Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Sophie_M
Moderator
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.  
3,208 Replies 3,208

Hanna3
Community Member
She sounds sweet meforcats! I'd love a cat as company for Mr Sam, but I can't get one during this virus - hopefully some time in the future - I reckon Sam would like a furry friend!

Maybe we could have a sensitive news service for all those who may experience greater anxiety. Rather than the blunt and forceful message presented (which has worked for most people), perhaps an update through a spokesperson with softer people skills. Perhaps a “Beyond Blue News report on ABC or the like.

SapereAude
Blue Voices Member

Read this interesting article in The Age by Jessica Watson. Jessica sailed solo around the world, beginning her voyage at 16.

Whilst her isolation was different, still good to read her thoughts on how she coped.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/jessica-watson-on-surviving-this-isolated-life-20200401-p54g18.html

I cope by phone conversations and walking...

Writing and lists makes me feel more in control

Just putting pen to paper

I watch movies that are so unrelated to my current state and emotions - foreign films, films set in different times and places... good distraction...

I do try and stay away from people who hvae a hectic attitude to the current events - they can bring you down so easily.

Hi Everyone 🙂 Great to have your life experience and clarity during this crappy time Sara 🙂

Thankyou Just Sara and Paws for helping out with the 'Blue Voices' survey info above

Just Sara mentioned.....

"You need to join 'Blue Voices' before they send you updates etc. It's not the same as being a member of this forum. At the top right hand side of this page, just above the Log-in and Register Buttons, it says Blue Voices. Tap on it to go and register, then you'll get a blue badge under your username that says; "Blue Voices Member"

be well x

Paul

Hi SapereAude

I like your thinking. Bb has received funding ($15m) to devise and provide a mental health response to the pandemic, so who knows. In the meantime...

My daughter has a mental health condition (OCD and GAD). To help her cope during this crisis, our deal is this:

  • She does not listen, watch or read the news.
  • I watch/read the news early morning (before she awakes).
  • Then I tell her only what she needs to know on a daily basis in a way she can handle.

Kind thoughts to you

Hi Summer Rose....Just a quick note of sincere appreciation

" I think the blunt, strong messages were designed to ensure maximum compliance. They had to "cut through", people had to sit up and listen and then step up and act--and it worked" Thankyou so much for being so accurate! Good1

my kind thoughts

Paul

geoff
Champion Alumni

Hi All, this COV-19 has not only surprised all of us but our government both federal and state have introduced strict measures to keep this virus from spreading.

The same should have happened in 2017 when the flu affected an enormous amount of people who passed away, far more than this current virus, but we'll learn from what we have done and what we've been allowed to do next time and be much quicker to respond.

How we behave is going to affect anybody with a mental illness, either way, and it's imperative that we keep our minds focused on the tasks we want to achieve.

It's going to change how we greet people in the future, how we know what to stock in the cupboards, freezer or general household and certainly mindful of how we go about our duties.

Stay safe.

Geoff.

Guest_1584
Community Member

Yeah it's all a bit of a catch 22. l mean they needed to jump on this and hard a month ago and that's what they've tried to do. They needed the message out there loud and clear then , not in a few wks or months , right then but if people took a few more wks or mths to start taking it seriously that'd be too late . lt was a shock to everyone no doubt l couldn't believe what was happening sat there jaw dropped for the first wk or two. Thing is though those weeks were crucial , tight there and then . So persponally l can't really see how else they could've put it across because anything less would've just set this thing free for a few more weeks and be 20 times worse, more maybe. l mean the vic prem said something 3wks ago that spelt it out and sent me sick to the stomach , but he was right , and before that l didn't realize just what all this was . Abd he was holding back , he could've said much worse and you could see he didn't wanna say what he said but reporters kept pushing it and questioning it's seriousness , he had no choice.

l was worried sick about the kids too , but even my daughter 18was like ahhh. whatever, so what do you do , she can't be like that. We had to scare her a little bit into taking care and that broke my heart bc l know what she's like and l didn't want it to have to get to that wake her up , l didn't even want her woken up and scarred , but before that she was just doin and going what and where she wanted and thought it was all just a big fuss over nothing. Well we can't give her 3wks to start taking it seriously no one had that time,

So , l think it was probably all an on purpose just had to be thing myself and if we look at where it all is now then really , just thannks God they did really because it's working . So yeah, it was all a really tough call to my mind.

Hi PatienceBay,

My sentiments to you... (I don’t drink alcohol) but I’ve had the same thoughts and done the same thing with removing Caffeine dependence from my diet over the last week and a half... I went full cold turkey (which I do not recommend - but I only have two switches it seems... and they are All or Nothing so I’m dealing with it my way) the flipside to this I believe amongst some other subconscious influences which I’ve outlined in a separate post has been a major trigger of the high anxiety I’ve been experiencing the past week or so coupled with some adverse freak outs I’ve had overthinking the while COVID situation.

I realise all our lives are different regarding the spaces and environments we inhabit so I get that not all of us have the luxury to run to the hills or even walk outside in nature but just wanted to share here with everyone a couple of thoughts and actions I’m doing to help reduce some of my anxiety levels while dealing with the current state of affairs...

  • Limiting my exposure to COVID media reports (actually I’m currently not watching anything to do with it atm). Nothing. Nada.
  • No more watching US and global political commentary online
  • No more watching my daily doses of ‘Outrage Culture’ and regular hyper opinionated commentators online
  • I still need the internet for work but I’ve hardwired my computers with ethernet cables and Shut off the Home WIFi so there’s less ‘invisible noise’ in the immediate space around me.
  • Drinking warm (boiled water) (no tea or stimulants) to be softer on my insides for the moment
  • Controlled Slow deep breathing through my nose filling my stomach and lungs and slowly exhaling through my mouth - this seems to ground me and bring my hyperactive imagination back to a manageable level when I start overwhelming myself by thinking too much
  • Staring at the night sky and watching the stars
  • Acknowledging that the manufactured fear we are being subjected to by the media is a means of controlling us. Don’t let fear or the current lack of (power of) control get the better of you. You are in control!
  • Crying - seriously let that flow like a waterfall if u can... it really helps clear some stuff out !!
  • Reading other’s experiences in these forums (see crying above)
  • Having conversations about other things - or with less emphasis on the negative aspects of the global situation.

Remember your subconscious is the true genius... your breathing goes wrong the moment your conscious self meddles with it!

+++

BlueSmoke