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.  

[CalmCat]

Hi meforcats,

I agree the beyond blue help line is a amazing in these times.

I've also been talking to my GP if I have any issues.

Happy Mothers Day.

Doz

[Guest_1643]

Happy mothers day to all the mothers here...have called the Beyond blue line myself a bit lately and also the Friendline which has a friendly volunteer. Hope everyone is keeping safe and happy where they are.

[Guest_1643]

hi meforcats that sounds really beautiful, the string of pearls and other surrouding plants. I hope the daffodils come are good, too. Hope you're doing okay and feeling well

[Guest_1643]

Hi Summer Rose -

I feel similar to you sometimes when i see things here that challenge me - I am disappoitned and log out but I do hope that we can continue to have helpful dialogue here.
I really value this thread.

I want to be able to write freely and engage freely, of course there are limits to free speech but in general I have a lot of confidence in the character and kindness of people here - more so than in most places! and have seen so many doing such a good job to offer empathy and understanding and just good chats.

I hope this forum can still be useful and helpful for people.

[Blufftuff]

This has been a challenging time for many, learning how to adjust etc.

I belong to an adult support group for those with epilepsy and we briefly discussed this last week and most people said that even though they lived at home before on their own, they felt more isolated and more anxious.

This is because some have had people stop visiting during this time,

This was quite disturbing for me as this plays with their well being and has a massive impact on their mental health and also increases their chances of seizures which is a danger when living alone.

It is a good opportunity for us to check on people in our local community.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sleepy21

I value the forum too and I consider it to be a most helpful resource. The participants here are amazing non-judgemental and supportive, a really special cohort in a tough world.

I express myself freely here, as do others, and I love the exchange of ideas and views, it's very enlightening. I tend to have a direct communication style, and without the benefit of tone and body language, it doesn't always best suit this medium. So, if I came across as harsh it wasn't my intention.

Really, I was just concerned about the potential harmful impact on older members of our community. Remembering, of course, that the vast majority of participants experience mental health conditions.

Hope this makes sense.

Kind thoughts to you

[Hanna3]

Thank you Summer Rose. I appreciate your concern very much. It seems that people of all ages can potentially become very ill with this virus, as well as anyone unfortunate enough to suffer from autoimmune diseases, diabetes, respiratory problems etc.

[Charlie1970]

Hello Everyone. This is my 1st post. I rang Beyond Blue also for the 1st time today and am thankful I did. A little about myself. I suffer from depression, anxiety and PTSD due to domistic violence and sexual abuse. From my childhood to adulthood. I also have physical disabilities and other underlined medical conditions. Up until this point ive managed to cope somewhat with the corona virus but over the last few days have had severe anxiety and panic attacks. I have a primary aged child and have been home schooling which has been a real challenge but successful. My mind cant decide to either continue home schooling due to my health or send back to school next week. My doctor and school are in full support of home schooling but I feel quilty keeping her home. Im concerned with restrictions being eased this could potentially spark a second wave. Ive lost sleep over it...not that I get much on a good day. Im feeling very isolated and lonely due to no contact with anyone for weeks.

[Gambit87]

I’m in WA and it looks as if the government is encouraging people to go back into the office (if safe for you to do so etc)

hopefully my workplace will allow us to get back into the office within a few weeks!

my biggest issue with the lockdown was work from home.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Charlie1970, welcome to the Beyond Blue forums, we're really grateful to have you reach out to our community, we know it's not an easy thing to do and you have shown a lot of strength in sharing your story. We're so sorry to hear of the difficult past few months that you have been through. But please know our wonderful community is here to provide you with as much support, advice and conversation as you need.

If you feel up to it, we'd recommend reaching out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time.

Please tell us more about what's on your mind and how we can best help support you here.