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.  

[Sarahbelle]

Good Morning All,

Yes it is a very tough time for all. COVID 19 has raised many emotive responses for just about everyone everywhere. With restrictions in place I believe it has helped keep our numbers on disease transmission much lower than they would have been, although isolation is very difficult it has also been a necessary step. Our Premier has been really tough with no restrictions removed yet.

Mental health issues are through the roof for people right now and it is a tough space to be in --- no easy answers for that but trying our best to hang in and take some time for self care, keep connected and reach out where we can.

At this stage I think we must be guided by our health officials - The less loss of life regardless of circumstance the better.

Listening to the rain right now and trying to think of a reason to get out of bed.

Have a restful Saturday,

Sarahbelle.

[PatienceBay]

Thanks for posting, golden82:

A truly tolerant, compassionate person can stand to listen to a different perspective.

Not everyone can manage this very simple skill; a skill which is essential for any sort of functional relationship involving 2 or more people.

Thanks again for your post. Much-needed.

[Guest_1584]

Well said calm seeker and much the way l see things myself. l also think we're sooooo lucky. We have food laid on of everything we could possibly want, internet , computers , big tv's ,movies abound, music , great medical and health care, anything we need , and many are being paid to boot. Any of that is pretty damn good if we were compare that to things great and great grand parents went through in wars and depressions , war camps . arriving in new lands after mths at sea with only the chlothes on their back , and we must have one of the lowest case rates per population in the world because of this and they're given the best care in the world .

lt is all still upsetting , of course , our lives are turned inside out right now and everything happening is very scary for sure but tbh , every time l walk into a supe and see the smorgas board of every food you can think of or think about the way we can live even like this l actually think not poor poor me but how lucky are we.

[quirkywords]

calmseeker,I think people are hurting and when they are and feeling anxious they can say and feel things they normally would not say. We are all reacting to the covid in different ways.

I wonder what can we do to help those who are struggling with the isolation to cope better?

A friend is working in a mental health unit in a big city and they are overwhelmed.

We cant change the medical guidelines or the situation but we can change our attitude.

People are struggling so we need to be understanding and patient.

This thread is a place for people to speak their mind with respect. Remember if you read something that you feel is unacceptable report it by pressing on the report post ,and give your reasons. The moderating team will get back to you as soon as they can.

[Guest_1643]

Hi meforcats, what plants did you buy?
I'm trying to get into my indoor plants at the moment, and one of them is giving me a lot of joy.... Great time to garden and cultivate nature.

[calmseeker]

Evening quirky,

I totally agree that that this situation is extremely difficult and different for everyone and people are struggling. My belief is and has always been compassion is the best way of helping people through and that belief hasn't changed.

As a sufferer of extreme anxiety which sometimes turns agoraphobic, I am aware how prolonged periods of isolation are unhelpful to already fragile mental health. But I also know that looking at the bigger picture of why this is happening can be beneficial to get oneself out of ones head. Call it mindfulness if you will. Example, if I feeling lonely, it doesn't last long when I consider how lonely it must be to be either really ill or dying in hospital from covid, I mean seriously, it must be extremely lonely and scary for those in that situation, being in a hospital with no loved ones allowed by your side. My mental health is taking a hit as much as anyone else's, I could barely stand being at the supermarket a few weeks ago after being inside for so long, so I would say I indeed have the compassion within me to understand when people are hurting but I am a little confused at what I posted that would suggest otherwise?

I guess by pointing out that seeing the bigger world picture in regards to the situation and saying we should feel grateful for living in this country was my way of trying to suggest an alternative way of dealing with anxiety surrounding covid. Like you say, we are all entitled to our opinions if delivered respectfully.

Wishing everyone a peaceful evening xo

[Guest_1643]

hi rx , i really liked your perspective and sometimes we forget how lucky we are

we have a lot of options to get support these days - without even leaving the house!

And throughout this whole pandemic, the supermarkets (even when drained of toiletpaper!) always had fresh, healthy produce in abundance

We can access food, water, health care etc . we are lucky in so many ways

[Elizabeth CP]

I agree with your post Calmseeker. Like many people I am struggling at the moment. Sometimes people including politicians push the risks of releasing the restrictions to encourage/ frighten us into doing the 'right thing'. This triggers feelings of hopelessness. Missing the supports I require & could normally access adds to this feeling. On top of this I can see people including family members really suffering due to the restrictions. The restrictions are also putting my husband at risk of serious complications from his medical condition because we can't access face to face GP consultations & plans to look into possible surgery to prevent life threatening problems are on hold. I understand people being concerned about the lockdown.

To reduce the downward spiral of hopelessness & resultant negative thoughts I remind myself of the situation overseas where people are locked up with no end in sight but live in fear of the virus because their governments acted too late so the virus is out of control with people of all ages badly effected.

I will reiterate Quirky's important message

• People are struggling so we need to be understanding and patient.

[meforcats]

Hi Sleepy21 I put in string of pearls and 2 other flowering ground covers. Can't remember the names. I also have daffodil bulbs t o plant. We had rain yesterday so that was good for my new little plants.

Good luck with yours.

[meforcats]

I've had a rough week with depression and yesterday rang Beyond Blue. She was lovely. Understanding and a very good listener. I'd suggest to everyone who is struggling contact them to help get a better perspective on things.

Take care.