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.  

[quirkywords]

Mahala,

welcome to the forum and to this thread. Thank you for your part in working hard so there is food in stores for everyone. Can you take some time however small to have time for your self and to spend time with your family.

It must be hard when people want work but you cant help them.

This is a friendly space so feel to drop and post when you want to.

[Bendigo1955]

Hi, I'm sure I'm not the only one but what does one do when they live alone, don't know anyone locally, children are 1 1/2 hours away and is getting very depressed being isolated! Sure I speak with the kids nearly daily but am getting so bored with cleaning, gardening and TV! Would appreciate any suggestions.

[Gambit87]

Ive been doing my normal daily routine to help me get through the days.

Waking up and going to be bed when I normally would. Thankfully I live near a park and long walk trail so I'm able to get some fresh air.

I get a good feeling knowing Im doing my part in helping to flatten the curve and the curve is starting to flatten!

I also get a laugh at the bin outing group on facebook! Trust us aussies to think of something like that haha.

[meforcats]

Bendigo1955 could you do something from this list?

Exercise

Meditate

Google

Text

Email

TED talks

Listen to music

Read

Relax.

[Speak Your Truth]

Hello Bendigo- 😄.

You are most definitely not the only one - I also know very well the feelings you are experiencing. And I don’t have any family to talk with anywhere, so you’re ahead on that at least. I had a couple of important things to go out for today and got myself a coffee, found a nice view to park and look at m and hoped I wouldn’t get arrested for just sitting. I was ready with my reason for being out if I had a visit from the law - it was a “mental health break” which I really, really needed. I am developing bad cabin fever and so incredibly lonely. I need a hug, some kind words and conversation about things other than any bad news stories in the world. I’ve said this in posts before, but I still need it all.

Can I add to meforcats list videos on iTunes ? A movie, a documentary, music ? Can you crochet or knit or do any other sort of craft ? How about writing down memories of your children growing up - that could be something they would love at some stage in the future. I’m looking for different things to do too and read other people’s suggestions, but I’m a bit stuck - all I want is the above - hugs, some kind words and conversation about things other than any bad news stories in the world. And I do really wonder how I will manage this long term, as I’m sure you do too.

As I said before you are most definitely not the only one - and you are definitely not alone - I know it doesn’t necessarily help to know that, but can you please let some of that soak in and feel at least feel a bit of benefit from it.

Hang in there Bendigo - I, and we, are here for you. Bye for now, Cala 🤗😘

[Summer Rose]

Hello all

I've been really struggling the past few days. My son is finding the online uni study challenging and has decided to take a break. I think underneath this feeling is anxiety about the coronavirus but he won't open up.

He's really struggled to identify his chosen field of study--spent two years in a course, found it wasn't right for him so had a year to work and think about it, and had just made the decision to go back and try something new. I feel so heartbroken for him. It was a real process for him to go through, with the support of a psychologist and career counsellor and my husband and I.

I'm trying not to turn this into a catastrophe. It's possible he may return at a later date or maybe somehow this was meant to be and another door will open. Life has a funny way of unravelling at times.

Other than this set back, holding my own. Walking, talking and posting.

Kind thoughts to you

[quirkywords]

hello everyone,

Bendigo ,

SYT and meforcats gave you some ideas for coping. It is hardtop keep busy at times.

Are you into looking at family history? Do you lots of photos on the computer you could organise better.

There is a thread here

How to take practical advantage of isolation. This may give you some ideas .

[CalmCat]

Hi Meforcats,

I was really struggling before I popped on here.

I'm just feeling wounded and disheveled from the day.

But reading you post with the TedTalk idea is a great idea. I've completely forgotten about them.

If anyone else can share some tips and tricks to get through self isolation, please share.

Regards,

Doz

[quince]

Hey @Summer Rose - I think I can really relate to your son. I changed my uni course after my first year, then changed majors a couple of times too. It's so hard to find your path during that time of life, and though I was really depressed at the time, I want to reassure you that things will work out okay for him. I think it's good to encourage him to follow his passions and interests above all. After I graduated with a science degree, I went to TAFE to begin my career as a chef. And now I'm 30 and back at uni doing psychology. Life takes us in many ways, and it's all part of the journey. Thinking of you.

This sounds really awful, but I feel like I've got a bit of a free pass with the pandemic. I was already intentionally unemployed (while I sort my life out), and am lucky to be staying with my parents rent-free. I was already feeling uncertain about everything and stressed about the state of the world, so now it feels like everyone else is in the same position, and I feel less alone.

But I'm worried about what happens when things start to go back to normal. What happens when everyone else applies for jobs, and I still feel like I'm useless and not good enough?

Hopefully therapy will help with this, but I worry that it will be even worse feeling like I'm in a competition with so many other people.

On a positive note, I'm so pleased to be able to get outside with the really nice weather here at the moment. It makes it feel like I'm less caged in, and allows me to be mindful of the beauty and resilience of nature.

Stay strong everyone. x

[Summer Rose]

Hi Quince

Thanks for your response. You really helped me to see that all the confusion and angst about study paths for young adults is common, with or without the virus.

Admire your courage to pursue your dreams. I'm glad you're safe in your family home. Both my young adult children are home, too. And family, togetherness is really something to be grateful for.

I think we've all got enough on our plates to really necessitate taking things one day at a time. That's what I'm going to do.

Kind thoughts to you