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.  

[Added]

I love this advice Grandy, thank you xx

[Added]

Another very helpful post - thank you xx

[quirkywords]

Caroline and everyone

I am in the lock down too and I don’t focus on dates as they keep changing.

I have grandchild who is a couple of months old andI I may not see them until they are much older.
each day I try to do something new or something that challenges me.

[lunastone]

@Benanie: i'll post back our old thread.

[Guest_1643]

Hi Bananie, thanks for your post, u raise important points.

i often worry about about accessibility of ppe... I also worry that ppl who need supplies and care won't get it.... that's always been a big stress.

I really miss hugs and connection

Although I'm entitled to a bubble friend and visitors, as someone who is vulnerable nee rable, friends don't come, because they are scared it's an offence to do so, eventhough it's okay. I am t dry ING to reach out more and find safe ways to connect to others or I'm athigh risk. Being alone shut in all days no life. Have tried two zooms recently and it did help. Working up to showing my face on screen...think I'm getting there. Much love to yoj uall

[ecomama]

Hey Bananie

We must have been posting at the same time. Sorry I missed your post.

You bring up really relevant points and indeed the mind boggles.

Having friends overseas really puts a spotlight on what's going on here, doesn't it?
My BF is in the U.S. and he keeps reading about articles on Oz and asks me far too many questions I can't answer.

More questions than answers.

Tbh it feels creepy now, maybe because even on a MH forum we see more going on or NOT going on than we're happy with.

And to think in March 2020 my BF thought we'd be able to visit in Dec 2020... tell 'im he's dreaming.
I cancelled our trip in March.
Writing was on the wall.

a mess.

EMxxxx

[Needleina]

Hi everyone. Hope you are in a safe place ( physically and mentally) ❤️. Today I had my first AZ vax. I had thought it was tomorrow but my calendar reminded me yesterday - one less day of stress I suppose. Just going to share how it went. This is long but selfishly I need to write it. No need to read it all though. It’s relaxing me just to write it .

As you know I’ve said I am stressed by everything medical. The blood clots of the vaccine scare me incredibly. I think too often about what will kill me. But having said that I don’t even get tests cause it’s like the knowing causes the escalation of the issue. *shrug*

Anyway arrived for my appt and was taken into the nurses room. I don’t handle this well. I see all the pamphlets and posters on the walls about body organs, tests etc. The nurse was delightful and as I told her my medical anxieties I didn’t feel she was judging or rolling her eyes. The dr was with a patient and I had to wait- ended up being 25 mins- I felt the room greying, my mouth was dry behind my mask as I tried to concentrated on a ph game app. Finally the dr arrived ( my own dr of near 30 years). She said to the nurse we had discussed this all on Monday ( which we had cause I braved an appt cause I didn’t think I could listen to the blood clot stuff in the day).
The nurse did it fast ( needles don’t bother me - just the vaccine in the tube - so I’m truly grateful for that.
Had to sit and wait for 15 mins after. Luckily my husband had driven me so I could sit outside the surgery with him watching me as no way could I sit inside for 15 mins.
Now I will be vigilant for 42 days at least for blood clots. I’m trying focusing on the end of lockdown and it’s rewards.
Oh, they opened Pfizer to 16-39s in NSW so my son has managed to get an appt for that instead of AZ. His choice and he will now be fully vaccinated earlier.
If you read this all thanks. It was a long read but I feel a tad calmer for writing it.

[quirkywords]

needleina

Thanks for your honest post which will reassure pthers reading.

I had no side effects for either jab.

I am glad the nurse was helpful.

[Added]

Hi Needleina

Thank you so much for writing about your experience. I have the same anxious feelings about anything to do with health - exactly the same and that is why it was comforting for me to hear about your experience. Writing things down helps me feel to calmer as well. Take care and I would love to read how things go for you if you feel you would like to write more. xxJ

[Needleina]

I find medical anxiety such a conundrum, being anxious about that which can actually help the health that make us anxious. Vicious circle but that’s the nature of the beast.
I will write more as I go. As an anxious person I already know my 42 days vigilance is til the 24th October.
My concern is that if I get symptoms and present at hospital and it isn’t the clots, I won’t feel right about going again if I get symptoms. The nurse and dr said to just go everytime. They