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.  

[mmMekitty]

I'm becoming nervous again.

I'm confused about why the governments (federal & state) are not wanting to encourage us to be taking more care while we are still learning more about the Omicron variant of COVID-19. & working to get us our next vaccine dose - I've just heard they have reduced what GPs are being paid to deliver the vaccines to us. That makes no sense to me. They have to have extra staff, this is an additional service for the practice, & with more people visiting the practice - all equates to more work & expenses to pay. The report was saying people are already finding they can't get appointments for this 3rd dose/booster as recommended by the government.

I suppose I'll be checking the Qld gov's website more regularly, again - just when I was feeling at ease with not doing that so much. It was always a possibility new variants would present us with more uncertainty from time to time, but a little more of a break would have been nice, so people could have a chance to feel they are recovering from all the lockdowns & restrictions, would have a chance to re-unite with distant friends & rellies, but no, we're not getting much of a break, if we want to be keeping ourselves as safe as possible, despite what governments say about how we can 'live with COVID' & ease up on restrictions.

For me, I was beginning to venture out again, but now, I will hold back & think twice about going into places which may be higher risk locations, due to numbers of people & whether we can or if people ar even trying to maintain social distances.

I need to go out for some things. Online shopping doesn't work so well for me. Other 'entertainments' I am considering are luxury items, so will not be doing them. I do need more exercise, & we can go outdoors for that. I'm still going to do what I've been doing for nearly two years. It is not ended yet. & I will grumble into the new year

mmMekitty.

[Guest_1055]

I can feel your experience of nervous/fear/anxiety coming off the screen mmMekitty. And I am sorry, they are awful and heavy emotions to experience all right.

So do you believe you could give yourself a break? Maybe you are implementing this, I am unsure. Don't look at media. Because what I found it only made fear in me grow stronger and bigger. Far too overwhelming for me personally. Then focus on things in your life that are beautiful, lovely etc. Just fill your thoughts with these kinds of things instead. Maybe it would help, it has me.

Also I would encourage walking outside if you can. So that is a great thought of yours. As you are most likely aware fresh air, sunshine (vitamin D) and moving (walking) is helpful, especially more so at this time in history.

I know you didn't ask for advice.. So yeah hope its alright to give it to you.

[Matchy69]

I rung my doctor's this morning to book my booster.The lady on the phone said we haven't got supply of booster shots here yet.I asked her where I could get it,she said she had no idea.Wgat is wrong with people you think they could tell you where I could get it.Wgy dosnt anyone want to help?

[Doog]

Hi There Matchy69

I was online constantly googling my local vax locations, procastinating for months and I found a lot of places I called couldn't be bothered referring me an actual place. Some receptionists were actually rude and dismissive of my enquiry.

I found huge relief when calling our local Hospital and also HOTDOC (at least in Victoria) lists every place, Clinic etc to book a jab.

Please don't rely on just phone calls, as I also called the National Coronavirus Hotline and it was no more useful than the lint in my vacuum cleaner.

Keep trying, and if you cannot access internet please ask a trusted person who can google for you.

[mmMekitty]

Hi Shelll, kindness & caring are always welcome. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ I've got it fairly well under control. I am not looking at media any more than I was a month or two before, which was less than I did last year & up until September (?), when I realised I had to limit how much I was seeing. Coronacast & some headlines, & I try to determine what info there is coming in about Omicron & booster/3rd dose. I need some info upon which to base my decisions, for my health, with regard to certain health conditions, & my inability to wear a mask.

As I am in Brisbane, I had decided I could go out more, & take the slight risk of infection. But now I have reconsidered that decision. I'm not as comfortable with easing my own restrictions, because of recent diagnosis & forthcoming treatment.

I spoke to my PDr, & so far, he doesn't have enough information, firstly about the government's announcement about continuing telehealth rebates, &, like me, not enough about Omicron. He does agree it would be good if I could get my next vaccine just as soon as I can, rather than wait until )for me) mid January. For now he still plans to re-open his practice to seeing patients face to face again. But if that changes, he said he'd email me.

I'd be okay with going to see him again, because my helper can drive me to & from, rather than me taking taxis with random drivers. That was my main concern.

I know I don't get out enough. I simply don't feel safe out walking by myself anymore. That's primarily about my vision, & being anxious about falling, or traffic or some other random event. It just makes me so anxious.

But you are right, geing out is important, & getting your vitamin D via being in the sun a bit, is better than getting it by taking a vitamin D supplement.

I've planned more time with my helper for next year, so that will help.

*

Hi Matchy,

I don't know what to tell you. I suppose the state's infoline will be jammed with callers who are trying to find out where to get their booster, too, but that is the only thing I can think of. It seems to happen often that governments announc things & then are not geared up to deliver. That's why I want to get in & talk to my GP now, rather than wait. I've been advised to get it, so I want it, NOW!, really. I hate waiting.

Good luck to all of us...😼 I mean, how much is going to happen over the next two weeks?

mmMekitty

[mmMekitty]

Hello Hanna. 😺 You came in the window while I was typing? ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ for you & Matchy & well, anyone we chance to meet around here!

mmMekitty

[Hanna3]

Hi mmMekitty,

I can understand your anxiety about walking around outside - where I live they aren't putting paths (cement ones) on the footpaths anymore, so they are uneven, and anyone disabled/walking frame/having difficulty walking, is even worse off now. And yes Matchy, I have friends in the city in their 90s and they are unable to get the booster shot as nowhere has the vaccine to give it yet! They have phoned several places with no luck.

[blondguy]

Hey Matchy....super nice to see you!

I nearly due for the booster....and even though I am double vaxxed...Im just going to book in with my GP

Merry Christmas!

Paul

[blondguy]

Hey Hanna3

my mum is 91 and unvaccinated as my 55 year old sister is power of attorney (and an anti vaxxer) and has done everything possible to coach my elderly mum not to get the vaccine..... So....my mum is still unvaccinated and my anti vaxxer sister goes shopping and walks into my mums home with the groceries...and its legal

I just want my mum to have the vaccine.....not to mention the booster!

Happy Christmas Hanna and thankyou for all of your TLC too

[Doolhof]

Hi Paul,

I feel for you regarding your Mum's situation with the vaccine.

I'm not sure what the rules are in your state, here in S.A. everyone needs to have double covid vaccine to enter and Aged Care Facility, that includes the residents. People are being turned away from receiving care as they are not vaccinated.

These rules may differ from state to state. Might be worth having a look for future needs regarding your Mum's care.

Kind regards from Dools