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.  

[Elizabeth CP]

I think many of your posts are spot on. While many people only get mild symptoms they can still infect others who are not so lucky. We all have a resonsibility to help each other by reducing the risk of spreading the disease and infecting vulnerable people. Nothing is 100% effective so doing as much as we can is important. The polititions seem to have bowed to the minority pressure of protesters and given up trying to put in the laws to help us. Vaccinations are essential including boosters for all who can have them. Masks have been shown to work particularly reducing the virus spread from an infected person as well as reducing the virus you breathe in. To be effective masks are best when both the infected person and the uninfected person are wearing them. Good ventilation disperses the virus so you are less likely to breath in enough to be infected so meeting up with people outside is far safer than indoors. Every measure we can take adds up and reduces the risk for those who through no fault of their own can't wear a mask or can't get vaxed or who's immune system is not working so the vaccine doesn't work properly. Finally don't judge. The person without the mask may have a valid reason and doesn't need to be made to feel uncomfortable. Similarly the person infected by covid may have followed all the recommendations and just been unlucky. It is hard enough for them being isolated feeling sick without feeling judged by others.

[CockneyIdiot]

I'm having terrible anxiety at the moment and not really sleeping very well. I can fall to sleep OK but I've been waking up around 5:30 am and then have a panic attack and that's my sleeping done for the night. I'm always not too far from a cry and triggered very easily.

I think my anxiety is related to NSW government. I have really very low expectations that they will do the right thing for our community. I think if I was confident that they had our health as a priority I would feel so much better but I don't.

[CockneyIdiot]

Just read the news. My post is already dated.

[Freakedout]

I hear exactly what you're saying. Can fall asleep on the couch, but getting a full night sleep even when exhausted is extremely rare. Agreed that the government just adds to the anxiety....eg self managing this thing is just ludicrous. Hopefully we can get to some form of sensibility.

[Guest_1584]

Can't say as l'd agree if you look at the last 2yrs.

We've been locked up more than any other country when the rest of the world and it's people have been trying to figure out how to open up again and have been some 12mths now. Businesses going broke all over the place, people having had a gut full of being locked up and dictated to , a trillion in debt trying to keep things and people going for 2yrs . Not that l agree with it all l'm not saying that , only that l don't see what else they can do at this stage . Unless we end up like the UK or US , people want their lives back and what business has survived just has to get back to work or they'll be gone too. And on the other side of it , we have been living with this 2yrs , and complaining about being told how to live and when and what and being controlled. We know what we need to do to stay safe now if we don't by now we never will so l really don't see what other way they can go. But as l say if it got really bad , then l suppose they might have to get heavier again , don't know. Hope we don't find out myself.

rx

[Hanna3]

I was just talking to a friend of mine who is a doctor working in the city in NSW. He said they have a huge problem with nurses in hospitals and vaccination hubs getting sick because they are exposed to covid and they also have to isolate as they can't risk passing it on to their patients.

[Guest_1643]

Hi rx I think in the us it's really affected communities financially, in places like la. Really increased the gap between rich and poor.

Makes u think about the vulnerability of some communities at this time, who looks after them?

Some ppl cannot work and have been devastated.

I'm OK if we get locked down again, make the best of it, but I hear u how hard it is. It's sad seeing Small businesses close and vulnerable ppl lose work

[Guest_1643]

Hi there, how's Ur sleep? That sounds tough. It is hard without sleep.

[Guest_1055]

Good we can express things in here....

I am just so so sick of the whole vaccine, covid, lockdowns, masks, confusion, bullying, coercing, fear and whatever else connected. I have had enough of it all. Feel like screaming it all out. So so freakin sick of it. How I long for peace... true peace

[Guest_1643]

It's good ppl can vent and speak, there's so much fear, harshness and judgement.

I'm sorry for ppl feeling scared. These times are so hard, i hope ppl are OK tonight and over all