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.  

[blondguy]

Hi Granger and Welcome to the forums

You are strong by posting and good on you! This is a very difficult time we are going through...I understand the way you feel...the poster just above (OskarS7) and many other members also mentioned sleep issues as well...Can I ask if you have a couple of friends that you can confide in? (for support during this temporary time)

I have also been doing what you have as well and using my PS4 for a distraction...If this lockdown period is interfering with your day to day well being....please call your GP and have a good talk....or you are welcome to start your own thread topic too! There are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for u!

Just my humble opinion Granger....You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by just talking to your GP

please be gentle with yourself...I really hope you can start up your own thread....My kind thoughts...Paul

[Doolhof]

Hi Everyone,

I realise this is a really tough time for so many people. I myself have been struggling with the changes and not feeling as though I am in control of much of my life .

My mental health was fragile before this all happened, so I can't expect myself to be a hero through all this and not be affected in some way.

There have been positives.

I am liking our home and garden more than I have in ages.

My neighbour is talking to me when we see each other outside.

My sister and I have been meeting up for social distancing walks and long chats.

Yesterday a couple of people stopped to have a chat with us as we were walking.

I called into a supermarket on my way home, the man in front of me at the counter was only allowed one bag of frozen chips and he had wanted two. The cashier explained she had to take one bag of chips from him.

I told the cashier I would buy the other bag of chips and was able to give them to the other customer. He was thankful.

I listened to the cashier as she told me how hard it was for her to tell customers they could not have what they wanted sometimes. I told her that must be difficult.

Walking out of the supermarket, I felt good, all over a pack of frozen chips and listening to the cashier.

Cheers all from Dools

[Guest_1584]

Thanks for the post oskar and l agree. l just feel like we're so lucky being where we are and this helps me through a lot . l don't have much trouble with the isolation thing miss being able to go places and do normal things a lot of course but the rest of my life isn't changed that much because l work at home anyway and don't see many people normally anyway. l've always been thankful of Australia and nz being way down here the way the worlds become this last 10 yrs or more but even more so lately.

One of my problems is though l just wish we were more stronger being just who we are and happy with who we are rather than our pm's getting tangled up with places like the us and the constant brown nosing and try hard , trying to be out there on world stages and it fills me full of sick to the stomach anxiety for Australia and often embarrassing shame too actually with our pms constantly insisting on doing this crap and dragging us into the mess of everything and the building mentalities in all sorts of ways going on os. Why can't we just be thankful that we aren't all that and appreciate being us and what we have here and being separated from the worlds troubles it really is a blessing in this day and age yet l constantly fear of what our pms will say or drag us into next more and more and chasing the almighty dollar 24/7 with their little big man syndromes , just wish our country would undo it's involvements. so at this very weird time in ways l'm almost thankful that we are more separated again right now and the worlds contact with us and our pm's with them is at least held back for awhile , still , there's still the phone and twitter and media overload and God help us,

So it's a very mixed bag for me but l am thankful that they at least found the nerve to stand alone again and follow nz in shutting us down because this is all really a blessing in disguise in so many ways and even more importantly it is keeping us safe and separated from the nightmares going on os. And l also have hopes that it will rejoin our nz bond as it truly should be , which has slowly been wiped away over the years from Australia trying to be such big shots and nz distancing themselves from us more and more because of it. So hopefully this is all not only keeping us safe people but there could be also many other blessings among it too so hang in there

[Speak Your Truth]

My heart is breaking for so many things today, including your post too randomx. I also feel sick in the stomach with the brown nosing, the nasty politics, PMs loyalty to US, etc etc. We have much to be grateful for as a country and yet the ugly dollar, the power struggling etc is so terribly destructive.

I am finding it such a big struggle every day coping with the loneliness of isolation I feel sick in the stomach for that too. I don’t want to get out of bed in the mornings and face another day of loneliness. I want to cry my heart out.

I so badly want those blessings that you are hoping for to show their faces for all of us.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Speak Your Truth, 

We're so sorry to hear that you are struggling with loneliness at the moment, we understand that it's a really difficult time for so many people. But I hope you find it of some comfort that we are all in this together- and there is a light at the end of these temporary restrictions. In the meantime, don't forget that you are always welcome to reach out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service, which is available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. There is also a dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, that is available to you anytime on 1800 512 348. 

[Speak Your Truth]

Thanks Sophie for your reply. I have thought of calling the help line, but I can’t imagine what anyone there could say to help. I know all the things to do, reading here and in the media - getting a routine going, eating and sleeping well, exercising, reading a book, craft, talking with friends, avoiding social media and the news as much as possible etc etc, but none of that replaces my big need for face to face conversations with laughter and smiles, a hug, things to look forward to, not worrying about our future, the Australian economy. The weight of isolation and waiting for it to get back to normal is a strain. I’m a senior and my confidence was already pretty fragile in the snobby Coastal Town I live in, and this week someone I thought was a friend has let me down badly and permanently, making it even harder.
But as a senior I have survived a lot of things in my life, so I know I have the strength to continue on somehow, but I do worry about the stress and the effect on me.

[PatienceBay]

Feeling more peaceful this weekend and wanted to journal some of my healthier thoughts:

- The importance of continuing to see the good in humanity, and maintaining hope for the future.
- Most people, cultures, institutions, ideas, politicians, etc., are a mix of good and bad. Social media and the cult of political celebrity encourage me to have kneejerk, simplistic emotional responses. (Like/Dislike, Thumbs up/Thumbs Down, The woman sinks/The witch floats). This 'Facebook approach' is polarising and dangerous for humanity. Instead, I want to 'lean in' to the grey areas and develop more comfort with nuance. I can remember I don't need to fall in line with any camp.
- There's no way to think myself to safety. (!)

- Compare and despair. The past is over, I must accept this.
- Now is the time to accept there are many things I don't know and can't control.
- it's MY responsibility to love and trust myself and the earth. No one else can do this for me.

[Matchy69]

I am feeling a bit down at the moment as this is suppose to be an exciting time for our family as I am going to be a grandfather again tomorrow or monday as my step daughter is being induced tomorrow.I wont be able see my step daughter or grandson and dont know when i will be allowed to.It was so excited about doing was holding my grandson in my arms but cant be.I have been doing or the right things self isolating hardly going out at all,getting my groceries delivered.

[seadreamer]

Thanks everyone for the really valuable input. I'm listening to lots of music that lifts my spirits and dancing indoors and out in the garden! I do think it's important to mourn and let yourself feel sad at times for the loss of your little and big plans that might have been postponed or cancelled - holidays and outings especially. Practising mindfulness techniques including focussing on my breathing and feeling the sun on my face when I can helps me to put things in perspective and feel calmer.

[Ggrand]

Hello Matchy...

Congratulations...that’s great news..

I am so sorry that you won’t be able to see them anytime soon...that’s hard...but please remember Matchy..that you are keeping your loved ones safe by not visiting..and when this is all over..you can hold your new grand baby and give him/her all that love that has been building up inside your beautiful soul...

I’m so happy for you Matchy..you have a new precious little grand baby to love for forever....No amount of isolation can ever take away the love we feel for our family and friends...it’s building up inside us..and when the time comes that isolation is over, and everyone is safe..What a great day that will be..and we all helped make it happen by isolation and protecting our family, friends and the people that live and shop around us....

I missed my granddaughters 21st birthday...I sent her my love, a special message of how very proud I am of her..and she was so happy...most of all she knows I love her..she loves me..no better words can ever be said to anyone to make them feel special...wanted, needed, or cared for...

Sending my love, care and hugs to everyone..🦋💜🤗.

Grandy..