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]

I was wandering if anyone had any luck securing a n95 mask. Sold out here....

[Moonstruck]

Hi Golden....and on we go...and on and on and getting more ridiculous every day.

Listening to the National Anthem on Australia Day, the second line jumped out at me. "for we are one and free". No we're not. Not any more. This is not the Australia I know and love. People forced to be vaccinated or else lose their job and their ability to support their family is NOT freedom.

Our Premier said during a Press Conference some time back what we had to do to "win back our freedom". Excuse me Madam Premier but our freedom is not something to be "given back". It is our right! Can the situation get any closer to feeling like we are living under a "dictatorship"?

[Guest_1643]

Hi rx, it is nice to have some support.thanks times had been bit rough so absolutely grateful.

[Elizabeth CP]

Freedom for the individual needs to be balanced against the needs of others in the community. My hsb had a telehealth appyt with his specialist who works in a major public hospital which now has several floors taken over to treat seriously ill covid patients. Theare also overseeing many people had home with covid who need monitering but cant be admitted because of insufficient beds and staff. The specialust checked that we had been fully vaccinated including the booster. He explained that based on what they are seeing in hospital the booster makes it very unlikely to get sick enough to need hospital treatment and even less likely to need icu. I would like to thank every person who has been vaccinated and boosted when able to because they are helping to reduce the numbers in hospital which then hopefully in time allow important elective surgery to resume and other treatments. Last year my hsb required several admissionss to ED. The difference between attending at the peak of an outbreak compared to when things were more normal was stark. It was impossible to get the level of care required when staff are overwhelmed is impossible. We all deserve to get good timely treatment when we are sick or injured including MH issues so each of us need to do our part to help control the pandemic by getting vaxxed (if we can ) wearing masks indoors (when we can) isolating when sick and doing our best to stay as healthy as we can so we can recover quickly if we do get sick. Many people are stressed anxious and lonely lets do what we can to treat everyone with respect regardless of differing opinions. A friendly word to the person on the checkout or on the street etc might just help lift someone who needs it.

[mmMekitty]

Hi Elizabeth CP,

I have been eager to get vaccinated as soon as I could. I have had the booster, too, because of a diagnosis which made me eligible almost two months before I was originally eligible. That's been one benefit of the diagnosis. & I had the diagnosis soon enough to have a very high possibility of the condition not worsening to a worst case scenario situation. 😹

I often think of your situation, with both you & yor hubby needing more care & support than what you are getting. I find it is hard for me to imagine how you & your hubby are coping throughout these last couple years. I have no doubt, having each other has been most important to you. I would like to ask you, what you & your hubby do to deal & cope with all the stress & emotions arising over these last couple extraordinary years?

I like your simple suggestion, to offer a kind & courteous word to the people we encounter while getting what groceries we can, or having a bite to eat at a café, orfor the receptionist at our GP's office, or local Pharmacy, or at the hospital when we do need to go there. It cost us nothing, & indeed, when I do say those little polite phrases, I actually have noticed, I feel better for having said something nice to someone, as if the friendliness of my words rebounds back & effects my own mood.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

😺mmMekitty

[just-want-to-sleep]

I'm not doing well. I work in a medical practice and I am just so tired. So sick of covid!

Sick of people arguing.

Sick of being abused.

Sick of existing.

[Sophie_M]

Hey there

Sounds like covid is really impacting you from all areas of life. Youre certainly not alone in this. It takes alot of courage to reach out so we're really glad you have.

We encourage you to continue to share here whats happening for you but also want you know that there is always support available to you.

You can reach out to our professional mental health counsellors Beyond Blue (available 24/7/365 on 1300 22 4636) or our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) at anytime.

We have also sent you a private message so please check your inbox.

If you feel at any time that you are unable to keep yourself from acting on urges of suicide or self harm, then this is an emergency and it's important that you contact 000 (triple zero) straightaway. 

[SapereAude]

Just wanted to say to everyone a big hello and be kind to yourselves! Let’s try to be positive about the future and appreciate family, friends and our supporters. Keep reaching out and ensuring those around you are okay.

My best thoughts and wishes to you all!

[mmMekitty]

Hello just-want-to-sleep,

I'm so sorry anyone has treated you so badly, with so little respect orunderstanding that you are sick COVID like so many other people. You can only do what you can, & your resources are limited. People's tempers flair, & it seems that you are a human being is quickly forgotten,

You are under so much stress. May I ask what strategies do you have for coping & relieving your stress?

mmMekitty

[Guest_1643]

Hi justwanttosleep, how are yountoday ? How's things been at the medical practise with the new variant surging ? Here to listen.