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.  

[golden82]

Hi Sleepy 🙂

Thanks for the Netflix idea. I googled it and it looks like they all do a month free before u start. Glad u are watching some shows. I hope your weekend is okay for u. Remember the little things u like and try inc these. I'm struggling with my agoraphobia. Since our lockdown a couple of weeks back. Thanks for caring. Take care 🙂

[golden82]

Hi EM

Sorry to read of all the troubles going on for you at present. You don't deserve all that...

Thank you for sharing what your cousellor said to you. I agree with her/ you. And yes it is profound.. to learn to not rely on others and be okay with ourselves. So hard for us with cptsd etc. But definitely wise. To be our own best friend etc. Thanks for sharing this with us. Take care EM x

[Elizabeth CP]

In the UK cases are rising while they open up but deaths and hospitalisation is mainly the unvaccinated. Everyone over 18 has had the chance to be vaccinated and now they are vaccinating teenagers who are vulnerable or live with a vulnerable person. They provide testing kits for free so you can test yourself before you go to an event. If you show symptoms you must get a PCR test and isolate until negative. My daughter lives there and works in a hospital so my information is both from her as well as official sources.

Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of infection and transmission but it is still possible to catch it. The vaccine almost eliminates the risk of death or serious disease changing it to a very mild illness. Unfortunately Australia has very low vaccination rates so outbreaks will escalate quickly without lockdowns resulting in putting huge strain on hospitals. Hopefully this will change once everyone has the chance to be vaccinated and most people do so.

In the mean time we all need to care for each other and follow the rules as so many are really struggling me included.

[quirkywords]

MsG 2021

welcome to the forum and this thread .
You have written a comprehensive list of what is distressing people.
Are you experiencing some of the things you have written.?

[Rupes79]

I’m finding my depression is getting worse during lockdown. The antidepressant I am on is also causing weight gain which is making me feel worse. I’ve decided to come off it.

My psychologist has said she can’t advise me to break the rules but she thinks I need someone to check on me regularly.

[blondguy]

Hi Rupes79

These lockdowns are difficult...I understand the pain you are going through..It is okay to feel the way you do as many people feel the same

You are not alone in anyway. I really hope you can check with your GP before coming off the meds

Great to have you as part of the forum family

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Rupes79]

Thanks Paul,

I’m not on a high dose. I had a teleconference appointment with my GP. He said his preference is for me to stay on them but the choice is mine and just told me to taper by taking on alternative days for 2 weeks.

[Elizabeth CP]

I believe everybody should follow the rules to protect each other and even within the rules do whatever is possible to stay as safe as possible and avoid the risk of accidently transmitting the virus. For example we avoid any potentially busy areas or times to walk or shop within our 5km limit.

We also need to remember the rules allow for care and compassion. Each state will write it slightly differently but it means the same. For example a friend's mother had a medical procedure during last years lockdown. My friend stayed with her before and after the procedure to ensure she was OK and assist her with things the mother couldn't manage at the time. This was legal even though it meant travelling outside the 5km limit and visiting someone outside the household. Similarly following the storms here during our previous lockdown I know people were allowed to leave their homes to stay with friends and relatives for their safety.

The same applies to serious mental illness. If you are unsafe at home alone due to your illness you can get someone to assist you or go to someone else for care. Obviously this isn't an excuse if you're just a bit bored or down but if you are really seriously unwell getting support from others is necessary and legal.

[Guest_1643]

hi rupes

if u are ever in antyhing even remotely close to risk to your health and safety please put ur health and safety first

ppl who are living at risk of dv are also allowed to leave their homes and mental health is health.
getting outside is helpful if possible for air or a drink. these times are difficult, i hear u. sending care and support.

[ecomama]

Warm welcome to all the new members & posters!

Gosh you're sweet Sleepy lol.

Thanks golden... I didn't mean that magically we could ALL be 100% self reliant.... just found what my Counsellor said to be true. Everyone around us is "losing" their umm minds? grip? heads? So expecting the "norm" from others, it's not going to be there like it was. IF it was! My "circle" of friends lost their minds in last year's Covid entry & lock downs.
My C was prepping me I think. She's going to the U.S. for up to 6 months. Being my only true "support" it'll be an interesting time for me. Another challenge to face head on.

Rx yes. BF said that America is doing away with the whole lock down thing. Whether he's correct or not, it seems to be playing out this way. (Not that I can talk to him much! He has ZERO clue on what we're facing here every single day or me either, no idea & I haven't got the time or MH energy to explain it).
Huge sets of "social experiments" playing out on a world stage.
I'm really trying to focus on my own parameters of work, family, those we support IRL. As per.
THAT alone has increased in intensity around 7000% I'd say. Not fun at all. Horrible.

Continuing lock downs - an email from my boss prepping us for the long haul.
NO NOT prepping us! Demanding more from us!
Like squeezing blood out of a stone for me.
I find some comic relief though, pyjamas on my bottom half and full make up and jewelry on the TOP half, for EVERY Zoom meeting lol. So silly.

Then a short sentence at the end of my boss's email on "looking after our own MH" lol right. What a joke.

I'm having the most intense challenges of BOUNDARIES.

Time to reinforce the Ark!

Love and many Blessings to you all
EMxxxx