Not in a good space

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

It's like a feeling just bubbling up to the surface. It's panicky and disgusting and I dont' know what to do with it. There's no thoughts associated with it. It's a feeling. A really gross one. I called the Suicide Call Back service. I didn't find them helpful. What do you do? What helps you?

[calmseeker]

Katy - The Z charm sounds beautiful. Zea is a lovely name. I am so very sorry you have had to deal with this loss. My heart goes out to you. I am always here to listen.

I hope you are doing ok in this strange new world we are enduring at the moment. For me, I just keep in mind that all of these restrictions will be lifted at some point. Its possible it could be months away but there will be a time things start to edge back to some normality. My concerns about it all don't centre around myself, I am more concerned about my parents and my inlaws (who I dont see or have much to do with tbh but they are in my thoughts a lot at the moment). How are you doing with it all?

Hope your day is treating you well.

CS xo

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Paws, Hanna, CS

Thanks for being here. Gosh, I just felt so overwhelmingly lonely yesterday. It's so hard living alone. It's hard for everyone at the moment, I know. But just bouncing off the walls with only myself to talk to is already taking it's toll. I don't normally have much contact anyway, but now the opportunities for any sort of social interaction have been minimized I'm feeling it. I know it's impacting on my mental heath - well, the whole corona situation - because I can't concentrate properly. It's taken me an inordinate amount of time to get head around my essay that's due in this afternoon (and I should have finished, but haven't).

In other, nicer news, my little necklace should arrive Wednesday according to Australia Post. I can't wait.

How are you guys all going with everything? Has anyone got any things they're doing to keep sane at the moment? I don't really have anyone I'm worried about health-wise, CS. Sorry that's an additional concern for you. Also, the ugly C is yet to make it to my town, so that's reassuring.

Big hugs to you all. I could go a hug. I'm going to have a cry and then get on with my assignment. Ho hum.

Katy xoxoxo

[Paw Prints]

Hello Katy,

Here's the biggest squishiest bear hug for you.

I have to confess I'm not finding the isolation difficult because it's normal for me. I am finding myself worrying about family, I have to keep reminding myself they will be sensible & take all precautions. I'm also stressing over I need to go into the big town to the chemist, I struggle going there normally, the current situation just amps up the stress levels.

One thing you could do is play mind games with Storm. Just google mind games for dogs, there are lots of different things you could try. You can find the time flies while you're working your way through all the options online & then you have the fun time engaging with Storm. Hopefully your Storm will be better at them than Woofa is, I can scatter food on the ground right in front of him & he still needs help finding it all, so anything more complex is a complete fail for him.

Pats for Storm & another big huggily hug for you

Paws

[monkey_magic]

Hi Katyonthehamsterwheel,

Oh that's a relief that no one has the big C where u live. Plenty have it where I am.

To keep sane I do artworks, and y'day I went for a walk. It's still not easy though. It feels like home detention for 6 mnths and I'm really hoping I don't fall into a depression.

Oh that's a nice thing to look forward to the necklace. Something sentimental.

I'm just laying on the couch today...might do some painting later.

Nice chatting.

[Hanna3]

Hi Katy,

Thanks for your kind words about Sam, I'm sorry my post was a downer today when you're already feeling low. Sam is asleep in my bed at the moment, I've been there with him trying to get some equilibrium back I've been so anxious, and if I am with him he is happier. I'm having a cuppa now on the couch and trying to keep warm, even got a parka on inside!

The news is overwhelming, it's too much and I switch it off. It really isn't helping anyone's mental well being at the moment and everyone is finding it hard - but yes those of us who live alone suffer even more. I was so wishing you and Paws were people I could ring up today and I can't! So I understand how isolated and lonely you feel, I get the same, and being lonely is just horrible, horrible. It's rotten and we don't deserve to be lonely like this!

I'm going to look up the mind games for dogs that Paws suggested, although little Sam's not well today...what else do I do... You're not the only one who can't concentrate, so don't worry about that, I have trouble and I follow several book bloggers around the world and they're all complaining they can't concentrate and can only manage to read something really light... it's such a strange situation for everyone..

I try to play nice music, and walks with Sam are a big help (not while he's sick) as at least people say hello as you go past... I allow myself treats, like a take away coffee or an ice cream, because I think we all need to pamper ourselves a little bit during this stressful time. I chat with the book bloggers that I know because discussing books is something 'normal' to do... and I cuddle Sam.

So treat yourself to something nice, a take away dinner or something - buy something delicious as a snack for yourself, play some upbeat music, and Paws and me and CS and everyone are checking in to see how you are, so we're not completely alone... I'll check in again later... and remember most of the students will be struggling with their essays... and pat Storm a lot! Sending hugs xxxooo

[Ggrand]

Hello Katy and other beautiful people here..🤗..

Katy, sweetheart I’ll give you a big giant warm caring hug..because I so much need one..and it takes 2 to hug...🤗🤗..

I can resonate with loosing min contact and how it gives us to much alone time...I just started getting used to it all..then poof..they’re all gone..

I like Paws idea about mind games for dogs..I’m going to check that out..maybe it’s something that I could do with my two fur babies...

I like to colour by numbers on line..there are some beautiful pictures to colour..also I like word games that challenges me a bit, when I’m in a good headspace...I wish I was artistic so I could paint and draw freehand...my stick figures look funny..

Do you have a little spot outside that you could sit and take in the nature that’s around you..even for 5 minutes to help you ground yourself when your finding it hard to concentrate?...deep breaths and listening to your surroundings...or light some scented candles and watch the flickering flame..just things to rest your mind a little.. for a while..

I hope your day was a good day today...I’m doing as Magic is doing and just laying on the couch today...again..

Take care all you lovely people, stay safe and look after you the best you can by being gentle, kind and compassionate with yourselves...

sensing my care, love and hugs to everyone...💜🦋🤗.

Grandy.

[Hanna3]

Just checking in Katy - hope you're OK. I just learned all about Zoom - Google "quarantine maths class disaster" in Utube videos and have a good laugh! That poor teacher...

I'm seeing the vet with little Sam again tomorrow. Meantime I'm going to sit with him and watch some TV, maybe Q&A will be worth watching. Hugs (and sending some on behalf of little Sam who isn't well enough to send them himself) oooxxx

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

ooh how nice to have visitors 🙂

I've been busy today and got my essay completed 2 hours before it was due!!! eek lol. Then I got stuck into some housework and some more uni work, and here I am. What a day!

Paws, I think you've put it right, that the whole situation just amps up the stress. It seems to be that way for everyone. I love your idea of mind games for Storm, and I think she'll be really into it. I never thought to look online. I used to teach her a lot, but we haven't done anything for quite some time. Thanks for that - hugs back x

Hey Monkey - nice to see you here. What kind of painting are you into? I'm not very artistic but I'm sure if I tried hard I could find something artsy craftsy to do. Maybe youtube will help there too. Hugs x

Hanna, I've replied over on your thread. I'm thinking of your little Sam. At least if we're on our own we have our pets, but I'm glad you understand that living alone is awfully lonely, especially right now. Unfortunately it makes me think about my ex and bubba more. Neither of which is a good thing. A skype or a zoom chat with all of us would be fun instead. I'll have to check out the video you referred to. And yes, Stormy is getting a lot of extra hugs and kisses at the moment because her mumma needs them! Hugs back to you and Sam x

Hi Grandy - nice to see you here too x I love nature, and I often just sit out under the back verandah and watch the birds in my yard. I also live next door to a little creek, and sometimes sit on the bridge and watch the ducks. Nature is definitely a mood improver. I hope you're feeling better? Last I visited your thread you hadn't been well. Always lovely to see you around. Giving you a big hug back x

Take care everyone, you've really made my day saying hi 🙂 🙂 🙂

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Well today's a really great day in my world. I hope you're all going ok under the circumstances x

I walked Storm early and got a takeaway coffee. Then my necklace arrived and it's super gorgeous and dainty and I adore it ❤️ And my yoga instructor has finally got organised and attempted a live stream yoga class - it didn't work and kept freezing, but it was nice to get back some "normalcy" - I miss her classes. I've done some study, and the weather is so freaking nice that I've just been for a bike ride. There's my day in all it's wonderfulness 🙂

I felt like sharing (I don't have a lot of awesome days lol).

Big hugs to you all xoxoxoxo

[Paw Prints]

Hello Katy,

It's lovely you've having a good day. Yay!! How wonderful to hear that your necklace is as nice as you hoped, I'm so happy for you. Do you have bike paths through parks to ride on or were you just riding around the local streets?

I spent ages on the phone earlier having a lovely chat with a very elderly relative (I ring her regularly) her son cares for her and we had a chuckle about him trying to do the shopping without her while there are things missing in the shops, especially when he can't find the things on her list & ends up having to ring her to ask what to get instead. She is missing seeing her family especially the great grand kids, but they have been writing her letters & doing drawings for her which is brightening her days.

Huggily hugs for you & belly rubs for Storm

Paws