Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

[Sophie_M]

We recognise that many of us here in the community are feeling scared, worried and overwhelmed about the Coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak.

Just as we have come together here during other difficult times, we encourage those wanting to share or seek helpful support to do so here in this space.

What are you doing to look after your wellbeing during this time? Sharing is one of the most helpful ways we can support one other – our community is also here to support you if you’d simply like to share how you’re feeling.

It is important we maintain perspective and support each other as best as we can, everyone here at Beyond Blue would like to remind our community that medical, scientific and public health experts around the world are working hard to contain the virus, treat those affected and develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.

The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. There is a dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, that is also is now open on 1800 512 348.

Beyond Blue’s existing support service will continue to operate alongside the new service. 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 (3PM – 12AM AEST or email responses within 24 hours).

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...

As a community, let’s help one another through sharing and connecting and showing our support.

[Matchy69]

Thank you for the post.You know this efffecting a lot of people when you cant buy toilet paper.

[uncut_gems]

I'm doing my best to stay active and get fresh air, going for a run a few times a week. I have also found that the UK comedy show Taskmaster is the perfect light and funny entertainment for taking my mind off things. Other than that, getting plenty of sleep, eating well, stocking up on essentials (within reason), and talking with friends and family are great.

For now, where I live the streets and public life look more or less normal (with a few more people wearing face masks than usual), so whenever the news gets overwhelming I go out for a bit and remind myself that things aren't so scary as they seem. I also try to remember all the other scary moments in history (the Spanish Flu, Cuban Missile Crisis, etc.) when things were even less certain than they are now with even less knowledge and technology. Our 24/7 access to information makes things seem much more dire.

Finally, I like to think of things in communal terms. Public health is by definition communal, so every time you wash your hands or stay home it is an act of love not just for yourself but for society at large. I find that quite comforting and heartening.

[blondguy]

Thankyou moderators for providing such a gentle and welcoming place for everyone during this difficult time 👍

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Guest_1055]

Somethings I am doing are:

... Avoiding media and the like as it was promoting fear in me.

... Making use of those santizing wipes in the supermarket, wiping down that part of the trolley where you hang on to

.... Building up my immunity in my body to help it do its job by fighting off possible harmful viruses. Things like eating loads off fresh vegetables and fruits. Juicing green juices and carrot type juices. Add ginger and tumeric.

.... Increasing vitamin C with a supplement.

.... Increasing vitamin D with a supplement ( I am considering getting a blood test done to see what my levels are)

.... Getting more sunshine

.... Attempting to improve my sleeping habits. Like get enough quality sleep.

.... Washing my hands really well. And avoid touching my face.

.... Limit my exposure to crowds of people. Which I naturally do anyway.

.... Drinking more water.

.... Keep a safe distance away from people who are coughing

.... Walking in the fresh air

.... If I had the funds I would properly make use of a infra red sauna. As many viruses cannot live in high temperatures.

[Cthulhu]

My anxiety is getting the better of me lately. My son was on oxygen until he was 3yo due to Chronic Neonatal Lung Disease, and though he is thriving now at 5yo, I’m unsure how his history might play a part should he get coronavirus. The worst part is, I work at a supermarket, so I come in contact with hundreds of people every day, and though I’m conscious to wash my hands and not touch my face, the fear is always there that I’ll bring it home with me.

[Harry_Lime]

Its great to see this thread about coping during the coronavirus outbreak - thank you Sophie_M for starting it. It will be a valuable source of information and support. H

[PatienceBay]

Hi Community,

Just sharing a few techniques that have worked for me:

1. Write a self care plan that works when you're in forced self-isolation at home. Also write a quarantine version (eg if I had to go to hospital, how would I keep myself sane and grounded).

2. Write a list of things I can control versus those I can't. I can control my diet, exercise, etc. I can't control government decisions, travel bans, the economy, my employers' decisions, family members' beliefs, colleagues' unhelpful comments, etc.

3. Write a list of possible positives arising from the COVID-19 outbreak. You will surprise yourself. Every dark cloud has a silver lining.

[Pinkjules1984]

I have dealt with my anxiety over the last year & i’m due to get married next month. The Covid-19 pandemic is really peaking my anxiety. We are due to get married in the UK next month with half our guests travelling from Australia and my anxiety has reached new levels this week with all the talk of travel bans etc.... any advice or coping strategies greatly received

[Matchy69]

I dont think the government is telling us the whole truth about the coronavirus.The prime minister has made gatherings of 500 people or more illegal.All sporting games are being played without spectators.What about schools and shopping centres are they going to be shut down to that have 500 or more.I just want the truth from government.I am scared now and my anxiety is through the roof.I am scared for my kids.