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.  

[Littlebluebird]

Hi, I am new here so I apologise if I am posting this on the wrong place lol.
I am struggling so much right now. My whole life has changed since the restrictions came in for corona virus. I am a mum and a wife and after years of putting myself last I was finally studying full time, volunteering and finding myself in life. In the blink of an eye, everything has changed. Now I could probably handle the changes if my marriage was strong, but we have recently decided to seperate. We are still living in the same house though, and the trauma this is causing with not being able to have space from him is breaking me. He won’t give me space, everywhere I go he is there in the house, sitting and staring depressed. I know he is hurting too, but not giving each other the space is damaging us both severely. I am waking up every morning just dreading another day of the same and I cannot see an end in sight. I constantly feel sick in the stomach. I have always been the type who hates to be cooped up, and I am very soft natured and do not handle conflict well. I just feel so trapped. I need this to change. I know it will not be like this forever, but I’m worried I’m not going to come out of this without some severe emotional damage.

my dad only passed away a few months ago also, and I’ve been supporting my mum through this time. I feel like I still have emotions of my own locked away that I refused to let out, because I needed to be strong for everyone else. I have kept myself busy with life and study for so long as a coping mechanism, but now that there is nothing left to busy myself with, it is all crashing down on me and I feel like I’m crumbling more and more each day.
I don’t know how I am going to continue on for this next indefinite timeframe until I can begin to rebuild my life.

[quirkywords]

Littlebluebird, I like your name and avatar

Welcome to the this thread and welcome to the forum,. You have come to the right place.

Your life was changing before the virus and you were dealing with a separation and the grief and loss associated with your dad. You are helping your mum and your children and had little time for yourself.

Now you are dealing with these problems but you no longer have the routine of study and have you husband hurting and unable to give you space just at a time when you need it.

Your routine has changed and you may need a new one.

Can you make time to meditate or exercise or practice mindfulness?

Would you consider ringing the Beyond Blue Support line. 1300 224636 where you can talk to a trained person offering support advice and action.

thanks for reaching out.

You may like to cut and paste this post and start your own thread so maybe more people could see it, Only if want to. You are more than welcome to keep posting here.

By writing your post others reading it will now they too are not alone.

[Littlebluebird]

Thankyou so much quirkywords. I have been thinking about calling someone, but it’s just so hard to get that time to myself to do it. I will try to make my own thread and re post this, just learning the art of how these threads work lol. Thankyou so much for your reply.

[CalmCat]

Hi Littlebluebird's,

I really admired what you posted. Super brave!

I reach out to my GP when I need to talk. Just though I'd share.

The most important thing that you've reach out on this thread, you could find the value in it like I have recently. With so much unavailable at the moment, this forum is so great to connect with other.

Hope you're smiling.

Regards,

Doran

[Susannah_H]

Now we’re out of isolation I am making every effort to get active again, within the bounds of social distancing. Walking or riding to pickup a coffee, milk and bread and so forth. I guess I feel that something that will come from this period of time, is reevaluating my priorities. It was always busy, busy, busy. The way the world is right now is slowing me up. In many instances, in a good way. Having said that, I have to work to keep that mindset. Our extended family has had two covid cases, and the death of a friends brother from covid. All of these in different parts of the world. Sometimes everything seems so bleak, but I remind myself that each day is what I make it, and that as it passes, we are another day closer to a vaccine.
So, I read, I cook, I talk with my children. I garden, cycle, call and message my parents. These are all things I would normally do less of. So I suppose that’s my silver lining.
I have only just discovered these forums. And they are a blessing. I get lost in my own head, and it is good to step outside myself, and realise we are all in this together.

[Blufftuff]

Hi There,

Great to read your above post,

There is a great park close by to go for a peaceful walk and a enjoy the surroundings.

What I noticed over this time there is a lot more Dads taking their kids to park and spending time with them which I think is a big plus, in all this uncertainty there are positive things happening,

Even noticed at the local K Mart they are constantly selling out of reading books and colouring books,

You are so correct when you say we need to count our Blessings and be grateful for everyday

Great to have you on board and look froward to seeing more of your posts.

[Speak Your Truth]

Wow Susannah your last post impressed me so much. You are very strong I think, perhaps stronger than you realised. Good on you 👍

It must be very hard for you to have Covid so close to you with your extended family and your friends brother. I am sorry 😢

I have been very down, but got myself going today doing chores that have been waiting too long to be done, so I feel better for having done them both physically and mentally. You must feel the benefit of gardening and cycling too. While doing the chores I have had some of my favourite artists’ and music Chromecasting to the tv from iTunes.

I must go, bye for now, Cala

[Blufftuff]

So sorry, I misread the top part of your post earlier.

You have been through a tough time but at the same time you have a very positive attitude.

your post is an inspiration to myself personally and I am sure others, and yes you are very strong

Once again sorry.

All the best

[Speak Your Truth]

To anyone having sleep problems.

I use lavender spray which sends me off to sleep so well. I spray the air over the bottom half of my bed and in no time it’s 😴 💤
It can be bought at Coles, Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse
Good luck 🤗😘

[Halac]

Hi My name is Mahala and I am new here, I am considered an essential worker, which is great and i am thankful of, today returning to work after 4 days of and the roads are empty, and the reality of this extending is setting in, my work has been extremely busy working for a labour hire company in that supplies to logistic company ie Distribution centres supplying staff to pick the food to deliver to your local store, so i have been doing 12 hour days 6 hours days since mid February 2020, i feel pressure to support my family but have nothing left to give the number of calls i get a day for people looking for work is incredible, i feel for all of them, and i cant give everyone a job.