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_1584]

Yeah fully agree , Melb to but of course , Sydney with the biggest population in the country this stuff right now is unfortunately still gonna happen atm no matter what you do , just like it did in Melbourne and anywhere in the world. They have massive testing numbers up there so it just goes to show people in general are doing everything they can.

Melb' well , hoping we're out Tues people but it's 50 50 right now. Anything higher between now and then and we'll be in for at least another wk butttt, we see l suppose. Hoping for Tues though especially for all those here struggling and for business too.

rx

[Elizabeth CP]

Dools, I'm finding your posts inspiring. You share honestly how difficult it is for you yet you are doing what you can to cope. We need to know we 'normal' when we struggle in this crazy time but it also helps to have some ideas of things to try to help.

One thing stood out Dools said I am quarantining ... for the health of those whom I may be in contact with if I was able to leave the home. I think recognising these restrictions are there to protect our community not just because politicians want to control us. We may disagree with the best way to manage the pandemic but accepting we are part of the solution rather than the victim of the situation I think is helpful to our MH. When I feel frustrated and struggling I try to remind myself that my actions combined with everyone else who is doing the right thing is helping combat the pandemic.

It is good for us to share what we do particularly while isolated or in lockdown to help ourselves. We also need to remember we are all different. One person may love the extra time to do crafts or other hobbies while others prefer walking or gardening. Don't judge or compare yourself with others and that includes not putting yourself down because you can't do what someone else does.

Anyone who is struggling don't suffer in silence. If you fell over and broke you leg or had a serious physical illness most of us wouldn't hesitate to seek medical help regardless of restrictions. Mental Health is equally important. Reach out for support and advice of what you can do to cope.

[caroline_Y]

Hi I am new to this forum I have been concern about how we are in locked down at present and what is going to happen with us can anyone help me at present I am anxious person and need to chat with sometimes.

[golden82]

Hi Caroline - and welcome,

Sorry to read that you are feeling anxious. It is extra difficult to cope with anxiety since all this Covid and lockdowns etc have been going on. The unpredictability and uncertainty can be really tough. I hope you find some solace here on the forums where you can post/reply and see that you are not alone in feeling anxious. Also there is a BB covid line you can call to speak to a counsellor 1:1. You can call as many times as you need. Some ppl call daily; whatever you need to help get you through. And obviously on here and there is an online chat to for BB if you prefer that style if thing. I have just copied the info Sophie put at the start of this thread with the phone numbers and details of support.

All the best 🙂

The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. There is a dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, that is also is now open on 1800 512 348.

Beyond Blue’s existing support service will continue to operate alongside the new service. 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 (3PM – 12AM AEST or email responses within 24 hours).

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...

[Doolhof]

Hi caroline Y,

I too welcome you to the community here. I see that Golden has reached out and supplied you with some very helpful information.

This is a place where you can share what ever you are comfortable to share. Many people here understand what you are experiencing. We all have different lives and different ways of coping as Elizabeth explained so well in her recent post here.

I have also found for myself that what works one day may not work so well the next, and that is okay.

My anxiety has been spiked as I am currently in quarantine so can not leave the house for 2 weeks. I am telling myself that I am safe and I am also keeping the community safe.

Each morning I try to think of activities and things I can do during the day. Too much spare time and my mind wanders. Reading is helping me as I can't fret and read at the same time!

I try to work on one day at a time. It is hard when we don't know what the future holds and we feel out of control.

Maybe thinking about what you can do right now may be beneficial.

Feeling like you are not coping is okay! Reach out here or to the phone lines for support. People do care how you feel! Kind regards from Dools

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone
Caroline, charmed and Elly42,
Thank you for joining our forum z d this thread. Please feel free to post here as much as you want to. You can see by the replies this is a friendly and supportive place.
I too welcome you to the forum. Golden and Dools have given very helpful and supportive suggestions.
I find that posting about what I am feeling and reading other post help me.

Thinking of everyone in lockdown and quarantine and thanks to BB for their supportive thread and help line.

[Moonstruck]

Hello golden82

Yes I am still here and appreciate the fact you are still here too...as I think you may be one of the very few who tolerate my views on this...some of which have not changed since Day One. Perhaps they are too confronting when I challenge our various Govts {we have so many, with the states being run by their own Premier who bow down to whatever their Health Advisor says)...and also point out my views on the hysterical media reaction since Day One...

It is changing, gradually, with some journalists actually now being brave enough to ask the hard questions, and challenge our Govt leaders to give some direct answers. Our leaders are not only different, in their opinions, rules, personalities...but also indiviual and therefore get different responses from the public...according to how they behave and react when on TV, in front of an audience or with a microphone in front of them.

Some are eloquent, others dramatic, some sound a bit dumb, some are clever at manipulating whatever emotions they want to evoke among their communities, the innocent public who watch, listen and sometimes slavishly hang on their every words. Some know that and use it to enhance whatever "Image" they want to project.

On Day One, I predicted "the cure will be worse than the disease". Last weekend's public protests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane did not surprise me in the least. I've always expected civil disobedience to appear eventually. Some may think the crowds were "angry" I think anger is usually "fear"turned inwards.

The protestors are filled with fear. some have lost everything. They are stressed beyond human endurance. No, I don't act out my fear like that.....but I understand why some people do. I have had to stand by and watch a loved one's life, career, hard work, dreams,hopes and aspirations crumble to dust. and Yes I am ANGRY....because under that anger are my heartfelt fears of what it is doing to his mental health and entire previous positive personality.

as a matter of interest, take note and count how many "positive"things our Govt leaders say to us during their next performance. They owe this to us. If I am right, during the horrors of WW2, the present Queen, then Princess Elizabeth gave uplifting radio messages of hope to the people....our politicians give us nothing to hope for, to strive for, to stay alive for.....

[golden82]

Hi Moon,

Great to see you here 🙂 I read your post but can't take much on board right now. I am very flattened by these lockdowns on my MH. This is no way to live; and I am constantly thinking what is the point? There are multi - tiers to how this impacts ppl, dependent on so many factors. Ppl talk about pre-existing conditions and risk of Covid... what about pre-existing family abuse/DV, mental health, isolation and so many other struggles and risk of lockdown?? And then add to that all the extra, well everything.. I know you get it. I feel very few have true empathy and get it. Ppl say Covid has made us better - No way - it has highlighted the greed and selfishness of many and the lack of empathy for others in a different starting point to them. The way ppl praise our 'leaders' for 'keeping us safe'...I feel ill. Our 'leaders' live in a very different world to us - and their lives are not affected in the slightest. They must be loving the response from the general population. I am dumbfounded.

Whilst I offered info on the Covid support lines etc.. and this is what is considered gold standard as the solution to help us through...It really does not help me. I emailed the premier last week to explain my experience of this 18 months. Guess what I got in reply?? BB Covid line info. As if they do not get the magnitude of this on my MH wellbeing. If someone is so desperate to email them their situation - that person is across all of the 'support' out there. 'Support' does not replace life and human interaction, be it as small as once a week popping into the library (perhaps the only face and smile one might get that week to keep them going) and trauma therapy work and all the effort ppl have put in to keeping their MH afloat. We are not all in the same boat - not even close.

Being offered advice like oh have you tried colouring in or watching a Netflix or whatever. Yeah, been there done that for 10yrs trying to keep my head above water as I deal with a lifetime of trauma and abuse. What now? Plus it is meaningless, pointless to me - oh but they say it can waste some hours. I do not want to spend my life locked up wasting hours. I am a highly intelligent person (as you are) and sitting around this way for 18mo of prime of life. With all the uncertainty and game changers all the time. Trapped in Australia. I never thought Australia would be divided and so pandering. I also really feel for the families and businesses and can empathize with their stress.

[Guest_1584]

The Australian way of our Gov's moon , literally scare and threaten us into submission. They do it with fines , they do it with all the insanity of horror tv ads we have to sit through if we wanna watch tv, Rd accidents , health ads , you name it . l've said 20yrs now all the scare tactics they try to use on us is just wrong , people who visit from os see our tv and can not believe the in your face crap and tactics forced on us here. Latest l saw was yet another horror ad of a woman with Covid in hospital , that was gonna be their Sydney run to scare people into staying home through this latest lock down. Don't know if it started running up there or not , God help them having to look at that everytime they turn on tv. Just what they'd need right now .

What you were saying about the queen and princess through the wars and them supporting the people , is what should be happening .

Dan in Melb l thought wasn't too bad he at least use to also praise and encourage the public almost every time up there , for doing the job and sacrifices they were.

On another note talking of talking gloom , saw today Germany are back to 100k cases a day right now , wow.

rx

[Guest_1584]

ps

Sorry got the Germany thing wrong it seems , thought l better check it out of curiosity. The news might have said such and such "per" 100k people l think or something bc nah they're down to 1500 a day , still a lot isn't it.