FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

Sophie_M
Moderator
Moderator
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.  
3,208 Replies 3,208

I also hear your voice Quercus. You are not alone.

Guest_1643
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi golden82, for some health workers u really see it is just a job. This makes me think of many services that let me down at this time.

I hope u find someone who can see u in person.

mmMekitty
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

I forgot completely what my PDr had said, when he told me about how Medicare was 'tweaking' telehealth for him to work within. I thought they were okay with a telehealth item for a slightly shorter non-video telehealth consultation, & that (I thought) if I wanted, he would see me face to face, But no, he's not doing that for the time being. He does want telehealth with video, for a bit longer each session. He can go back to charging his usual fee, & medicare will reimburse me for some of the cost. My bank balance goes backwards until I reach the first medicare safety net, for a few months. (That doesn't change!)

So, I gotta turn on Face Time, & work through my discomfort about that. I'll have to at least put a shirt on, even if the weather is hot & humid, & maybe even a light in my flat!

We've discussed the pros & cons of telehealth since we began sessions in March 2020.

He has tried, all this time, to give me as good a service as always. I am certain he would have continued the telehealth we've been doing, if Medicare hadn't complicated it wihth their requirement that it be with video.

This way, he, his colleague, all the patients - we are eliminating any risk of COVID-19 being spread amongst us. I am grateful we can have telehealth for consultations wih Psychiatrist's. If I am forced to deal with video calls, to keep Medicare happy, that's a bonus! I am reluctant, but must try. Could be hilarious trying to get my phone positioned so he can at least see it really is me! (I'm not sure I'll be actively tr;ying to view him. I never actually saw him much before, why start now? Of-course, I could turn on face time & continue to lay my phone down, facing the ceiling, on a box on my table, next to where I sit, so it's close enough to pick up my voice...😸& leave it at that!

Certainly, for physical examinations, I do not think telehealth can adequately replace the Doctor (GP or Specialist), being in the same room with a patient in there, too.

mmMekitty

Guest_1643
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

hi all

i wish we had a card for vaccinations, like a little thing you could put in ur wallet. i carry my cert around with me, but then they ahve to ask me for id to check it's me. Sometimes that extra step stresses me out.

Do the yeah right , it's also an infringement on privacy and totally unnecessary. Luckily up where l am there have been a few places wanted things l thought well ok , sorry l'll pass. l am vaxed but can;t be bothered getting the whatever . It should be just a card, just a simple card is all that's needed , they use a green card system in Europe , whatever that is, but that's plenty.

rx

Matchy69
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member
I haven't been asked yet for proof I have been vaccinated.I wonder if the double dose wont be valid and you will have to have a booster to keep it valid.Some work places are doing this I think.

I am a bit upset. My son rang to say his 10yr old son tested +ve. My son's family have been going overboard to avoid risk of exposure before their holiday. They kept the 2yr old home from childcare this week to be safe. They'd stayed overnight half way to their destination and this morning Mr10 became unwell tested +ve onRAT so they are now returning home to isolate. My son dropped some things off at our place yesterday. He was only inside briefly and he isn't sick yet but it is difficult to know what this means. My hsb has appointments with health professionals next week. Are we putting them at risk? I don't want to inadvertently pass the virus to them and they then infect a vulnerable client.

Hi Elizabeth CP.

That sounds like a very low risk encounter. & surely, the staff where will ask the usual COVID related questions now so common, when he arrives, & you could explain the brief time your son was there dropping things off, & they can assess the risk - & I am sure they will say it is so minimal they will allow the appointment to proceed. I would expect staff will be wearing masks, Even the Doctors, & other professionals, can be wearing masks, & any other protective gear they deem necessary. If you attend with yor hubby, you can wear a mask - though I'm not sure what difference that would make because you live with him. Even hubby? I'm not sure, not knowing about the conditions he has. If he can, he could, I suppose, unless & until tests require he take off the mask.

All fully vaccinated? All the better if you & hubby are - though we are seeing cracks in this armour. (& that's what makes booster/3rd dose all the more important).

It's encouraging that your son did not have symptoms. He might only have a small viral load, which would make it harder to transmit to others.

All the best,❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

mmMekitty

Guest_1055
Community Member
Don't see how vaccines keep us safe and protected anymore. That is what was said to us all at the beginning of this.

The vaccines still help protect against severe illness but a booster is now needed to help ensure you won't get seriously ill and need hospitalisation.

I got a booster yesterday and feel fine, no side effects at all. I'm relieved to know that after about two weeks I now should not get seriously sick even though I can still catch Omicron; I'm safer than I would be if I was unvaccinated.