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.  

[Care_Bear]

G'day, I don't normally do forums, because engaging online is one of the trickier things for me to manage with my anxiety, but I know that in the coming weeks and months, I may have less access to the things that usually keep me well. I've come on here now to check out the tips and wisdom that has been shared through the forum, about coping with the pandemic. And wow, there's some great ideas here. The single biggest thing that is worrying me about this pandemic is isolation and lack of human contact. I'm already feeling it, and it's only been a couple of weeks. Over the last few years I have fought really hard to improve my mental health and manage anxiety, and that has meant evolving from somebody who was reclusive, to somebody who is comfortable - and even enjoys - being around others. In fact, I need that contact now, as part of staying balanced and well. It's ironic, but 5 or 6 years ago this situation would have been fine, but I desperately don't want to go back to being the person I was then. Thankfully I still have my work, and interactions with my colleagues there, but who knows for how long. There's a good chance I'll either be working from home or stood down from my job in the near future, and that is when things will get much harder, not because of the financial or practical impacts, but because of the isolation. I live alone, my family is all interstate and overseas, several of my friends are considered vulnerable to COVID, and even the ones that aren't I wouldn't risk seeing in person now. I'm trying to stay connected with some of them through social media and phone calls, but finding it difficult. Partly this is because they are understandably dealing with their own concerns and may not want to chat, and partly because my underdeveloped social skills make it really hard for me to communicate effectively without seeing someone face-to-face. The very thought of picking up the phone to call someone fills me with icky knots, but I see it as the best of a bunch of not-ideal options at the moment. So that's all I got for now - manage my panicky feelings, focus on what I have, be grateful for the clear air outside (and very recently we didn't have that, so I'm not taking it for granted!), maintain my physical health, and take things day by day, hour by hour. I am currently in a job where staying up-to-date and passing on pandemic info is all I do, so avoiding media is unfortunately not an option for me, but plenty of the other suggestions are.

[blondguy]

Hey RX

The government has discouraged non essential domestic travel....yet I havent heard of interstate flights being cancelled at this time from the recent media reports....

Have you tried the Jetstar/Quantas website for any updates?

Dont be overly concerned at this time RX....Paul

[blondguy]

Hello Care Bear

Thankyou for posting with everyone! Being in a career where you have to stay up to date with all the media releases would be more than exhausting....I know this is an open thread that for everyone to talk about what they are going through Care Bear

I dont think you have underdeveloped social skills from your post at all! If you want to elaborate on your situation you are very welcome to start your own thread about the pain you are going through..I have had sporadic chronic anxiety for 38 years and yes...this is a shitty time to go through when we are in recovery

I do hope you can pick up the phone without feeling icky....Having a small (or large) support network would be invaluable as we speak...I have 2 support people that I call for some comfort

my kind thoughts......Paul

[Guest_8790]

I have no solution how to cope with isolation as I do this every day. Not by choice but because I don't feel always comfortable in crowds. Needless to say isolating will not be an issue I think. Have two cats who are a comfort to me. Today I went out to get my medication and enjoy a coffee. However while there a family were there and as I sat down one started staring at me and I felt uncomfortable. I was next to a drink fountain and a child came to get a drink. I moved sideways to allow for social isolation and this made the family look at me and laugh. I felt humiliated so moved tables.

[Guest_8790]

In Addition to my last post i meant to add that I feel ashamed I made the mive at my table and felt they were judging me. I suppose I am paranoid but it was not done with malice

So i will stay at home alone and won't.go out.

Rusty

[Cookie12]

Early hours of the morning & have found myself finding this site. I'm really struggling, already had other issues that set off depression and increased meds and now this virus. I know there is a huge possiblity I won't see the other end if I catch it. I rely on support to get through and that will all stop if I come in contact with virus or get it. This is going to be really bad as I will end up bed bound fully and 24/7 fpr 14 days in the same sheets is not a nice feeling let along any acidents that may occur. Aspergers, depression, anxiety etc is an interesting melting pot. Had no support over weekend and didn't even get dressed. Couldn't even face wheelchair outing to walk dog. Life just seems way to overwhelming at present. Nothing is normal anymore. No family that appear to care or realize how deadly this is for me. I feel so alone with no real desire to do anything.

[blondguy]

Hello Cookie

you are spot on Cookie12...this is overwhelming as we are in uncharted waters .....(welcome to the forums!) Im really sorry that your family hasnt been there for you Cookie...Do you have any support even by phone?

we are here and listening Cookie...Im Paul....and good to meet you...there are many kind and gentle people on the forums that can be here for you...

[Guest_1055]

Hey Rusty girl, I am sorry you felt humilated. That is not a nice feeling to feel.

I was wondering if the reason the family was laughing was, simply because they thought their child may accidentally wet you. And you were moving away from the possibility of yourself getting wet.

Hope you don't mind me saying that?

[Guest_1584]

Thanks paul mate.

yep we're doing all that but it's not looking good. she also looks after kids at her job so it's complicated to leave and whether her boss can manage. he has a small business though and will probably be closed before she even got back but anyway , we figure it out today , not looking good though.

might be another one here going through it alone by the look.

it's mind boggling isn't , l knew it was coming for wks now but hoped we'd all have another wk before this , well until later last wk , by then it was pretty clear shutdowns were coming and fast.

so much for my little shopping bits collecting , gonna have to go do a biggie today , well as much as l can anyway , just encase.

l have one job to finish and get out which will take another week , not sure if a buyer will even be able pick it up though by if l can get it finished . thank god the govs helping out with money and whatnot , could be needing it if not.

big hug to all living alone or won't b able to see loved ones , not sure how all that will work.my daughters only 20mins away but who knows if we'll bee about to drive that soon not sure . we have country roads between l could easily drive to and from no matter what but of course l won't want her driving or meeting me if she's not suppose to be or whatever,' l know many will be facing all the same with loved ones.

my place here is fin for staying home , l've also got another job in the yard ready to go on with after this one l'm finishing this week and could actually keep working for another mth or two if l wanted,. probably won't be able to find buyers though because they won't be able to pick it up same as the one this week maybe , who knows.

but l've got lots of yards here to run about and lots of open space in the area and could go out midnight walks and stuff anytime too so thats not a bad sitch really for all this l guess either.

and l suppose we're all gonna be having lots of time for reno's or hobbies if your in units maybe u can get into some crafts n stuff , poetry , get creative.

does anyone feel like their music , l find l can't right now even though it'd be perfect music takes me away except for when l'm stressed or too busy of mind , at those times l can't it's too much for more head and nerves.

Well , we've all got each other here too people if nothing else , the internet lines will be getting a workout thats for sure.

funny thing,. optus emailed saying how much they care then tried to flog me a new phone and plan.

[Matchy69]

Hi everyone one of the things that is worrying me at the moment i am in Qld and think every state will follow Victoria.When the schools do close here and we are told to all stay home.What about my kids who spend half the time with me and half the time with their mother.Will that mean they will have to stay with only one parent and would the other one not be able to see them.I think we will be made to completely lock down.