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.  

[Sophie_M]

Hi all,

Thank you so much for joining and contributing to our valued online forums community.

We know these are challenging times for everyone. That's why we started this particular thread in the first place. It is also why it is vitally important we continue sharing in ways on this thread that are helpful and constructive for our whole community. We want allcomers here to share, discover and hopefully take some comfort in the ways and means by which others are coping during the coronavirus outbreak.

With that in mind, it may be helpful to frame your contributions to this thread with the following questions in mind:

What thoughts are helpful for you at the moment?

What are you doing to remain connected?

How are you taking care of yourself and others?

What are you finding helpful in reducing your anxiety during this time?

If you want to seek support and advice for, or simply air, your particular fears, concerns or frustrations – be they related to the COVID-19 measures or not – then we encourage you to do so by exploring some of our other, more targeted, threads or even start your own.

We have sections dedicated to particular mental health conditions (anxiety for example), for young people, for those who care for others going through a tough time  and much more. We even have a thread for the sharing of bad jokes on particular days.

[Feeler]

Hi All

This is my first post.

I haven't been diagnosed with Anxiety or Depression but I am a worrier with ADD so the COVID-19 Pandemic is getting to me badly.

I've been careful about the credibility and volume of the information I get and that somewhat helps, but even the bits of credible information I get aren't nearly promising enough. I'am so sad that the Virus has happened at all -as obvious as that is- and it's in me to want certainty and hope right now.

I am fortunate enough to have most of my Family around but the little things get to me. My Mum wiping our home delivered (as usual) shopping with disinfectant wipes (not usual) locals getting out of the way when I go out with my Dad and our Dog, My Sister coughing right on her wrist when some of her tea goes down the wrong way, My Parents mentioning that my Canberra based Brother won't be with us "for the forseeable future" I realise that such measures are responsible but that upsets me in itself.

The Pandemic feels like a punishment for past optimism . I know that's not the case and that it probably doesn't compare to living to a global war, but this is like nothing I have known. I've never had so few means of emotional relief.

Certain things are helping me at moments. I'am doing Adult colouring books. I'am reading. I'am watching sweet videos. I'am chatting long distance. What nothing is truly helping with is my sense of powerlessness and my need for some certainty and normality. Does anyone have any ways of coping with that?

Wishing you all well

[geoff]

Hello Everyone, once this virus is under control, one way or another, then if another illness suddenly appears, do we have to lock down the country again, some may yes and some would say no- just a thought.

Geoff.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Feeler

Welcome to the bb forums and thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings so well in your first post.

You have asked for ways of coping with the need for normality. For me, it's about creating my new normal. Basically I'm planning and scheduling time for things I have never done before to productively fill my days in the house. Time for reading, cleaning, deep cleaning, organising my house, a walk, gym work (in the garage), socialising through my phone, playing with my dog, etc.

I am filling my days, as best I can, with very different activities to what I am used to as I am not currently working. But having a new schedule for what I'm doing each day at home and when I'm doing it helps. It helps me to feel less "lost" in my house and stops me wasting time. It also gives me a purpose each day.

You've also asked for advice on how to cope with a need for certainty. This is trickier because coronavirus is highlighting to the world that there really is no certainty in life. And millions of people are being reminded, or learning for the first time, that life isn't fair. It's a tough pill to swallow. But what counters this, Feeler, is hope.

No matter what life throws at us there is always hope for better days ahead. Right now there are brilliant scientists in labs across the world working on a vaccine. There are doctors here in Australia working to refine treatments. There are nurses, doctors and paramedics in all States and Territories getting ready to care for us. We have State and Federal governments doing their best to protect us from harm. And there are millions of Australians listening and doing what they are asked to help stop the spread of the virus.

We will get to the other side of this. It will pass. You just hang in there and create a new normal that helps you through.

Kind thoughts to you

[Blufftuff]

Our world we live in has changed and this will be remembered for ever,

yes we have to abide by the rules we have been told about what we can and cannot do.

We still need to inform our selves of the correct information a there is a lot of false information out there.

My biggest concern is that we also need to be aware of our own well being during this time

we may have to be more imaginative or even creative in how we fill in our days now

I saw some one dress up as if they were at the beach turned on TV with a beautiful beach scene and to top it off they even had a cocktail in their hands.

Doing this sort of thing will do wonders for our own personal well being

Take care.

[CalmCat]

Hey Sophie M,

Thanks for your four questions.

I've answered them as follows:

What thoughts are helpful for you at the moment?

I think its important to say "I'll handle it". We are all going to get through this, so thinking of something positive to get us through hard moments is vital.

What are you doing to remain connected? I'm using this great platform to stay connected, while start group questions for my team at work.

How are you taking care of yourself and others? Communication is key and its still is number one in these hard times.

What are you finding helpful in reducing your anxiety during this time? I've been making sure I've been doing 10000 steps a day and also been spending longer in the kitchen, cooking even heather meals than I used to.

Thanks again for your amazing questions Sophie M.

Regards,

[Gum_Leaf]

Hi Feeler,

One thing that I’m finding helpful at the moment is spending a few minutes each day thinking about things I’m grateful for. I’ve read it’s quite good to make it part of your routine, for example when you get into bed each night. It can be simple things like a good meal you had that day or big things. For example I have been thinking that because I’m staying at home with my kids I’m getting to know them better and doing some projects with them I wouldn’t do otherwise.

To be honest I use to be cynical about gratitude practices but it really is an antidote in my experience to anxiety and depression.

Best wishes,

Mel

[quirkywords]

hello everyonme

Sophie suggested framing our posts around these questions. I like asking and answering question so here goes,

What thoughts are helpful for you at the moment?

I find it helpful to think things will change.

What are you doing to remain connected?

I am writing to people and posting letter. I am texting phoning whats aping and video chats.

How are you taking care of yourself and others?

Keeping touch , staying calm and being patient

What are you finding helpful in reducing your anxiety during this time?

I like watching funny parody songs and funny videos and funny show on you tube or iview.

Also going on works and eating well with the occasional timtam!

Feller, welcome and thanks for sharing your ideas of things that work for you.

[loiseau]

Thank you everyone for your helpful thoughts and sharing of what is working for you.

I would like to share something that surprised me very recently. Recently, I began a short course on building inner strength: it's theme was abundance but I decided it wasn't for me as I am content with simplicity and contentment with the essentials.

But something I was asked to do on the first day was to write down the names of at least 50 people who have positively influenced me since as far back as I can remember (can be family, friends, authors...anyone!) Initially, I thought, I would have trouble coming up with 5 names.

Then, I made myself do it and could not believe how it changed how I saw myself - when I wrote down the names, that initially came very, very slowly, somehow I was able to see how I was made up of different qualities, that previously I would never have acknowledged. I don't have a big opinion of myself, but it made me realise some positive things about myself...

Be well and encouraged that we are getting through another big day together.

[LeavesEyes]

Dear 2quik and everyone,

This is my first post. I am currently in lockdown, and while I recognise the necessity of this, my anxiety and depression worsen by the day. I have been on anti-depressants for about five years. 2quik - your post echoes my fears more than any other post I have seen. All the mindfulness and 'keep calm' talk coming from the government and media cannot help me. The police now have controls like never before. I am worried this will never end and we will be left with a police state and a society so atomised as to lose all meaning. Now we are being told to 'embrace the new normal'. This is not something I can embrace. Social media and the phone are no substitute for a hug, no matter when they try to tell us.

Three and a half weeks ago, I was abroad in Europe. I could go wherever I wanted. I saw beautiful landmarks, met new people every day. I met lovers there. I ate amazing food. I was freer than I have ever been. Then I had to cut my trip short to get home to Australia as Europe went into lock down and flights were cancelled. Now my world consists of three rooms and a computer screen. The virus has stripped away almost everything that gave my life meaning. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home with minimal disruption (I work for an online university). In the short term, the crisis is actually financially good for me, when it has been devastating for so many others. But I cannot live this way long term. I am coping now; in a few months with no end in sight, I will not be coping. If this is the new normal, I cannot be a part of it. This is no way to live.