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.  

[Carolyn_Rae]

Boy, oh boy.

My second week working from home. I'm struggling with the non-existent face to face camaraderie with my work family.

That plus managing my Bipolar and being surrounded by my partners issues (he is ex-navy and has PTSD).

Feeling low at the moment, my medication stops me from sinking lower.

I'm sooooo grateful for what I do have (a job, a roof over my head).

I'm an empath who loves giving and receiving hugs- look forward to the day that I can do that again.

Take care everyone.

[Guest_1643]

Hey GenR - how are you doing with the substituted social interactions?
Online is different but it has some perks... I actually feel more comfortable seeing my psychologist on telehealth! I can talk more freely - what a weird.
Definitely hard with mental health issues over this time, although in some ways i feel more prepared than others, as i've learnt so many coping strategies that can be applied easily now.
I hope you are well and i think that's so cool that your understanding of microbiology is helpful now. There is so much confusion out there. Big win that you can have some understanding, it does help!

[Guest_1643]

here's to the empaths! i'm sure many around you are grateful to have such a caring person in their lives. That does sound hard regarding your husband and his PTSD. staying home can bring things up. I hope you are both okay and that the lack of hugs and social connections isn't playing on you too strongly... take care

[Caels]

I hope it's OK to post this.

Until today I have found that in isolation being in the garden has lifted my mood, just the act of being out with nature in the fresh air with insects and the earth has helped to keep me grounded.

Today, I don't know why but I've hit a low. I just lounged around unable to talk to friends on the phone or my husband, he doesn't understand depression or deep sadness/loss. I feel empty and could cry at the drop of a hat. I know my situation is not as bad as others and being grateful for things should help. I'm finding the media, with their terrible choice of words and dramatised pronunciation, very depressing because they never highlight the good things like those who have recovered. Yet I have to watch the news once a day incase something has improved or changed.

I find as each days passes, with no end in sight, that I am losing a bit more motivation and will to find ways to stay a positive and an active participant in an isolated life. I haven't felt this way since I was a teenager and as a young single adult when I first moved to Australia alone. I know it leads to me sitting on a mental fence working out if I let it all fall apart or I brush myself off and get on with things.

I hope tomorrow in the garden will bring a smile and lift the dark mood that has crowded my mind today. I hope that everyone finds a smile tomorrow.

[Lucas-L]

Hi Caels, it's great that you have shared your troubles, because talking to people is the best way to get through a difficult situation! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the nature, because that is a great way to practice mindfulness, and focus on something calm and pleasant.

It's perfectly understandable to be upset about the current situation, especially if you are suffering from depression. Physical activity also gives us dopamine. So please try to remember that things will feel better soon. Physical distancing is affecting our brain chemicals, but try to focus on the fun things you have planned for today.

Please don't get too attached to the news, because as you say, everything is dramatised. Remember to put this into perspective. The world has dramatically improved in past 20 years, and continues to get better and better. Poverty, hunger, child mortality, clean water and adult literacy have all improved two fold in that time, and will continue to improve.

I hope you're feeling better tomorrow, there's plenty to look forward to! Keep enjoying the garden, keep talking to the people you love and try to do as many fun or relaxing activities as you can (exercise, reading fiction, meditation, etc)!

[calmseeker]

Hi all,

So I thought I was doing ok with all the 'inside' time I have been having lately, until a trip to the shops for groceries highlighted otherwise. As someone who deals with panic disorder/anxiety, I often have times where I find it difficult to leave the house but force myself to and muddle through with some uncomfortable feelings but nonetheless in the end I get through. But wow, yesterdays trip out was really difficult - I felt so out of place and uncomfortable, a bit sweaty and my eyes were flitting around. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I think I might need to go for a few more walks during the day in order to eliminate that agoraphobic type feeling that hits me when I need to go out for essentials. I am sure I am not alone with these feelings. Kindest thoughts to everyone in these strange times. CS xo

[quirkywords]

Welcome Lucas and Cael to the forum , and thanks for making your first post.

Lucas I like the way you used your first post to offer suggestions to Caels.How are you going Lucas. ? What is working for you and what is frustrating you.

As they say we are all in this together.

Caels, I think many can relate to plodding a long then suddenly hitting a bump and having a low day. I think it is important to acknowledge your feelings and the fact you feel like crying. These are difficult times.

Also give yourself credit for coping with a lot and for recognising how your garden has helped you.

Do you like succulents, or scented flowers or herbs or something small you could plant.

[quirkywords]

Welcome Carolyn Rae,

You are doing well as you coping with a lot on top of isolation.

I too have bipolar and I know I am always watching my moods.

There is a thread here called This bipolar life that you are welcome to browse . It is a friendly supportive group who help each other and understand about bipolar.

Being being aware of what is hard and also realising what works for you. Being grateful is good.

On this forum you can support people like you have done in being honest in this post.

Thanks for your post.

[Speak Your Truth]

Is there anyone out there in this forum land who can see some positives coming from “life after Covid19” ?

I know it is said in the media that Covid19 will always be with us, but in a more manageable way in the future (or words to that effect), but what else is in our future I have to wonder about

Can anyone offer thoughts on how we can look forward to happier, better, positive times so we can return to things that we have before this considered ‘normal’

I am looking for happy, positive things to hang on to, to keep me going.

[DedicatedToHealth]

I can see some, just a few mind you, positives now and in the future. Now - we can take time to pause and refocus how we manage our time, hear about vulnerable ppl in our community and reach out, establish new patterns (exercise). In the future - we can prepare for new events of this sort (at an individual/community/governance level), reconfigure supply chains so smaller populations in remote areas get goods set aside for delivery to their supermarkets etc, re-establish manufacturing/ag production for sustainability, develop models for retailers to limit purchases from the very beginning of a panic mode.

**my thoughts are with those doing it tough through this