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 PamelaR

Thank you for your advice.

I'am really struggling to accept the Pandemic because it feels so pointless. We're probably learning things from our efforts to stop it but that's at a very high cost. I've been dragged down by the feeling that almost everything that can go wrong has or will. That's evidently not true but I'am waiting for the negative developments to stop. I guess that recognising what sadness is ahead -as you have recommended- will help me.

Kind regards

[Feeler]

Hi Elizabeth CP

I hope your overseas Relatives stay well.

You're right about compassion still being possible.

[quince]

@CX - Hey! I really feel for you. I don't have kids, but I can only imagine how hard that must be at this time. I have a lot of admiration for you, and know you're not alone. Thinking of you.

@Feeler - It's really hard not to get dragged down by all the bad news, hey. I've been trying to acknowledge the great things coming from the pandemic too though - I feel like in a lot of ways there is a great sense of community happening, like people helping each other out, sharing resources, or putting teddy bears out for local children to spot on their walks. It's a really devastating situation, but hopefully some of these nice things stay around for good too.

Mates, I'm having a tricky few days. Starting to feel really cooped up, and have had a bit of a step-up with getting help for the mental health stuff going on. It's ultimately good, but just very tricky timing with that happening while also being stuck home with my parents who know nothing about what's going on for me. Ugggghhhh. I really feel like sinking into the floor and reappearing when everything is fixed.

Thanks for listening to my venting.

[quirkywords]

quince,

Thanks for your post. I am glad you have started to get help for your mental health.

know it is tricky and hard at the moment and you feel like just tell me when its over.

Hopefully for you and others there will be a silver lining. Feel free too post here when you want.

[Paw Prints]

Hi All,

Just to let everyone know Woolies has changed its early opening for pensioners:

From Monday, 30 March 2020 until Sunday 12 April 2020, Community Hour will continue from 7am-8am for the following groups:

• Seniors and People with a Disability - Monday, Wednesday & Friday
• *NEW* Emergency Services & Healthcare Workers - Tuesday & Thursday

Paws

[Peppermintcandyprincess9]

Hi all I am brand new on here. You can call me Em. I thought I’d join the forum on here because I just need a listening ear- just a friend to talk to. Covid-19 has affected me greatly. I got stood down recently at my workplace and the store is closed for a month (I work in retail) and it will only reopen perhaps mid May. But because I am a casual I do not get any paid benefits and I am really struggling for money just to feed myself. I have applied for Centrelink but due to the high number of claims it is taking forever to get the money. In the meantime I have been posting my worries and thoughts on my FB page and it seems like none of my friends on there really care about me. I know that they have read my posts/stories (bc I can see the viewers) but none of them respond to me or my posts or message me. Just nothing. I don’t mean to sound needy or attention-seeking but it really makes me feel sad cos that means all the friends I have on fb are fake. And I always have to start the conversation they never start contacting me first. I feel so sad to see that some people seem like they are there for you only when times are good but once you feel sad or things go wrong they just disappear. I see them on messenger all the time and yet they never reach out to me. What can I do? I know I can’t make people care but at the same time I feel so down and lost and depressed. Thanks for reading.

[Feeler]

Hi quince

I'am hoping the nice things will stay around

[quirkywords]

Em

Welcome to the forum and thanks for making your first post.

I am sorry you are have lost your job and finding it hard to het help.

FB can be a strange place and I know sometimes people say I have not commented or liked a post when I have read it. Your friends care as they have seen your post but they have troubles too or not feelike commenting. I can see how this lack of comments makes you feel alone .

Sometimes people feel they don't know what to say. Maybe they have a job and so feel bad for you.

On this forum there is support and you can post as much as you like. Also if you want to start your own thread you can do that.

Do you know someone who may have lost their job too and maybe you could reach out to them and support each other.?

Welcome again.

Quirky

[Feeler]

Hi Em

I'am sorry about your job. Centrelink are slow even in the best of times but going to them for support is a start.

It's unfortunate that your Facebook friends aren't conversing with you, but you're likely to get responded to here.

All the best

[CX]

Thanks everyone for your support and suggestions - it is good to be able to talk to people and get some perspective! If I could just get some time-out occasionally I think it would help my mindset a lot. It is so hard to be responsible for everything and everyone 24/7. I will look into some of your ideas and hopefully it will help. Thanks again.