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.  

[Feeler]

Thanks for the replies to my post

You are right about accepting a new normal, Summer Rose. I am struggling with the new normal because I'am associating it with why it has to be in place, but I think it will help to incorporate plenty of what's familiar. As for hope, I do dread the possibilities of the eighteen months a vaccine needs to be deemed safe, but I guess things won't have to stay exactly as they are until then.

You're right about gratitude, Gum Leaf.

2quik - I admit that I don't know much about your situation but lockdown is for the good of us all. You can leave your home for essentials or out of home work. You can go for a jog or walk. You can get in touch with People long distance in a whole variety of ways. Think how being arrested or fined might harm your mental health. I hope that helps.

All the best

[Moonstruck]

LeavesEyes.....just wanted to say your words resonated so well with me....I understand completely where you are coming from. Almost from Day One my first thought was " the cure is probably going to be worse than the disease"....each day I see more and more evidence of this......I feel for you, you are not alone...in your views anyway.......best thoughts to you...MoonStruck........

[Gambit87]

Hi all,

I've got a bit of cabin fever already. I'm trying to do things to keep busy but im feeling very all over the place at the moment. I'm even thinking about going into work instead of working from home. I totally understand why this is necessary and all for it but it plays on the mind.

hope you all are doing well.

[quirkywords]

hello everyone

Welcome LeavesEyes to the forum and to this thread.

Thanks for your first post.

Any change is very difficult to cope with and what we are being asked to do know is so different from anything that has happened before hand.

I lost a lot in the fires and now I cant see my children and granddaughter who was really helping me. Yes it feels so unfair but if the pandemic keeps going all our lives will be changed.

S you noted you have your job and are better off than many. Of course no one wants to live like this but it will end and maybe we will learn things about ourselves , learn what community means and learn about our neighbours. More people have been learning to cok, sew, and learn practical skills.

I understand the feeling of feeling like we will not be coping.

welcome you to write here and express your views as many here will relate to you. Being honest and self aware will help you and others.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

[calmseeker]

Hi All,

I hope that on the other side of all of this, people end up being much kinder to each other.

Stay well everyone 🙂

[Gum_Leaf]

Afternoon All,

I too worry about how long this situation will go on for. I also worry about how people like my mother and grandma who live alone with cope not seeing friends and family.

The truth is we don’t know how long this will go on for. All we can control is what we are doing and thinking in the present moment.

The funny thing is we think there are certainties in our lives but in fact there is never any certainty, we just think there is because we get into routines.

Because of this big change to how we live we suddenly think nothing is certain but in fact nothing was ever certain.

We need to try and become aware of when we are thinking negatively about our situation. Acknowledge the thoughts and then try to get on with something else. I have been trying to do this but it is challenging. I have found a new technique that seems to work when my negative thoughts are escalating. I put some music I really like up loud. I find through head phones is best. I then try to engross myself in the music. I often move and dance to the music a bit too.

Give it a try if you are thinking negatively or feeling anxious or low. Music and dancing are so therapeutic.

Hugs to all.

[Blufftuff]

Hi there,

Totally agree music is a fantastic tool to help take our mind off all the negative stuff going on round us,

There are other tools as well, we can be imaginative or creative in many, some people love painting, reading a great book, and the list goes on and on.

Keep up listening to the music.

Great work.

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone

Gumleaf

thanks for your post. I agree I think we need to cope with uncertainty..

We need to try and become aware of when we are thinking negatively about our situation. Acknowledge the thoughts and then try to get on with something else.

I have found a new technique that seems to work when my negative thoughts are escalating. I put some music I really like up loud. I find through head phones is best. I then try to engross myself in the music. I often move and dance to the music a bit too.

These are great idea that work for you. Does anyone have any ideas that woek for them.

Blufftuff I agree music is helpful as well as other creative outlets.

[Mel2334]

I love walking and getting fresh air air as well but going out was abit of a surprise as u have to keep away from people and the environment outside is abit different still doing house work and also watching tv is fun seeing the news is abit annoying

[Guest_1643]

Hi Mel I agree the news is too much and over playing. Just wanted to announce something that I hope I don't regret and isn't misinfomation 😞 I called BeyondBlue today for support and the worker told me that the goverment is considering increasing the 10 free sessions you can get for therapy/psychology with a Mental Health Care plan - to twenty. I doubt it will happen 😞 But if it were, think of how many people would feel more confident in seeking help. I am pleased either way that the government is investing tonnes into mental health. That is priority at this time, at least they seem to get it.