It has been a very trying time for Melbourne, you've really shown your strength Sarahbelle in trying to take it day by day. Good luck on going back to work next week, I think it's really important to do some self-care and take care of yourself while you're feeling anxious.

Being hopeful during these challenging times is another strength that you have been showing. I know that it is very hard though!

I'm here for you!

Congrats on the job missep!!!! I had a feeling you'd get it for some reason. My thoughts are with those poor people in the high rise flats, who seem to be being punished simply for living in public housing. I don't blame you for feeling anxious about going back to work next week– has your employer indicated that they will take precautions to keep you and your coworkers safe?

Best,

Gems

Thanks missep and Gems for all your support.

When do you start work missep?

Rules for schools during this time are interesting, sanitizer and extra cleaning are in place. Students do not have to social distance, no temperature checks and often sick children come to school regardless of rules in place. Staff have extra duties and responsibilities. It is very concerning with growing numbers. So much is unknown territory.

I think the trick is to keep level headed and factual otherwise anxiety can take over.

Let's just hope Victoria can muster up what it needs to get control of this monster...for that we all need to adhere to regulations.

Take good care,

Sarahbelle. 🐶🐶🐶

Thank you Gems and Sarahbelle! I'm impressed with your intuition Gems! Thank you for the sending positive vibes this way!

I agree, my thoughts are with the people in high-rise buildings. All the news and reports can be a bit overwhelming at times so I'm just trying to stay hopeful for everyone in VIC and hope that Australia tries to stay on top of it.

Good luck for returning to work Sarahbelle, I think staying level headed and factual is a good way to go into things.

Sending happy thoughts and vibes to you both!

Hello again,

How quickly things have changed for Melbourne and all of Victoria.

Living in Melbourne and close to town is very frightening. Although doing the right things and following restrictions I am on edge. There really is no place for complacency.

Not sure now about going back to work, possibly remote learning. Will have to wait for directives. Certainly don't feel comfortable or confident dealing with so many people yet, especially in light of recent Covid announcements.

Sending best wishes to all.

Missep, Gems and take good care, be safe and I will also do the same.

Have a lovely day.

Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle,

My heart goes out to you. It is a scary time with everything happening in Melbourne and Victoria. Please know that you are not alone and please reach out whenever you need.

I hope you receive information and direction soon about what will happen when you return to work. Please keep us updated on how you go!

Hello from Sarabelle.

A dreary old day in Melbourne. Having a coffee in bed with my dog curled up beside me and thinking about getting up!

Lock down has hit us again which i agree must be done with the very real growing numbers of covid. Unfortunately it does mess with motivation. But best for safety for all. I am doing okay and have managed to keep my anxiety manageable.

We still have very little information for schools other than staff return on Monday. From there who knows. Possibly remote learning I am hoping.

Missep I hope your new work is fabulous and you are happy.

Thankyou missep and Gems for your support. Take care in this unpredictable time.

Hi Sarahbelle,

Having coffee in bed with your dog next to you sounds like a lovely way to start the morning!

I really hope they get the numbers under control in VIC. My heart really goes out to everyone living there.

I hope that the schools will be on top of it for your return. I am really glad that your anxiety has been manageable, that's a huge win.

Thank you for your kind words!

Here for you! Especially during these challenging times!

Thinking of both of you today– feeling like the world is making me learn acceptance, whether I like it or not! You're absolutely right Sarahbelle, and I think helping keep the bigger picture of public health and mutual wellbeing in the forefront will help when/if each of us is called upon to sacrifice further to bring this under control We did it once, we can do it again!

Gems

Hi missep and Gems,

Great to hear from you both. Yes what a shocking time we are all trying to deal with - I find myself being exhausted from it without doing too much at all. How about you?

Following restrictions and advice is essential at the moment . I sometimes feel I just want to run away from it all but no where to run to as we are so locked down in Victoria and no one else wants us (perfectly understandable). This time round the isolation seems much more urgent and alone - people are worn out and less smiles from those passing. We have become afraid of one another which is sad.

I have not been able to return to work yet but I think probably next week - stressing me out a bit but feel I will be okay to go back - making the first step is always the hardest.

Please keep yourselves safe and well. It is so nice to have your friendliness and care on this forum.

Talk soon,

Sarahbelle.

Hi gems and Sarahbelle,

I really see a lot of strength and growth from you both. I learn a lot from your insights. Acceptance is definitely something I need to work on too! All the news about coronavirus can be really exhausting.

I can relate to that Sarahbelle, the first step is always the hardest. The small steps all add up though! Before you know it, you have made progress. I think also considering the current situation you are looking after yourself and your mental health and that is super important.

Here for you guys!

Hi again,

I am trying so hard to keep my thoughts positive and hopeful but I am finding my mood is slipping and worries are creeping back. Covid numbers in Victoria are difficult to process and I am becoming more anxious especially when night starts to fall. My heart just feels heavy with all that is going on.

Thank you for listening to me,

Keep safe, Sarahbelle.

Hi all,

I know what you mean Sarahbelle– I'm watching the news with trepidation, and this second wave does feel scarier than the first. I had been going back to work in my office but my university put out a strict new rule that all students abroad have to have no contact, so I'm back to WFH full time now. Very disappointing as it started to wear on me last time, and getting out during the day was doing good for my mental health, but I understand the need for the rule.

I downloaded a meditation app and have been having some success with it. Thinking of you in Victoria, and sending you all strength!

Warmly,

Gems

Hi gems and Sarahbelle,

It is a very uncertain time at the moment. The news can be a bit overwhelming sometimes with the constant updates about numbers. It's as if the world is holding its breath.

Be kind to yourselves and take care of yourselves! A meditation app sounds like a good idea Gems. I hope your dog can give you some comfort Sarahbelle!

Here for you guys!

Hi missep and Gems,

A windy day in Melbourne today and beginning to look gloomy outside. Not a bad day to stay indoors with a movie, crocheting and my very spoilt dog. This weekend may be the announcement of stage 4 restrictions or maybe not - just feels so surreal at times. Such mixed messages for schools but ultimately working on site or at home is up to the Principal's discretion which is crazy as they are not the health experts and many staff in schools feel pressured to comply. Will see my Dr next week and take her advice, currently would feel much safer working from home.

Gem's hope all goes well for you working from home and the meditation helps you. How is your new work going missep? give your little pug a pat from me.

Take care and wishing you only good thoughts,

Sarahbelle

Hi all,

I am a teacher in NSW and the situation is looking to be getting worse quite quickly here... right when school is about to go back after school holidays. It is making me feel very anxious and I don’t know how I’ll be able to function properly and teach 30 kids face to face. I also have my own little family to worry about if I am to contract the virus. I really don’t know how I will I cope. I know a lot of strategies for coping with anxiety but I am not good at implementing them 😔

Hi MrsE,

Welcome to the forums and to this thread– so good to have you here. My thoughts are with teachers and other school staff, who are being called upon to put themselves at risk to hasten the return of the workforce and get the economy going again. This is incredibly irresponsible in my personal opinion, though of course I understand it is a complex issue.

Do you have any insight into the safety measures that are being put in place for when you return?

In any case, you and your colleagues are being asked to do something extraordinary that is above and beyond your normal remit. Your students will remember the adults in their lives that kept them calm, busy, and educated during this scary time.

Maybe as a starting point, you could pick just one strategy and set a goal to do it a few times consistently? Always here to talk.

Warmly,

Gems

Hello Gems and missep and welcome Mrs E.

Mrs E as a teacher in Melbourne I understand your concerns and yes schools have become very different places than just a short while ago. A place that offered safety and predictability to staff and students now has been turned upside down and along with it the trust that held us. As Gems said about what safety measures are in place to protect you and all is very important for you to know and also know that they will be complied with. This may give you a little more confidence in returning. With a young family at home also check whether there may be some pastoral arrangements the school may be able to make eg. for flexible working arrangements/working at home.

Take care everyone and best wishes from Sarahbelle.

Hi everyone!

This year is such a weird year. On the bright side I've really seen a beautiful part of human connection where people really appreciate each other and want to support each other. I really see that here on the forums and on this thread as well. Anything that happens I am so glad that we have this thread to post on.

Sarahbelle- You remembered my pug! I will, she's a cheeky little monster. Always makes me laugh! Hope your weekend has been going well and my thoughts are with you with your current work situation. I am liking my new job! Relief! My coworkers are so friendly and I feel so supported. It's so nice not to dread working the next day.

MrsE- I am sending positive vibes your way! That is such a tough situation to be in. You and Sarahbelle are so strong and are such great influences to the kids that you teach and support. Please don't ever feel like you are alone, we are here for you! I know what you mean about having lots of techniques for anxiety but not implementing them, I'm the same! I think what works for me is to find one that really sticks with me and try it everywhere so it becomes second nature - exactly what Gems has said!

Gems- I totally agree with you. When kids are vulnerable they tend to look at the adults or role models for comfort. Teachers are so important during this time (and always!). Hope you have been well!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend!

Hello Gems, Missep and Mrs E.

Hope you are all doing well. COVID numbers continue to grow and this is very sad and worrying. We just have to have hope at the moment that people in power make decisions which are good for all. I was thinking we might go to stage 4 lockdown but not yet. Look my dog for an extra run at the park today just in case.

I am doing okay - On Dr advice I will be working from home in this time and I have my bosses support to do so which is great. Feel much more comfortable and confident with this decision.

Missep I am happy for you that you are enjoying your new job and I always remember people's lovely pets.

Gems I hope working at home is going okay for you and you are not feeling too isolated.

Mrs E wishing you a safe and happy school term.

Take care and stay safe,

Sarahbelle.

Hi everyone!

My thoughts are going out to those of you in Victoria. I'm hoping there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Vaccine research is heavily underway so hopefully that provides some hope. Looking back we were able to minimise the numbers so I'm hoping we can do that asap.

Really thinking of you guys down there! I'm really glad that you are able to work from home Sarahbelle I'm sure that must have eased a little bit of stress for you!

Here for you guys!

Hello,

Thanks missep, Victoria is in a dark place at the moment - so much has changed and there is a wierd feeling in the air now that we are all masked up - you can no longer see people smile and everyone looks tired. but masks are for an important reason and we must all do our part to try and stop this virus. I often get the feeling that I am waiting for something to happen - I think this is just because of raised anxiety in uncertain times. Only leave the house now for essential reasons.

Yes I have been following the progress of the vaccine and it does look hopeful - these people must have brilliant minds.

Take care and stay safe.

Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle,

I know what you mean. It's kind of as if the world is waiting with bated breath. I'm really glad that you have been posting here too because I really have been hoping the situation in Victoria gets better.

Do you have a comfortable set up at home with your dog?

How have you been finding the work from home situation?

Here for you!

Thanks missep,

Working from home is fine - not the best set up but at least it is home and a safe place. My dog mooches around all the time - I call her my supervisor, have some great photos of her on the job!

I had some worrying news last night. My uncle is in a nursing home, he is 91 and the call came that a worker there has tested positive. Now the wait to see if it has spread and how far, hopefully an isolated case. Our nursing homes are in such trouble, poor old dears they are so vulnerable and when they most need their loved ones we cannot be there for them. Just a sad sad situation.

Missep are you working from home in your new job or do you have to go in?

Take good care, stay safe.

Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle,

So sorry to hear about your uncle!! My hopes and thoughts are going out to you. I hope they can contain the spread and that your uncle will be safe :(

I love that your dog is your supervisor haha! Mine is kind of like that too. I have been working from home too. I really prefer a face-to-face environment, working from home is very interesting with regards to establishing home as a work and relaxing environment and switching between the two. As you said though, at least it is home and safe! They had hopes that we could go into the office end of August but with everything that has been happening they are unsure now.

Hope you have a nice day and we are with you through this challenging time!

Hi Sarahbelle,

I'm so sorry about your uncle– my thoughts are with you as you wait and see. Very tense times but I know we will get through it.

Missep, I think that's a great point about working from home. While it's not ideal and can be isolating, it is still such a privilege to not have to put yourself in harm's way for your job.

Hope you're both well.

Gems

Hello Sarahbelle,

I’m also from Melbourne and I’m sending positive energy to you and your family in this difficult time. I hope better news comes soon about your uncle. It’s really been tough lately. (I’m new here so I hope I’m saying the right thing]. Just know tonight a quiet prayer was said for your uncle.

Mrs. E, thank you for the good work you do. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day than today.

Hello everyone. 👋 🤗🤗🤗

Hello All and welcome OutofTheBlue,

OutofTheBlue, missep and Gems thankyou for your kind words. Unfortunately it is so hard to find out any news from the nursing home - phone calls are not answered and no one is able to visit. We have no news as to whether my uncle tested positive or negative - we are thinking negative as no one has let us know anything and can only pray he is safe and well cared for and not frightened, we do not know if there are further covid cases in there or not. So many families are in the same position all across Victoria, aged care has been hit so so hard. No point blaming anyone as this monster of a virus is so powerful and new to all of us. Let's hope it can be defeated soon with all of the community doing their part by following advice and the amazing services of all medical teams and scientists.

Wishing you all a safe and happy day - great to be able to have this forum to share.

Take care,

Sarahbelle.

Hi everyone,

How are you all feeling?

Thinking about your situation Sarahbelle and sending some more positive vibes and thoughts your way.