares me. I live alone, my only family of one lives far away and hardly ever keeps in touch, nearly everyone I know has family and/or people they live with and most seem to be hunkering in their own little bubble. I feel so isolated and quite desperately want a hug and some kindness, some supportive words. To think of being with somebody to have a cuppa seems like a very far off luxury. I need to vent, so here I am.

[CalmCat]

I hear you Speak Your Truth.

Are you taking this as it all comes? Day by day? Sounds like you've been through so much. My hat goes off to you for all your courage.

I am and just battling the hard moment as they hit. I love how deep you were with your post, we need more of it.

[Summer Rose]

Hello all

I am very concerned about the mental health of our community and, frankly, all Australians. This has really been getting me down, particularly as there are so many special need groups in this crisis.

I felt much better after learning that bb has been given $15m to launch an appropriate and effective mental health response. Even better, we all have a voice in how the new service will work and what it will do.

I encourage everyone to hop onto the bb website and contribute by completing the short survey. It's just another way that we can all help each other.

Kind thoughts to you

[PamelaR]

Spot on Summer Rose. Very good idea indeed.

Hi Elizabeth CP - long time no speak. I have to agree with Sophie. You often put yourself down, however, from where I sit you are a tower of strength. Everything you've been through and have to go through. You're awesome - you always give hints about what you need to do to stay well.

To all the others who I've had little time with - it's great to see you sharing your experiences to help others. That is so needed and you know, the media does not focus on all the good that's going on, it hones in on the hardships. One of the best ways I cope is to limit as much as possible exposure to news reports and current affairs programs. I find other stories out there that are uplifting - who is helping who; what people are doing to work around isolation; listening to the results of the work arounds.

I'm one of these people some hate to have around because I try to find the positives in all the negatives. Well, to be honest if I hadn't done that all my life I don't think I would be here now. That's how I've kept going, kept living, and continue to enjoy my life.

What I've had to do over the past couple of months with all the disasters that have occurred is to bring a balance to how I think about what's happening. I think I'm doing this, but in the space and place I want to give some hope and positivity. Things are going to be different, they will never be the same. The hope is it will be something better than it was before.

Summer Rose has given a great suggestion - go and do the survey. Have your say to help shape what's needed for our community.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Speak Your Truth]

Thank you Doz86, Summer Rose and PamelaR for your replies. As I said before I know many of the things I need to do - I have access to Kanopy movies, books, various crafts and music. Also I am sewing face masks to be used for training in my local hospital. As I live by myself I have no worries with any form of domestic violence, so for all of that I am so, so grateful.

PatriciaR I acknowledge your positive take on life and there were times in my much younger life where I was positive and happy all or most of the time - and I got jumped on for being a Pollyanna. Over the years that has been very hard to take. When I haven’t been positive and happy I got jumped on for being negative, so I never feel like I can win. I’ve been on the regular forum here before (I have a long history of depression and anxiety, probably as far back as childhood) up until about 18 months ago when I managed to pull myself up and out of my depression, but it never really goes away - it lurks in the background.

But things I am dealing with now are common to many people, especially those living alone. I am a senior so in a vulnerable category, plus being post-surgery I am more vulnerable for that reason too (reduced immune system). I have no-one to shop for me although there are locals on Facebook offering to help, a service I haven’t used yet, and of course Woolies and Coles (at cost). Although I do drive and can go shopping myself I am getting to the stage where I worry about community transmission, about being asymptomatic and able to infect other people. I have a good fridge but freezer space is limited and I need to keep meat for my dog as well, so I need to shop small loads, frequently.

I only know 2 households in my street, but the rest I don’t even know by sight. I get a wave occasionally but no-ones checking in on me except for one family, who have two very small children who are very, very worried for them. I really don’t understand or believe the “Australians are there for each other” and all that guff sprouted during the fires and now with Covid. So many people can’t make eye contact, even under normal circumstances, avoid you as if they think you’re after their money, or that you're some sort of alien. Where I live - rural coastal area - it is very cliquey and snooty also. These are more of the things so many people experience.

I think I’ve probably said enough for tonight. Thanks everyone 🤗😘

[Speak Your Truth]

Summer Rose or PamelaR can you tell me where I find the survey ?

[Hanna3]

Hi Speak,

I could relate to a few things in your post! Like you I'm a senior, and have the same trouble with very limited freezer space so I have to keep going out to the supermarkets to restock - and have to go even more frequently because the stockpiling means that many of the things I need simply aren't there and I have to go to one shop after another, or go again the next day, etc, when I'd rather not be there!

I moved to a new town just before the fires - came down with influenza just after arriving here, knew nobody, spent about 8 weeks sick, by then we ran into Christmas/New Year so nothing was happening socially for me to join, then bushfires close to here and severe heatwaves, and just when it was cooling down and I could actually start getting a social life together, the Covid19 and everything is cancelled!

In my street I'm disappointed that none of the neighbours talk to each other or mix at all. During the heatwaves, which were incredible and I have no aircon - my neighbours ran their aircons all day and night and never checked on me. My little much loved dog nearly died despite all my efforts. I still don't know how we got through it. I wanted to move away but now we're stuck with the virus making moving near impossible (plus other factors for me, ie. not much money).

I have elderly friends in the City who are in their 90s and disappointed none of their neighbours have asked if they need any help, or are they OK? I am disappointed that more people don't make any effort to make contact. At Christmas I put a Xmas card into all the neighbours' letterboxes from me to say hello, but no response from any of them.

I have plenty of interests but was looking forward to some U3A courses, book club, enjoying cosy cafes in the cold weather ahead etc. We have to make the best of it, I have take away coffee in the park and get an ice cream and have it in the park and we go for long walks and at least meet other people walking their dogs too.

You're welcome onto my thread anytime, it's Anyone had to spend days alone with nobody to talk to? We are a few ladies who chat about this and that, mostly our dogs, daily life, whatever. Take care. I know all about cliquey coastal towns too... although I'm inland now (big mistake).. cheers.

[meforcats]

A wave to you quirkywords. I like the name. This is my first post.

These are crazy times. I was afraid of slipping back into depression after being so well and involved for a few years now. But tonight I wrote a list of things to do and help. I've got some structure now. I've been walking with George Michael on my phone or Adam Lambert from Queen. It's great for taking my mind off worries. I've also done online workouts.

I've been grieving about the loss of all my outside activities. I miss the cafes. But I'm hoping to gradually come to terms with the new normal.

Keep well everyone. meforcats.

[Hanna3]

Hi Speak, I found it under BB forums but the survey is closed now - looks like it's too late to add anything. Best wishes.