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.  

[Hanna3]

Hi meforcats, in NSW you can sit on a park bench if you tire from exercise or need a rest or have an injury/sore foot/knee, feel unwell etc. I only sit in the park when walking with my dog. I don't know how it is in other states. It's getting to cold here to sit outside anymore in any case - only 9 degrees here today! Yesterday I had an ice cream sitting in my car after walking the dog - much more comfortable! Cheers.

[Paw Prints]

Hello Moon,

Just Sara said "At the top right hand side of this page, just above the Log-in and Register Buttons, it says Blue Voices."

On my computer the blue voices link isn't located there, so if it's not there on yours, I found it under the "Get Involved" link located in the blue band at the top of the page.

Hope this helps

Paws

[meforcats]

Hanna3 I'm in Vic and it was cold here today so I didn't walk. I used the weights instead for a short while. I've got a cat and she's good company as I live alone.

Bye for now.

[Guest_8790]

How do I cope?

Keeping in touch with friend who keeps me in check with my emotions when i have a meltdown.
Trying hard not to go into panicky mode when neighbour blasts their music out loud with sub woofer

Play with cats.
Try to read or do adult colouring

Its not easy as hate confined spaces.

Sometimes go to car and sit in it to feel i am less isolated and alone. I have no family.

Life not easy but health care workers are the worst off so should be grateful.

[Hanna3]

Using weights sounds good Meforcats - and glad you have a cat for company! I knew someone years ago who used to take their cat out for walks on a collar and lead - the cat seemed absolutely fine with it. Kind of a cat dog! Take care ...

[Moonstruck]

Thank you to everyone who guided me how to join Blue Voices.....ashamed to confess I did not carry it through and complete the registration...I realised the Corona suggestions close tonight at 5pm and I have no request for BB itself...except perhaps to pass this on......

Quirky...I did see of course the Govt has given funding for a BB program (would have been good for politicians fronting the TV news flashes to recognise the need from the beginning but at least they seem to recognise that mental illness exists now)........and you asked if there was anything I could suggest to lessen the long term effects.......one major thing...the same I've felt from practically Day One......for those earlier mentioned politicians to at least "soften their verbal style" when communicating with "us"...the nation, their "people"!

Our Prime Minister and more particularly my State Premier could be advised (they Do have Media Advisers I take it?) not to present such "stoney, negative, harbingers of doom" faces and expressions" when giving us details of more and more restrictions on our personal freedoms.

Soften your approaches Please!!! Learn some vital communication skills.....you don't have to lie, but bad news can be delivered in a more compassionate way...you are our leaders.....lead us towards hope, recovery,.....stop using words like " It's going to get much much worse. We have to get used to a whole new way of life"...does this mean it will last for the rest of my life??? Stop using phrases like this....please.....children are watching and listening too you know!!

[Blufftuff]

I am so grateful we can still buy takeaway coffee,

so decided I would make my downstairs into a cafe type area, and I go buy my coffee and can relax in my own cafe area, and there is room for a friend as well.

We need to be grateful for each day we have, This is a great opportunity to learn a new skill

find a hobby we would like to do so we are not bored all day.

[quirkywords]

Moon

hanks for explaining. I think I mentioned that it is a balance between saying there is noting to worry about and there will be roses and rainbows and saying that life as we no it will change .

said before that the people in charge in Canberra did not prepare people for terrible fires many years ago and they were condemned. If some had said that so many houses and shops would be destroyed in my tiny village I would not have believed them but if they had said our town would be fine, I would be so angry.

A balance is hard, there are many like you who want a bit of hope and softness in the message but others want the hard truth , so which side does a leader lean towards.

Thanks again for expressing your thoughts which I suspect.

[meforcats]

Hanna3 cat dog sounds really funny. 😄 Mine is an indoor one I can't imagine her on a lead. She's grey and white with a triangular face. Very cute. Keep warm.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Quirky and Moon

I think Quirky has provided an appropriate balance to your conern Moon. I just want to add that ...

There has been a terrific urgency attached to the messages we have been receiving. And the government was communicating with a huge variety of people in terms of their willingness to comply. I think the blunt, strong messages were designed to ensure maximum compliance. They had to "cut through", people had to sit up and listen and then step up and act--and it worked.

We also have to acknowledge that the situation is serious. There is no hiding the truth of what can happen without appropriate action. And it will continue to be so for some time.

The good news is that people have listened. We are achieving results, which indicate 90 per cent compliance with new social diatancing requirements.

Next week the federal government will show us the modelling they are using. They will provide the data to demonstrate the consequences of staying the course or not. I expect there will be more direct talk.

Kind thoughts to you