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 wouldn't say I have it so bad.

I live alone, & I have not been so close to any family to be so concerned over, not so many friends, & those I thought were from the writers' group seemed to have pretty much melted away when our group ceased meeting near the beginning of 2020. I don't have kids to worry over, to look after during these lockdowns we've had. No grand parents, or other rellies. I don't have a job to get to or figure out if I could do it from home. & mostly I am okay with being alone.

I am relying on helpers, one for in the home (little flat), & one for outings, including going to the GP & sometimes Pharmacy (I've had them deliver sometimes, too.) My local grocery shop is a small shopping complex, which has a roofed over area in the middle, which does not fully enclose all the shops. So, going there has been a better option at times.

Early on, I wasn't comfortable using cabs or buses. I have been trying to be sure my helper could take me to my PDr, if he can see patients in his rooms, again. Certainly while medical practices of any kind are required to have people wear masks while there, my PDr cannot have the in person consultations. Gov is requiring that the consultations my PDr offers to have a video component. Or I could have shorter voice calls only... I don't want shorter times with him. That would be too difficult.

I do what I can to meet this 'compromise', as I see it. FaceTime at least allows him to see me! For me, seeing him on screen makes little difference - as he could really be anyone! I don't see gestures, or facial expressions, not on my phone's screen. 😸 I'm not so comfortable with him seeing me, though.

We know, so when I am uncomfortable, that is something to talk about.

I don't want to spend time & energy fighting every change & restriction. I feel the need to adapt, to make the best of what I can do.

I know how lucky I am... being a solitary person. I haven't had so much upheaval & worry as many others.

I am able to research & find reliable info from qualified sources, which has informed my decisions about the ways I can cope with this ongoing pandemic. It does get more difficult, every time another varient arises, then when another surge in cases, & waiting to find out how severe ..it's so tough, it could wear down Mary Poppins.

mmMekitty

[JustAnYtka]

Im really struggling. I tested positive and I've only been in isolation for two days but its so hard.

I'm not allowed to hug my parents or even be in the same room as them without a mask on.

The body aches and nausea are driving me insane and no medication helps.

If anyone has any tips of how yo get through, it would be greatly appreciated.

Bee

[Bella06]

Spending more time on self-care

[BunnyRabbit]

Hi mmMeKitty

That's a very positive outlook you have there. It's true, you can only do what you can. Be sensible and hope for the best.

[Gambit87]

Hey there everyone

I caught the rona - it suuuuucks. Was feeling off on the 26/3 - took a RAT - negative. Felt worse on the 27/3 - Went for a PCR - positive!

Since the 26/3 ive had insomnia (Im generally not the best sleeper at the best of times but this is worse), Ive got cold/flu symptoms, intense hot flushes were I feel like im a walking heat source and i sweat just walking around the house, feeling a little dizzy.

better days ahead.

[mmMekitty]

Hi Gambit,

As I tell lots of people, drink more water, & you can have soups, but not too hot, I guess. All that sweating, you can get dehydrated. & even if you are too uncomfortable to sleep, try to get lots of rest.

&, as I said on the other thread, if you think you need more support, call your GP.

😸Talk here, too, as you like.

Personally, I wouldn't stop listening to books or music. Or do anything to help make the hours slip by, while I am distracted. Time really does seem to go by more quickly when you are busy.

mmMekitty

[Gambit87]

Thank you for your advice mmMekitty!

Ive taken yesterday and today off from work, thinking about calling the gp tomorrow so I can maybe have the rest of the week. I just hate not feeling productive but I acknowledge I need to take some time to rest.

movie marathon today i think.

[Elizabeth CP]

Rest is vital to recover quickly so take time off from workuntil you feel better even if you can work from home. My DIL & son both caught it from their 10yr old before he was able to get vaxxed. My SIL had almost no symptoms whereas DIL was exhausted and took much longer to recover. Both triple vaxed. Only difference was the sick kids want their mum rather than their dad at night to cuddle them and look after them. this meant she was more tired and got less rest making it harder to recover. Of course they all fully recovered with no after effects.

For those like Me Kitty who are worried about Covid due to being vulnerable I think you need to do whatever is reasonable & in your power to protect yourself including being fully vaxxed and wearing a mask if possible in crowded areas and avoiding crowds as far as possible.

The other thing to consider is avoiding things which really matter to you to avoid covid makes life rather pointless. This particularly applies to avoiding important appointments with health professionals. The risk of long term poor quality of life is too high compared to the risk of covid complications.

If you have a support worker make sure you are clear on what you want them to do including protecting you by warning you of people being too close for safety.

I think there should be better information re how to 'live' with covid for those of us who are vulnerable or are caring for or working with vulnerable people to help us make the best choices to live a meaningful life while remaining as safe as possible.

[mmMekitty]

Hi Gambit. 😺That sounds like a sensible plan.

[Elizabeth CP]

Today i was met with a very stressful situation. I will just discuss the relevent details to this thread. Yesterday I took hsb to ED as his condition was deteriorating. Nurse did a pcr as a precautio. While also doing the other tests needed to deal with problem. He was later admitted to a ward for treatment and investigation not covid related. Late last night got a text saying he had covid. This morning rang hospital for an update and then asked re covid . i was told there was an error He was _ve. This was later confirmed by other staff members ringing me to discuss hsb treatment. I then recieved another govt message with instructions on what to do andwarnings of consequences of not isolating as a close contact. I rang the number I was given to clarify situation to then spend several hours on the phone being passed from one to the other or getting cut off. In the meantime Im also fielding urgent calls from the hospital requesting info re my hsb and his complex needs. Eventually spoke to someone who checked his results and confirmed there had been a clerical errorin submitting his results as pos when they were neg. I then asked if that meant I was now free from isolation as I was no longer a close contact to be told no I had to wait for someone else to remove his name from the records. It was meant to be escalated so i would get confirmation in an hour. 12 hours later Im still waiting. I accept mistakes can occur but it seems wrong that it can't be fixed quickly and leads to so much stress when you try to do the right thing to check conflicting info. Ive got enough to deal with without hsving to contact people hsb had seen recently then contacting them to say he's not pos but still no official info to confirm he was actually neg.