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]

hi Meforcats (cute name!)

that flower sounds beautiful - so nice to receive presents and care packages at this time. Really makes things sweeter 🙂
I did not see what Mr. Andrews said (also in Vic)

I'm going to have to do some googling... I know he has been very conservative...

Hoping to see good news .... (but no expectations at this point). Thanks the plants are still the happiest thing in my house

[Guest_1643]

Hey Summer Rose - i understand what you're saying and of course we can get affected by what others post here, and feel pain if there is a hurtful comment. I am hoping we can move forward to some healthy and helpful dialogue. I understand your sensitive approach. That's great that you have such empathy and connection to the users here, and I hope you continue to feel that you can write away here. Take care and hope you are well

[Guest_1643]

Hi Blufftuff, i like that! there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Or as Leonard Cohen said "there is a crack in everything. that's how the light gets in."

[Charlie1970]

Thankyou Sarahbelle.

You have all been very kind and supportive on here.

I feel more at ease today after reaching out over the weekend to BB and speaking with my psych today.

Thankyou again to all of you wonderful BB community members.

Charlie

[Guest_8790]

Post corona virus how to cope.

I am sorry for writing so much but although able to get out for walks, I now feel with more people exercising I am struggling with my agoraphobia and am reluctant to go for walks as i have urge to hurry away. Isolation was a bit hard but now going back to crowds is putting me off. How do i cope?

I don't find meditation helps and already on some meds so don't want to bother doctor or counsellor.

Anyone have suggestions? Sorry i should be able to sort this out.

Also thank you to person responding to my message on loss of my mum. It was appreciated.

Rusty

[Silver_lining_behind_the_]

Hi Rusty girl,

I have the same issue and I haven't go for a walk ever since the lockdown happened. Sometimes it can be so busy that it's impossible to keep a safe social distance. I was so cooped up so I finally went for a walk yesterday to get some fresh air. I chose a less busy time and took a little detour to avoid the others. And it worked for me. Also listening to my favorite musics calms me a little bit. Hopefully you can find a way to enjoy your walk too. Cheers.

[Guest_1584]

l don't think andrews is being ultra concervetive at all , each states had different situations this is what most seem to be missing and vic just had 70 or 80 new cases in this last wk , we also only had a few days of zero and then more stated popping up before that. Eve nsw was doing better in the end . Other states have had zero for wks but they've still waited till just now to open up even a little. Even the reporters seem to miss these details and totally forget that each state has their totally own different situations with cases. NT has had none for nearly a nth and they're just opening up now too. And they're isolated , a tiny population and a hot climate, Qld is also a much hotter climate and it's also very well isolated and they've had a good run of zero's for awhile.

l'm wrapped Vic is loosening a bit now thank God , but l can also easily see why they've had to wait with these new outbreaks and it's right on winter, but it's actually coming out at the same time as the others anyway now.

[geoff]

Hello Rusty girl, this period has put us all to the test, keeping us at home the vast majority of the time for our own safety and for the eradication of COVID-19, and it's quite understandable that you may develop agoraphobia as well as a fear of being around people, not that I'm qualified to say, only experienced myself at some stage.

Desensitisation is a program a psychologist can help you with, but you can also do it yourself and whether it's about leaving the house after being locked up or to meet people you haven't seen for a few weeks/months, then google it and see how it's performed or ask your psychologist/doctor.

You basically start off by doing small activities such as opening the front door and when you feel comfortable with this, take 1 step outside etc.

Google Desensitisation for agoraphobia.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Geoff.

[meforcats]

Hi Sleepy21. Re my name, I am a crazy cat lady. I have one gorgeous one called Milly. So it doesn't mean I barrack for Geelong. 😆

Not many changes from Andrews. Footy training resumes but that doesn't interest me at all. I was hoping for cafes to open. I used to eat lunch out every day. Mostly alone but it was nice to be there while others were around me. I miss that.

I'll speak to my support worker Thur or Fri and see my Psych Thur. Today I'll do painting homework and send a pic to my teacher for a critique. I'm glad I still have that to do. I've been going to McDonald's drive thru. It's only 3 mins away but it's still an outing. I'll get in the garden too.

Stay well everyone.

[meforcats]

Sleepy21 I love that Leonard Cohen quote. Nothing is perfect. Aiming for perfect isn't healthy.