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_0983]

Everyday is becoming a struggle with seemingly nothing to look forward to and I’m not sure how to overcome the feelings of hopelessness.

Today we got news that we have another 4 weeks of lockdown and I’m feeling anxious. I’m not in the Sydney hot spot but in a region that has been encompassed as part of Greater Sydney. I’m not sure how I can cope much longer in isolation it seems like it will never end.

My situation, confidence and mental state was fragile before the first COVID lockdown announcement in July, having had my long term partner of 13 years announce he wanted to end our relationship as as a New Year’s gift 2021 after admitting he had been cheating on me online in dating apps for a few years and all the while projecting his guilt as anger towards me, undermining my self esteem, making me feel less than and that the relationship was failing because all the faults were mine. I lived in constant anxiety, walking on egg shells in those last few months to try and keep peace and hide the failure from family and friends and felt some small relief when the relationship finally ended, even though due to circumstances we have had to continue to share our home the last few months while planning to separate our lives.

With the help of my family I was slowly getting my life back together and preparing a plan to move up the coast to be near them and start a new chapter of my life. Then COVID delivered the lockdown blow and I’m stuck in a house with my ex and no family as they are all outside the lock down area. I get to stay in touch on the phone but it’s not the same as being there with them for a hug and company and I don’t want them to worry about how low I’m feeling when we chat on the phone. Plus my ex is always around as we are in lock down together so I feel my phone conversations are somewhat scrutinised. It would be nice to be able to get out for a chat over a coffee with a friend.

I know I’m not the only one suffering through lockdown and feel selfish as I should be grateful that I still have a roof over my head with a job and can work from home at the moment while so many others are doing it tough and being stood down as businesses remain closed in lockdown but I can’t help feeling alone without my family and that life is in a permanent unhappy limbo.

I just want to feel like me again. The happy, caring person who looked forward to each day, not this robotic unrecognisable sad shell I feel I’ve become.

[helpme1980]

I everyone , I live in the Cumberland area and I'm really freaken out about this extended lockdown. I haven't been to working since 26th June and I've tried to get support from service NSW but I've been turned down for any support.

I really don't know what to do anymore ?? i have some savings , I'm really pissed off at the government because there not supporting me at all....

[Doolhof]

My heart breaks and it saddens my soul to read everyone's stories here.

I don't know how people manage to keep going when life is so tough and resilience is low.

Like Golden mentioned, Sleepy and so many of you do have inner strength you have ben relying on.

Some how you keep going day after day. I applaud you. I congratulate you.

I know that doesn't help you in your situation in anyway! I just want you to know my heart goes out to all of you and I am so very thankful for all I have.

Kindest regards and hoping you all find more inner strength and answers...somehow. Hugs from Dools

[Mimsy19]

I just had a good scream (indoors) and am feeling a bit better.

I've been in a sort of "lockdown" since November because I haven't had a working assistance dog since then. My new dog just turned 6 months old and is doing well but still too young to work much. She won't be a real working dog for another nearly 6 months. I require a dog to leave the house, so haven't even been to the supermarket since November and I'm going nuts. I walk my puppy around the back streets and attend the training sessions run by the assistance dog organisation occasionally, but that's about it. She's also a large breed, so I can't walk very far without potentially damaging her growing joints. Can't even make it as far as the local outdoor mall for some company. I don't know how much longer I can take this, but at the same time, what choice is there?

Last time I changed over dogs there was overlap, with the old dog able to work until the new dog was ready, so I wasn't a shut-in. Hasn't been the case this time. It's really no fun at all.

[quirkywords]

Help me and guest

welcome you both to the forum. This lockdown is hard andI I am sorry you both are struggling.

This support line is staffed with trained people who can provide support 24/7.

Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

1800 512 348

If you scroll through this thread you will read others stories and how they cope.

I have a new grandchild but can’t see her now until she will be over 8 weeks . I know many people are struggling in different ways.
Guest the timing of the end of your relationship would be stressful.
you both are not alone and we are listening.

[Hanna3]

Hi Mimsy19

That sounds really tough that you've been pretty much stuck at home since November. Why weren't you able to have an overlap with the previous dog and this new one?

I an imagine adjusting to the new dog isn't easy either.

May I ask your dog's name and how you're getting on together? I see assistance dogs sometimes around where I live and they must be a wonderful support.

I'm sorry you've been so isolated as a result of having the new dog the same time as the lock downs.

Do you have any friends or supporters who can call in or to talk to?

You're always welcome on the forums on BB and after a while you get to know people here and they can be a real support.

I wanted to say welcome and I hope you find some company here. Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers 🌞

[Mimsy19]

Thanks, Hanna. Her name is Bismuth. I wasn't able to overlap because, well, it's a long story but when my second assistance dog had to retire suddenly for health reasons, I got another about 4 months before the pandemic hit. The new dog was a rescue, and didn't cope with the isolation of lockdowns. I wasn't able to get enough help because dog trainers weren't considered essential workers, and she developed severe behavioural issues despite my best efforts. I ended up having to rehome her, but found a lovely new home on 5 acres outside Geelong. Bismuth is not a rescue and is doing much better, thankfully. Still having some issues because of covid related lack of socialisation opportunities, but nothing pathological yet. My second assistance dog who retired is sadly no longer with me.

I don't have any friends because of long term, severe psychiatric illness. I usually rely on incidental meetings with strangers for social interaction, but that hasn't been happening recently, obviously. Online forums are better than nothing, eh?

[Doolhof]

Hi Mimsy,

I welcome you here as well, Hanna gave you a wonderful caring reply.

I'd just like to mention, you may notice that some threads seem to flit about from here to there and back again, please feel welcome to join in anywhere. There are lots of topics covered on this forum.

Sorry to read of the situation you find yourself in, hope Bismuth learns and adapts quickly.

Do you have hobbies or activities you can do to help fill in your time? I know it is hard to find motivation at times when mental health issues are banging around in your head! If only it was that easy!

Hope you encounter a few people to chat with even briefly as you do venture outside.

Where I live, I can walk for an hour and not see anyone.

Cheers to you from Dools

[Hanna3]

Hi Mimsy19 and hi Dools!

Bismuth is a gorgeous name can I ask what kind of dog he/she is? My profile pic is my little dog Sam. He's 10 years old this month and I can't imagine being without him!

I rely on casual chats a lot too but at least I can get out. What a shame your rescue dog couldn't cope poor thing.

I knew a girl ages ago who was blind and she got a poodle guide dog which she adored, but she was a university student and the poor dog found the campus overwhelming and she had to relinquish her. I believe she has another dog now. She told me after having to walk using a cane, walking with her guide dog felt like flying. How lovely for her!

You're welcome on my thread anytime, it's called anyone spent days alone with nobody to talk to, under Long term support - because I moved to a new town just before the terrible bushfires and then covid!!! So I didn't know anyone. 😕

Mostly I chat there with a few ladies..

Are you in regional Vic?

Cheers for now 😊🐾🐕

[Mimsy19]

She's a German Shepherd. Your dog looks like a real sweetie.

No, I'm not in regional Victoria, I'm in Melbourne. Currently, anyway...