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]

Sorry we were too late getting back to you Summer Rose. The survey is indeed now closed but we're confident we got enough responses to give a good representation of the general concerns of the Australian community at large.

[Elizza]

hi yes I live alone as well and find it challenging, I am missing all the social things I do like belonging to a fantastic Choir, I also was doing dancing, but now all that has changed, my place has never been cleaner, I started painting inside and cleaning everything, I also play music it lifts the spirit and you forget for a while of what is happening looking forward to when things get better and everyone is ok, I brought a skipping rope and skip inside or out and try and up my jumps, do some hand weights at home as well and eat lots of vegs and fruit, take care all.

[quirkywords]

Eliza

Welcome to the forum and well done for writing your first post.

I like the way you have used the opportunity to clean, paint, get fit, and eat healthy.

have good intentions and time but I get distracted and like motivation. I am good at making long lists at things I want to achieve and so far all I have achieved is writing lots of lists!!

Welcome again and post here as much as you like. You are not alone and there is support here .

[Speak Your Truth]

Hello Em. I’ve restarted on the forums because of Covid after a long break so I’m not exactly new, just haven’t been around until very recently, but I feel nearly as new as you. Covid has affected us all in so many ways hasn’t it. I’m having a struggle accepting our new lifestyle, but I am doing the right thing - staying home unless I need to buy food, get medical help etc. I had my first Telehealth call recently. That’s going to be the way for quite a while sadly.

I understand how you feel about Facebook friends not contacting you Em. I have the same situation. I had health issues to cope with earlier this year and heard from hardly anyone - friends near or far. I haven’t heard from my only relative - apart from maybe 2 or 3 texts - since well before Christmas, although my situation was known to them. So it is sad. Somebody I did talk with recently justified it (justified ?) by saying “oh well, everyone seems to be in their own little bubble, they probably don’t mean to ignore you” even though they were one of the people who did ignore me.

I don’t like to sound to sound needy or attention-seeking either, but like you I am a human being with a heart and feelings and need that contact. Right now I’d give anything for a hug or a kind word from a friend, even if it is only a virtual hug. A real one is something to dream about. I don’t know what could work for you, but people have tried to console me by saying some people don’t know what to say, for me I have to remind myself that friends basically mean well, life is very busy, maybe they are feeling down too and don’t want to drop it on you. I have had times in my life too when I’ve felt so down and lost and depressed as you are now, but I’ve pulled myself out of it. I’m struggling not to head back into it now though, so I have to be strong too. It’s all a bit of a mystery. But we have to be strong Em - keep telling yourself you are worthy, that you deserve lots of good things in your life.

Take care, be safe and think positive Em. Cala 🤗😘

[meforcats]

Elizza I miss all my activities too. I started dancing this year and it was great. The gym is another one I miss so I'm doing 2 lots of exercises for seniors on my Tablet each day. Im getting a cleaner tomorrow coz I felt overwhelmed with housework. So that's exciting. I didn't think they would still be working. I've got a list of things to do.

Good luck.

[melissa_bee]

This post has been a godsend...Suffering from generalised anxiety from the age of 15 to being diagnosed with depression last July, now more than ever I understand how vital, crucial and important it is to maintain a healthy, well-balanced home lifestyle - fellow introverts, you are in your element.

Last year was one of the toughest for me mentally, physically and emotionally. Being a a job where I was constantly not believing I was good enough, to suffering so many health symptoms that just turned out to be anxiety was a sign I needed to make myself a priority. I lived too much by pleasing everyone and it didn't necessarily work out in the way I wanted it to. But whenever something you want so badly doesn't work out, something much better always comes along. What you think you want isn't necessarily what is best for you.

But now, since the COVID-19 outbreak, seeing the goodwill in the most egenrous of hearts all around the word and even Australia, I know that we will beat this. WE WILL. I have no doubt in my mind.

In order for us to fight this with the biggest of fists, we need to do what we are told. STAY HOME! STAY SAFE! WASH/SANITISE YOUR HANDS! Share the love you have for your friends and family to strangers. We are all in this together. Never underestimate the magic of the human race.

Now, like many other people, a nuclear level hand-washing session is waiting for me ❤️

Stay safe guys, sending my love to all.

[Hanna3]

Cala, I just happened to see your post from yesterday and I know it's a bit late but sending you virtual understand hugs from me, and soft furry ones from little Sam... I've had friends who just don't give support when they're needed too... so there are hugs from me and Sam... hugs ooo hugs ooo hugs ooo

Take care girl! xx

[bensinstalife]

What a fantastic thing to do so quickly. I have already shared the link with my team and employer, we are all in this together. Thank you Beyond Blue.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Everyone, 

It is very encouraging to see so many of you continue to use this space to share how you are coping and the support and advice being provided throughout the community. We hope that you continue to use this space as we work together to navigate these times. 

Today, Beyond Blue has launched a dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service to support Australia's mental health throughout COVID-19. 

The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. There is a dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, that is also is now open on 1800 512 348.

Beyond Blue’s existing support service will continue to operate alongside the new service. 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 (3PM – 12AM AEST or email responses within 24 hours).

[quirkywords]

Welcome Melissa to the forums and this thread.

Thanks for writing such a detailed and helpful post.

I am glad you have seen hope at this difficult time.

Your words will help others.

Feel free to keep reading and posting here.