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.  

[Guest_1643]

i agree the effects on mental health are significant

stigma still persists... i struggle alone with eating disorders, suicidal ideation and painful thoughts etc.... and this is made worse in isolation - i see people posting on social media about their struggles and they are immense and difficult

but while they post their messy kitchen or their home activity for the day and get support

i can't exactly be a dampener and share my own experiences... which aren't the "fun" or "relatable" kind.

I think excercise, mental health, and eating well are pretty much the most most important things for me right now, and have had to spend a little more time, money and energy taking care of these building blocks.

I get anxious sometimes even going for walks at this time but I know this is crucial. I hope people don't have guilt about taking care of their mental health now. I'm trying to keep remembering to put it at the forefront

[Hanna3]

Some of the conversations about coronavirus are becoming a bit concerning.

For those who think it's only the elderly and those about to die anyway - younger fit adults die of this disease as well. It's an ethical dilemma of weighing the economy versus lives I agree - but when we decide one entire category of people are not worth saving, it's becoming dangerous. At what age do you decide someone is not worth saving, or is at least worthy of a pain free death? Or do you decide by virtue of their profession, or wealth, or what? What happens if we start to categorise the disabled, for example, as expendable as well? I speak as someone in my sixties who has an Advanced Care Directive asking only that I be kept out of pain should I suffer a severe illness - that is my choice.

Permitting a lot of people to become very ill means either they die a terrible death at home, or hospitals become flooded with patients, there are mass graves and ice rinks converted to morgues. Add the distress of families and the population generally at witnessing all this. Dying of covid19 sounds a very nasty way to go.

We're being asked to stay at home, use proper hygiene, and limit a lot of normal activities for the time being. The economic impact is going to be dreadful, but I ask what is the alternative here? Allowing a category of people to die a dreadful death seems to be it.

If you have parents or grandparents you love, are you prepared to make them expendable? Or would you try to protect them? Worth thinking about surely?

[meforcats]

I know what you mean about moods Fred. Yesterday aft I was fine and this morning but this aft I'm down again. I'm trying to get into gardening and bought plants. Maybe I'll feel ok when I plant them. I was happy when I planted one yesterday. Plants are full of life and positivity.

Start a garden.

[CalmCat]

Hi fred4761,

Thank you so much for sharing.

I to have had ups and downs, walk everyday yet still feel anxious.

The effects on our happiness has taken a tole with the virus, but I just think of all the amazing things we are learning from from these times. And not give bad things power.

I read a great thing on facebook, putting us in the shoes of someone that was born in 1900. It read...

If you were born in 1900.

- At 14 to 18 (1914-1918) we would have faced the World War 1

- At 18 to (1918 - 1919) we would have faced the Spanish Flu

- At 40 to 45 (1940 to 1945) we would have faced World War 2

Thereafter the Korean War 50's & Vietnam War 60's

This little comparison made me think how lucky we are.

Hope you're smiling.

Regards,

Doz

[meforcats]

Zephr7

I prayed for you. Meditation is helpful. Maybe an app.

[Guest_1643]

Seconding that - I'm not a prayer but I thought of you Zephyr when I read an article today about the entertainment industry and how they've all been cheated out of JobSeeker too. There are I hope still ways for people to get rental/utilities/gas relief and assistance with food but it sounds like many are feeling disappointed they're not able to access JobSeeker, in so many industries.

[Guest_1643]

Hi Hanna ,

Which parts are concerning you? I think venting and connecting is helpful here and don't see people advocating breaking the laws or saying any group is not worth saving. We abide the restrictions but have to monitor our mental health as well

I was recently in hopsital for suciidality and don't want a repeat of that, so have to factor that in to how I go forward. I totally agree the restrictions are crucial

[meforcats]

Sarahbelle you're right about gratitude. A little of that goes a long way. I'm glad today's a calm day for you. I have the can't be bothereds this aft. I'll celebrate Mother's day with my cat. My kids live in the tropics.

Time for a treat...salted caramel latte. It's really nice.

Don't forget to treat yourselves everyone.

[Guest_1584]

lt's only for a few mths people and look at how well our countries doin.lt's a small ask imo because where l read london or ltaly , spain ,other places , there you would really be goin through some very serious crap amd l just think thank the gods that isn't here l'd take this any day myself, but it would've been , so yaknow , rock and a hard place. Me and rules have never gotten along done my thing my way my whole life so it's been a very long time since anyones told me what to do but all this right now personally , l don't see what choice we have.We're on the other side now .

rx

[Silver_lining_behind_the_]

Hi everyone I have been feeling anxious and in low spirits these couple of weeks...although I am the lucky one who still got work full time it has also been one of my concerns since I am working at a aged care facility. I did not go anywhere on my day-offs think it would be the best for the residents. But thing is people around me have been seeing friends, going out and stuff which made me feel wound up. I am trying my best however people around me have kinda of loosen up. Am I simply worrying too much?