WHY AM I IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT?!

[broken___down]

Hi all, let me start off by saying I believe there is a virus in the community.
Like most viruses, it has a far more tragic outcome on the elderly & those with underlying health issues.
Nothing new there I'm sure you'll agree?!
Onto my issue.
If you're like me, you're totally beyond being over this current Lockdown!
From being laid off mid May due to a lack of flights -I worked airside-to having more & more of my freedoms taken away & therefor, even the most basic of enjoyable pursuits also evaporating!
Like everyone, I'm stuck at home, not permitted to legally move outside a 5km radius from home & when I do, risking a $1600 fine!
For what?!
What crime have I committed?!
The crime of attempting to hold on to my sanity, to relieve stress & tension that's built up & clear my mind & refocus!
Basically, to keep the Black Dog on his leash & find a reason to wake up tomorrow morning!
I know under the State of Emergency Laws the state says I'm a law breaker but am I really?
I derive immense pleasure from jumping on my motorcycle & heading off for a ride.
Not to visit anyone, not to cafes, restaurants or pubs, just ride!
Heading off along the Great Ocean Rd, with no time limit or a real destination in mind isn't everyone's cup of tea granted but it's mine!
It's always cleared my head, ridding me of overbearing thoughts of dread & depression.
And now, through no fault of my own, this has been taken away by the state!
I've not had Covid-19
I don't know anyone who has
I'm not in the demographic that's high risk
So why am I in solitary confinement?
Isn't that a punishment handed out to convicted criminals, already found guilty of a crime & in prison!
In Victoria apparently not, it's imposed upon it's citizens in the city & surrounding suburbs!
Why can't I head off for a ride, on my own & find the peace, serenity & head clearing enjoyment I long for?!
Why are people not at high risk being locked at home, their outdoor activities limited to 2hrs & a 5km radius of their home?!
I need to clear my head
To get away from the same scenery I've had for the last few months
I need to get out for a decent ride, by myself!!
 

[Sophie_M]

Welcome broken & down,

We're so glad you decided to join us here this evening. We're so sorry to hear that you're struggling under the current restrictions. We empathise with how difficult it is to not be able to access your usual coping strategies. Please know that our community is here to support you and we will all get through this difficult time together.  If you feel it might be useful, we'd encourage you to visit 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. This is inclusive of a 24/7 counselling service. You might also be interested in our page "Taking care of yourself after losing your job" - http://bit.ly/QXx5fz Many of our community members are going through the same experiences and can relate. If you would like to post further, please tell us more about what's on your mind and how we can best help you get through this tough period.

[therising]

Hi broken & down

You ask a lot of good questions in my opinion. One of my mantras in life is 'Always question the questionable!' Makes sense to me.

I have a friend who is facing the depths of depression at the moment. She mentioned about that only thing she has to really look forward to is seeing her friend. Without seeing her friend she feels like there's nothing to live for. I'm sure you'd agree this would be regarded as a life or death situation. Do you think it makes sense she should see her friend to save her life? I believe so. With all reasonable precautions between the 2, would you say there is little to no risk? I would say yes. Would you say mental well being is just as important as physical well being? Again, I would say yes. What would you say about a government who insisted on prohibiting people with such serious mental health challenges from seeing a person who could save their life? Would you say they are being careful, all 'round, or careless in some ways? I'm sure you could easily imagine what my answer would be.

I believe in some cases it really does pay to question what's right, under certain circumstances. Not everyone's circumstances are the same. Some people face circumstances that are unimaginable and overwhelming.

b & d, I can tell you that I would be seriously triggered to fury if Daniel Andrews announced 'Due to the large crowds congregating on the beach over the last week, we're gong to extend the lock down'. What the heck?!!! As I say, I'd be furious. Having done so many of the right things myself, I'd feel punished for other people's questionable choices. Working in aged care and watching the residents go without seeing their families for so long, I'd feel angry for them. For the care staff who are facing the potentially depressing challenge of listening to the sadness and frustration in these residents, I would feel enraged on their behalf. For my manger who works through almost crippling chronic fatigue (due to the stressors of this time), I would join her in her fury and disappointment. So, yes b & d, there is so much to question at the moment when it comes to who is suffering. The beach goers will continue to disregard and enjoy their freedom while the rest of us are left to question.

I think a lot of people are feeling seriously triggered at the moment, for a variety of reasons, and I can't say I blame them. I believe we're typically triggered when what we've been tolerating becomes intolerable and highly questionable.

🙂

[broken___down]

Hi therising, thanks for taking the time to read & comment on the post.
Mental health as always, has been pushed to back of the bus during this viral outbreak!
Sure, both federal & state govts have announced dollars being thrown into mental health programs.
However a lot of people have their own quite legal under normal circumstances, ways of dealing & coping with their issues.
I've seen & talked with my gp, psychologists & psychiatrists about my depression.
We've discussed strategies & ways for me to handle & deal with it & everytime it's come down to 2 things!
Regular meds, which I do like clockwork & to do what gives me pleasure & clears my mine!
Now I'm down to 1!
Everyone has their own way of dealing with & relieving the pressures of depression & to to have them ripped out from you, through no fault of your own, borders on criminal!
I empathize with your friend who can't get out to see her friend & agree whole heartedly with you, it is a life & death situation.
Without mental well being, you have no physical well being, plain & simple!
Anyone who'd argue that point, doesn't know the 1st thing about mental health!
You're point about beach gatherings over the weekend possibly extending our Solitary Confinement rings true for me also.
Some interesting reading..
Why do I refer to it as Solitary Confinement?
Solitary confinement is the physical isolation of individuals who are confined to their cells for 22.5 hours or more per day. Other names for solitary confinement include:
isolation
lockdown
segregation
Humans require social contact. Over time, the stress of being isolated can cause a range of mental health problems, including:
anxiety and stress
depression and hopelessness
anger, irritability, and hostility
panic attacks
worsened preexisting mental health issues
hypersensitivity to sounds and smells
problems with attention, concentration, and memory
hallucinations that affect all of the senses
paranoia
poor impulse control
social withdrawal
outbursts of violence
psychosis
fear of death
self-harm or suicide
Great if you already suffer



















Medically reviewed by Marney A. White, PhD, MS — Written by Jayne Leonard on August 6, 2020



Latest news
Hopeful research findings 7 months into the COVID-19 pandemic
Could a common antioxidant enzyme help treat COVID-19?
Medical myths: Mental health misconceptions
COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 35.1 million
Parkinson's: Study examines the potential of spinal cord stimulation

[therising]

Hi broken & down

I think anyone who's suffered or is suffering through depression could see where this 2nd lock down was headed, in regard to the mental health impact. I recall feeling seriously triggered through the 1st one, thinking 'Where the heck is all the mental health support the government should be putting in place?'

Having received the gift of coming out of my depression some years ago, I am incredibly careful in how I manage not going back in there. A lot of those management plans are wiped during lock down, which led me to have to think outside the square. One of the things that came to mind was 'It doesn't matter how big or small, as long as you make a difference. You have to make a difference'. Might sound a bit strange but, being a sensitive gal, I have to feel the difference. What I mean by 'feel' is

• Does this difference make my heart race?
• Does it naturally change my breathing patterns?
• Does it 'give me a chill' through my body?
• If I'm stressed, does this difference calm me down?
• Does this difference create more energy in me? The difference could be found in good food, greater hydration (water really does vibe me up), an empowering form of exercise (not a boring form), some mind altering revelation (inspiration) and so on

The list goes on.

It's going to also perhaps sound a bit strange but I've found a positive difference through that wake up call I'll refer to as intolerance. My husband's a bit of a stresser and somewhat of a 'low viber'. While he stresses about money, I manage it. While he complains of little energy, I try to be conscious of how I manage my energy. During lock down, he's been temporarily off work enjoying more beer drinking and more tv. When, once, that would have agitated me, not having my partner partner with me in making a difference in our relationship, now I simply won't tolerate it. I may either say 'Get your s**t together, you're bringing me down! Stop vibing low and figure out ways to boost your energy' or I'll shift focus from him. Unlike someone in a depression, he's not desperate to make a difference in his life. I remember that serious desperation clearly, that overwhelming desperate need to feel different from sad, angry, not energetic, lost etc.

While your #1 love sounds like it's biking, mine would have to be 'self understanding'. I love knowing how and why I tick the way I do. Whenever something feels 'wrong', I have to know why, like it's a puzzle to be solved. Isolation has pushed me to wonder more.

🙂

[broken___down]

The light's shining bright at the end of the tunnel & the end is drawing closer day by day!
I've been granted a G2G pass to travel into WA.
I'm moving lock, stock & barrel to Perth to take up residency & find a job.
I know it's not a magic bullet fix & my depression will still need to be managed, however I see it as a fresh start after 20 odd yrs of being somewhere I didn't really want to be in the first place.
-It was a matter of the heart that lead me to Vic in the first place.-
I'd had previous opportunities to relocate out of Vic over the yrs but never took them, for one reason or another.
I look upon this as basically now or never! -A great use of super funds drawn out-
I feel that heading to greener pastures, somewhere I actually want to be will be beneficial to my mental well being.
Sure, there'll be challengers, however knowing a few people over there, one of whom is a good mate of 20yrs I reckon I'll have the bases covered.
I'll still be on my meds & establish contact with a Dr. as soon as I clear self isolation, so it'll be full steam ahead.

To all those who can't leave Melb for whatever reasons, my heart goes out to you, it truly does.
This current lockdown, for however much longer it rolls on, I wouldn't wish on anyone!
Those who hasn't lived through this first hand, especially dealing with psychological issues, couldn't fully understand the impact it's having on people!
I wish you all the best.

No doubt I'll pop back up here somewhere down the track.
I'm not stupid enough to think I won't fall into the abyss again, just hopefully not under circumstances like these!
Take care everyone, look after yourselves & those close to you.....

[therising]

Hi broken & down

So glad this opportunity has come up for you. All mental health warriors deserve rest and reward. Hope the move makes a massive difference.

There will always be challenges in our life that hold the potential to raise us. Moving up through them (such as with moving interstate) can leave us feeling proud in the way we've raised our self so courageously into the future.

Wishing you the best 🙂