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]

Hi Temora

I'am sorry about your Relatives. I hope you haven't had difficulties communicating with them long distance.

Best wishes

[quirkywords]

hello everyone,

Weclome Temora to the forum and this read.

Music and jigsaws sound like a really good distraction to occupy your mind.

Alas for me I get very frustrated with jigsaws unless they are really easy say 400 pieces or less. I amthinking jigsaw pieces will become hard to get.

You are not alone and we are glad you are hear sharing your thoughts. It must be sad about your step mum.

PamelaR it is lovely to see your name and read your very helpful posts.

It is a challenging time and many like you and me and a challenging couple of months even before the virus.

Feeler,I am so glad you are doing things that help you. I think it can change from day to day what works and what doesn't.

A big wave to everyone reading this thread.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Pamela

So sorry to hear that you've been through a rough patch. Glad to have you back on board sharing your wonderful insights.

Stay well x

[Gambit87]

Morning all,

I spiced up my morning walk to get a coffee by playing pokemon go haha.

its still kinda weird to see everything quiet.

Hope you are all well.

[PamelaR]

Hello to all.

Thanks for the welcome back Quirky and Summer Rose. It is good to be back. Hi Feeler, nice of you to response.

Ahh, well, things are become clearer for me now and what's happening in our household. Introverts and Extroverts being isolated together..... eek.

Not many people believe it but I am an introvert and hubby is an extrovert. Generally we get along fine. Hubby has a lot of external activities that keep him busy and well stocked with energy. Of course these are all closed down. It was a bit funny at first when emails started arriving to say meetings were being cancelled. He did start to show signs of anxiety. And I didn't take any notice of this - That's a warning to you introverts. Take heed as they begin to slowly zap your energy. Find things to help yourself and not to be drawn into their energy zapping behaviours. Like going for a walk on your own, finding a space in the house for yourself. I tend to stay in bed while he blunders around the house doing this and that to expend his energies (which aren't being replaced of course). I found this website this morning - maybe some of you might be interested:

https://introvertdear.com/news/introverts-how-to-survive-social-isolation-when-you-live-with-an-extrovert/

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Tangney]

I am finding that the reaction to this illness is worse than the illness itself. I'm different to lots of people because I have no fear of catching this virus.  My anxiety and depression is stemming from everything being shut down and watching all of my usual outlets and measures that I use to manage myself disappear one by one. 
It's not as simple as saying, "All we have to do is stay at home". That might be easy for some, but saying this minimises how it feels for those that find being at home all the time utterly unbearable. I wish more people would acknowledge this as a real issue.  I worry the extreme legislation and policing  just for sitting on a park bench or being outside "without reasonable excuse" are going to damage more people than the virus. I worry about people in danger due to these rules. All because the governments of many countries have failed to fully fund  the health system. The population is being punished for government incompetence and no-one seems to care about any other illness that people may suffer from at the moment.

[PamelaR]

Hi Tangney and welcome to our forums

I understand how you are feeling - being at home all the time is unbearable. Especially when your anxiety and depression management regime is based around those things you do outside the home. My partner is like you and he is going nuts. His anxiety has increased significantly - based on being grounded at home. It must be difficult for people in the cities. I live on the outskirts of town and it is feasible to go for a walk through the environment corridor and not come across anyone. What specifically do you outside the house that you're missing? Is it contact with others or exercise?

Also, I agree, once things 'return to normal' (?) people will be dealing with the fallout, not just from COVID-19 but from the isolation you're talking about.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Blufftuff]

I have been in contact with a number of people who suffer epilepsy,

A large number are terrified of this new change of life and their stress/anxiety levels have increased a lot.

This of course will only cause more seizures.

We need to be aware of who is suffering like this on our forum and also if possible our neighbours as often a phone call or a quick chat over the fence will make their day.

we need to be aware of the well being of people around us and more importantly we need to be aware of our own well being.

Take care everyone

[Moonstruck]

Dear Tangney....

I feel exactly the same as you do. The cure will be worse than the disease and the fall-out devastating effects will last for a long long time, well after the virus has gone. For some reason our politicians never seem to address this in their never ending TV announcements...no mention whatsoever of vulnerable mental health, anxiety and depression sufferers....as if we don't exist....or rather...don't matter.

[Elizabeth CP]

I haven't written much lately because it is s hard to add anything positive.

I agree with Tangney that my concerns are less about the virus but the consequences of dealing with it as a society. I try to remind myself that our government is listening to the medical experts to make informed desicions to be proactive to prevent us fallowing the path of some other countries. Hopefully now most people are back from overseas we are not importing cases.

Issues causing me anxiety are my 2 children who live overseas. My daughter in particular has just lost her job and lives in a crowded city with rapidly growing risks. At least my son lives in a country town & has a wife & children to keep him company rather than being isolated like my daughter. How do others cope with knowing loved ones are in high risk areas.

Another son is in a psych hospital after his MI escalated. Because of the virus Even his wife has limited visiting time & he can't see his kids. I feel unable to provide any support.

Another daughter runs her own business. They were stretched financially prior to the virus but know business is down but expenses still the same. I miss being able to visit my grandkids & can't help her

My husband has a serious degenerative condition. Now supports normally available are no longer there including being able to get checked by GP if he is unwell. Phone consults don't allow checking his chest so if he gets sick he will remain home without medical attention until very unwell by which time his prognosis is poor. This is quite scary.

What I'm doing I'm focusing on doing what we can to stay as well as possible including regular exercise and healthy eating. Some therapists are providing help through telehealth which we are using.

I'm trying to arrange for help with extra cleaning & gardening to keep home as safe, clean & comfortable as possible while we can't get out.