Hi Doz 86
I like your wisdom, reaching out here is a great move for anyone.
Hello all, I've been away for awhile due to my own mental health, then Coronavirus happened. I haven't read through all this thread, as it's late and I must away soon. I'll start with looking at the questions Sophie posed at the top of the page -
What thoughts are helpful for you at the moment?
Being in the moment helps me. That is - focussing on me and those close around me (e.g. my husband). What I'm eating, what I'm doing (gardening, photographing, walking in the street keeping 2m distance, watching 007 repeats, keeping the cats amused, helping friends and neighbours). I don't think past that. To help me with this I only look or listen to the news very infrequently. Just so I know what is going on about me - i.e. what's closing, what's opening, but not enough to make me feel worse. To watch and to listen to news from overseas about how other countries are fairing is unhelpful for me. I cannot do anything to change what's happening,so why do I need to know about it. It's sad, awful and heartbreaking, but I do not need to think about it.
What are you doing to remain connected?
My main source of connection is through - Facebook, Messenger, Phone. I make sure that each day I look to see posts from my friends and family. How are things going for them. Is there a need to personal message them and to talk. In some case this is necessary. I stay in touch with neighbours who stay in touch with me. It's been really good. Then a relative who is in a nursing home was able to Skype me earlier this week. How good is that - the organisation has set it up. Wonderful.
How are you taking care of yourself and others?
Being mindful of what we are all experiencing. It's something completely new, profoundly changing and letting myself and others talk about our feelings at this time. That's been one of the very important things for me and my friends and family. Switching off the news, unless I think there is something we need to know about shutdowns etc.
I'll finish the last question in the next post.
Kind regards
PamelaR