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.  

[Added]

Thank you so much for your kind words Sleepy... sometimes I do find it very hard to write what I would like to in the forums. I felt very silly about my error, but now I feel so much better. Also, I would like to add that I always find your posts (and everyones for that matter) very helpful :)))))))

[mmMekitty]

Hello Hannah3, & all,

I think it is a good idea to meet up with friends & family outside ,anywhere where you can maintain a distance between your little group & others.

The local shopping strip is probably not so good because so many other people are going up & down the footpath, passing bay in very close proximity to your group. I like the idea of using local parks, with seperated tables & seating under a little shade, too, if possible. Take a lunch, & have a picnic. I think that would be a very nice way to get together.

*

I was thinking, it is rather unfortunate, (or was it the reason?) to open up more when a long weekend is happening for Melbourne Cup. I shake my head, & wonder what are they trying to do? Some time or other , restrictions do have to ease, but this weekend? Who's having a Melbourne Cup party? I hope not many,& that they are small & outdoors.

mmMekitty

[Guest_1643]

Hi CMF, that must have been a relief for Ur little one to get the negative text? How are u doing?

I'm having a hard time with things opening up, Imdo feel particularly lonely at this time.

[meforcats]

It was mayhem on the roads and at Eastland yesterday as all shops are allowed to open now in Melbourne from Fri night. People everywhere.

I'm braving the gym tomorrow and I'll be keeping my mask on. It'll be interesting to see how many people will be there. Our vaccination rate will probably be 80% today so I feel relatively safe hearing that.

Take care all.

[Added]

Hi Sleepy, I think it is very hard for many people now that things are opening up - For me, it is hard when I see everyone around me rejoicing at opening up and experiencing 'freedom' but I don't feel free - I seem to feel more afraid, and this makes me feel very lonely. Maybe that is why you are feeling lonely too? Today the sun is out so it feels a little easier to relax, I hope that you feel a little better too.

[Moonstruck]

I see from various contributions that some folk are still afraid { yep, the media's and government spreading of "fear" certainly worked didn't it?) and can't fully rejoice and enjoy to the hilt these newly found freedoms which were taken from you for so long.

It's interesting and sad to some of us up here in Qld...we thought you'd all be delirious with joy {as you are entitled to be}. Our struggling tourism and small business operators on the Gold Coast just on the border would love to welcome you all back...but our dictatorial Queen Premier Anna won't let you in! The world has gone mad and we have allowed it. What was the point in being double dosed with the vacc...if you're still going to live your life in FEAR..?

[Guest_1643]

Hi Moonstruck, I found Ur comment a little invalidating on a mh forum thread about coping, ppl mist feel safe to share why they feel. Most are delirious with joy, but some of us have agriphibia now after being locked up and are struggling emotionally and with distress. It's all OK. To feel happy or scared. Feelings are all OK.

[Guest_1643]

Hi mefor cats, what are ppl thinking? Rushing out to kmart just on cue.... I also found the roads scary yesterday, weather was bad but traffic was wild at odd times, the masses all going shopping etc. It has a panic feeling, ppl feel impatient to get things after being locked up... I think for some of us, our lives don't have that urgency. It's a it intense but hopefully will calm down, and level, eventually...

[Guest_1643]

Hi Added, I think that's a good point, being around intense rejoicing and then not knowing if I feel the same....my fears of re-entering the rat race, being judged and even taking off my mask and being seen , all this new stuff when I already feel fragile

the weather does help and so does sharing with others,,,,thanks for posting.

[Guest_1584]

Maybe it will all be ok.

NSW has been open awhile now and their numbers continue to go down , great sign and hopefully Vic's future too. l know none of us are gonna have a good read of the situation until a few mths in but it's all very encouraging nonetheless so far right.

rx