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]

Hi Kitaa213,

Thanks for sharing your story, and your beautiful and inspriring poetry! We're so sorry to hear that you are feeling a bit defeated at the moment, please know that you're not alone - we understand that it's a really difficult time for many people. We hope you find it of some comfort that we are all in this together, and that it won't be like this forever. 

Please remember that you are always welcome to reach out to our 24/7 Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au

And, if you are feeling taken back to that low time, feel free to get in touch with some crisis support services:

. Lifeline – 13 11 14 and https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Online-Services/crisis-chat (online chat available 7pm-midnight (Syd time)
. Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Feel free to keep us up to date with how you're travelling and to share more of that inspiring poetry!

[CalmCat]

Hi Kitaa213

Thank you so much for sharing, your post was enlightening! What an amazing first post.

By reaching out other people can maybe connect with whats going on in your world.

I really hope your mum is okay, and your poem was beautful, hope to see more posts from you soon.

Regards,

Doz

[Jessica_v]

Hi I have been feeling quite anxious about this virus but I have been washing my hands alot and keeping a distance away from peoples and going for walks all the time

[quirkywords]

welcome Jessica to the forum and this thread.

I am glad you are going for walks , washing your hands and keepin a distance.

I hope you can in touch with friends and family.

This is a great thread to read and gain suppot from. Feel free to post ant anytime.

[Gambit87]

I've been feeling all over the place in the last few days and ive been reflecting alot

I'm learning that I need human interaction. Its weird, I consider myself an ambivert and I thought I would be able to cope with the isolation and work from home - I'm not coping as well as I thought I could and I don't like working from home very much at all.

As much as I find dealing with people in general tiring (especially customers) I kinda need it! I need the office environment, I need to be able to talk to my co workers, I need to be able to interact in a face to face social environment.

I know there's face time and zoom and things like that but I don't get the same out of those interactions as I would if it were face to face - I hope im making sense haha. When I get my coffee in the mornings, I'm more excited about having a quick chat then getting the coffee.

[CalmCat]

Hi Jessica V,

Welcome to the forum and what a great first post.

What other activities or things have you been doing to keep yourself active? I've been fermenting foods such as Kim Chi and Sauerkraut.

Would love to hear more.

Regards,

Doz

[SapereAude]

Hi everyone!

Congratulations on your contributions to social distancing and flattening the curve. Australia has seen some great results and some states are even beginning to lift some restrictions. It hasn't been easy for everyone but well done again. Every person here has played their part.

Hopefully it won't be too much longer and things will be back to relative normal (barring international travel). Keep up the phone calls, emails and video conferencing chats with family, friends and other loved ones and we will be able to see them in person and spend appreciative time in the not too distant future. Keep an eye out as the Federal and State/Territory governments provides further information and let's continue to keep up the great work! Go Team Australia!

Stay safe and keep smiling. Take care.

Hopefully you have all found new ways to keep learning and keep yourself entertained and you will be able to look back at some positive or shining moments from this challenging experience.

[Skyline_Pigeon]

I too am really struggling with the way my world is at the moment. I am not at all worried about the virus... I am MUCH more concerned about the effects of the measures imposed on us to control the virus. I am struggling with isolation, I am struggling with my basic right of freedom being removed, I am struggling with the fear in society, I am struggling with how my world will be different in the future. I just don't want to be a part of this emerging "new world".

I DO NOT want to hear "we are in this together", because we are not! Some of us are in it up to our ankles, some up to our neck and others still over our heads. I also do NOT want to "stay safe"... I want my life to be full of adventure. Safety is the opposite to what I seek in a free and meaningful life! I need interaction with my fellow human beings... I DON'T need to look at them through "sneeze guards", and for people to walk around me in a supermarket like I've got leprosy, with their back against the aisle.

I can't help being angry with the whole world, and find myself very short tempered... the thing is, I want to be angry, and I get frustrated that MORE people aren't angry with the situation - enough to question the conditions forced upon us. The scaremongering from our "fearless leaders" and the media... who are trying to protect us fires me up even more! I am aware of the numbers... but I reject the way the skewed statistics have been presented to instill fear. The real numbers don't justify the remedy.

There is no plan to go back to our old way of life, and I have no desire to live in a world where my friends are afraid that I will "infect them" and one in which I am constantly afraid my neighbours will dob me in for a breach of regulations.

I am in the highest risk group. I have a metastatic bowel cancer and I am on perpetual chemotherapy... and yet I do not feat COVID-19 at all. What I fear is that my time remaining will be wasted as it is being wasted at the moment. I had big plans for this year, while I am still well enough to get through my bucket list. Now that's out the window, so what remains? I'm usually an unwavering optimist but this time, I am not optimistic.

[Skyline_Pigeon]

Just saying, I find the expression "stay safe" VERY offensive.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Skyline Pigeon,

We understand that these are really challenging times at the moment, and you are not alone in your concerns. We are so sorry to hear what you are going through at the moment, but please know that you've come to a welcoming, non-judgemental space to share your thoughts and feelings. We encourage everyone here to share, discover and hopefully take some comfort in the ways and means by which others are coping during the coronavirus outbreak. If you feel up to it, would you like to share with us some ways that you've been spending your time that you have found helpful? Some questions to help frame this include:  What thoughts are helpful for you at the moment? What are you doing to remain connected? How are you taking care of yourself and others? What are you finding helpful in reducing your anxiety during this time?  If you would find it useful, you are also always welcome to browse through our resources at 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.