Boy, oh boy.

My second week working from home. I'm struggling with the non-existent face to face camaraderie with my work family.

That plus managing my Bipolar and being surrounded by my partners issues (he is ex-navy and has PTSD).

Feeling low at the moment, my medication stops me from sinking lower.

I'm sooooo grateful for what I do have (a job, a roof over my head).

I'm an empath who loves giving and receiving hugs- look forward to the day that I can do that again.

Take care everyone.

I hope it's OK to post this.

Until today I have found that in isolation being in the garden has lifted my mood, just the act of being out with nature in the fresh air with insects and the earth has helped to keep me grounded.

Today, I don't know why but I've hit a low. I just lounged around unable to talk to friends on the phone or my husband, he doesn't understand depression or deep sadness/loss. I feel empty and could cry at the drop of a hat. I know my situation is not as bad as others and being grateful for things should help. I'm finding the media, with their terrible choice of words and dramatised pronunciation, very depressing because they never highlight the good things like those who have recovered. Yet I have to watch the news once a day incase something has improved or changed.

I find as each days passes, with no end in sight, that I am losing a bit more motivation and will to find ways to stay a positive and an active participant in an isolated life. I haven't felt this way since I was a teenager and as a young single adult when I first moved to Australia alone. I know it leads to me sitting on a mental fence working out if I let it all fall apart or I brush myself off and get on with things.

I hope tomorrow in the garden will bring a smile and lift the dark mood that has crowded my mind today. I hope that everyone finds a smile tomorrow.

Hi Caels, it's great that you have shared your troubles, because talking to people is the best way to get through a difficult situation! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the nature, because that is a great way to practice mindfulness, and focus on something calm and pleasant.

It's perfectly understandable to be upset about the current situation, especially if you are suffering from depression. Physical activity also gives us dopamine. So please try to remember that things will feel better soon. Physical distancing is affecting our brain chemicals, but try to focus on the fun things you have planned for today.

Please don't get too attached to the news, because as you say, everything is dramatised. Remember to put this into perspective. The world has dramatically improved in past 20 years, and continues to get better and better. Poverty, hunger, child mortality, clean water and adult literacy have all improved two fold in that time, and will continue to improve.

I hope you're feeling better tomorrow, there's plenty to look forward to! Keep enjoying the garden, keep talking to the people you love and try to do as many fun or relaxing activities as you can (exercise, reading fiction, meditation, etc)!

Hi all,

So I thought I was doing ok with all the 'inside' time I have been having lately, until a trip to the shops for groceries highlighted otherwise. As someone who deals with panic disorder/anxiety, I often have times where I find it difficult to leave the house but force myself to and muddle through with some uncomfortable feelings but nonetheless in the end I get through. But wow, yesterdays trip out was really difficult - I felt so out of place and uncomfortable, a bit sweaty and my eyes were flitting around. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I think I might need to go for a few more walks during the day in order to eliminate that agoraphobic type feeling that hits me when I need to go out for essentials. I am sure I am not alone with these feelings. Kindest thoughts to everyone in these strange times. CS xo

Welcome Lucas and Cael to the forum , and thanks for making your first post.

Lucas I like the way you used your first post to offer suggestions to Caels.How are you going Lucas. ? What is working for you and what is frustrating you.

As they say we are all in this together.

Caels, I think many can relate to plodding a long then suddenly hitting a bump and having a low day. I think it is important to acknowledge your feelings and the fact you feel like crying. These are difficult times.

Also give yourself credit for coping with a lot and for recognising how your garden has helped you.

Do you like succulents, or scented flowers or herbs or something small you could plant.

Welcome Carolyn Rae,

You are doing well as you coping with a lot on top of isolation.

I too have bipolar and I know I am always watching my moods.

There is a thread here called This bipolar life that you are welcome to browse . It is a friendly supportive group who help each other and understand about bipolar.

Being being aware of what is hard and also realising what works for you. Being grateful is good.

On this forum you can support people like you have done in being honest in this post.

Thanks for your post.

Is there anyone out there in this forum land who can see some positives coming from “life after Covid19” ?

I know it is said in the media that Covid19 will always be with us, but in a more manageable way in the future (or words to that effect), but what else is in our future I have to wonder about

Can anyone offer thoughts on how we can look forward to happier, better, positive times so we can return to things that we have before this considered ‘normal’

I am looking for happy, positive things to hang on to, to keep me going.

I can see some, just a few mind you, positives now and in the future. Now - we can take time to pause and refocus how we manage our time, hear about vulnerable ppl in our community and reach out, establish new patterns (exercise). In the future - we can prepare for new events of this sort (at an individual/community/governance level), reconfigure supply chains so smaller populations in remote areas get goods set aside for delivery to their supermarkets etc, re-establish manufacturing/ag production for sustainability, develop models for retailers to limit purchases from the very beginning of a panic mode.

**my thoughts are with those doing it tough through this

Hi, I’m new to beyond blue and I’m trying to find some support not specifically with COVID but depression and chronic pain. I looked at the link to this and saw that none of the posts had been answered. Just wondering how effective this will be.

heres trying... I have chronic back pain that stays with me all day, every day. Sleep gives me some reprieve. I had to resign from my job about two years ago and have been at home since. I have tried everything except surgery and that’s starting to look appealing, although terrifying.

depression has started to come back, after battling this for a couple of years. Not at good mix. Is anyone else is in boat? I’d love to hear from you and read about what you are doing to help battle this monster .

cheeres, Roarke

Doz

You could also look up ABC iview and SBS on demand for movies or series.

All the best.

I think I'll be closer to friends and cherish them more when all this is over. I've been in contact more often with more people lately. Emails and texts. I've even decided to invite friends over one at a time now that I've had the cleaners here. I'm an introvert and NEVER invited friends over. Can't believe how I'm changing in my 70s! We're never too old to learn/change.

Cheers.

Thanks quirkywords! I was feeling a bit frustrated about a few too many things swirling around in my mind that I want to get done. Setting a key goal for the day has really helped though. Also being active and focusing on enjoying the moment. I created a new activity, sliding around the house in my socks!!

@Speak Your Truth I think everyone will be really appreciative of things like being able to hug people, go out for meals and many other things that will make us really happy to be able to do! The issue of homelessness has gained more attention from media and politicians, so we may see some more proactive solutions for this. Also, hygiene will be better, so fewer people will get colds and flus!

Hello SYT..

Cala..I think that most people will be more family orientated, and understand their children more..(value their family and friends more)

A lot will find new jobs..new careers...

The sun will still shine...Trees and flowers will still grow and bloom..birds will be singing...bees will still make their honey..rain will fall... the universe will still her creation...and we will still apart of the universe..to feel the sun, wind and rain, to see and smell the beautiful flowers and trees.to hear the beautiful and melodic tunes of the birds..We will still be alive to enjoy all that our beautiful planet has to offer us...

I think that is a really good positive to look at..

I hope you are okay Cala and everyone...Yes we’re in it together..and we will all hopefully get out of it together...With Gods grace...

Grandy....

Roarke, Sophie M has answered your question.

This is a supportive forum.

Pain must be so hard to cope with and would not help the depression.

If you browse the threads you may find some they talk about physical pain and depression.

Thanks for helping another poster.

welcome Roarke , I will look out for your post if you decided to post again.

Grandy thank you 🙏. Your reply warmed my heart, lovely words. I need that. 🤗😘

Hi All,

How did everyone go today?

The highlight of my day in isolation was my housemate buying some juggling ball to learn how to juggle off.

It is amazing how we are all getting together finding something to smile about in such altered times.

I was really struggling yesterday, however today is a different story.

Hope you are all smiling.

Regards,

Doz

Hello Doz86 and everyone

I’m glad to hear you had some fun with your housemate juggling balls. I can imagine it was fun watching and you had a laugh.

I was struggling yesterday too, but although today wasn’t fun or exciting the weather was really good and I got out in the garden for a while and used up some of my excess energy.

I find it really does help me to feel better to get some practical things done. But I have little motivation and it takes so much effort for me to get started, but once I do it’s all good. Trouble is I seem to make more mess than I clean up so I never get ahead, even for a little while 🥴

I hope everyone is coping well. Bye, Cala

Invisible girl,

welcome to the forum and yhanks for writing your post sharing your experience.

am sorry you have been treated this way. Everyone needs social distancing and no one should be made to feel they are being treated differently.

Can you talk to your boss and ask why you have been treated like this. Do you have a person there who you trust and can confide in.

know it can be hard to speak up but at this time we should be kind to each other while following guidelines.

Keep posting here if you like as I would like to know how you are going.

Welcome again.

Hi Everyone,

Today in my mental health first aid catch-up at work we spoke about the 'cyclone' effect and the comparisons it has with the virus, there is:

- The build up (preparation)

- The eye of the storm (duration)

- The aftermath

We're currently in the eye of the storm where there is a long period of calm and uncertainty.

I found this concept really helpful. Do you also see the virus stages, like the stages of a cyclone.

Regards,

Doran

Hi Doran

I had never thought about the comparison between the virus and a cyclone until you shared your post. Thank you.

Thinking in this way is somewhat reassuring. It normalises what we are experiencing and reminds us all, as with all storms, this one shall pass to.

Kind thoughts to you

Hello Doran,

This is a very apt comparison! I guess the aftermath will come with its own challenges, things will definitely have changed, but maybe we as a society will become kinder and more mature (I hope!).

- Emmen

I feel my increasing sstress and problem coping with this, is different to most others I see writing here. e.g.. I have no real difficulties with isolation, staying home, boredom etc. nor am I afraid of catching the virus.

what is causing me immense distress (and getting worse) is the constant restrictions on our personal freedoms, the freedom of "choice".

I don't believe anything I was doing, or going, or walking, or sitting at..."pre Corona" was thoughtless, rude, or selfish anyway....so why the constant reminder that "life will never be the same, we will have to be "different" somehow." How exactly, do you want me to change?..

I thought I was a fairly nice considerate person already!

Our leaders say over and over again (especially my State Premier) that even though here in our state, we've seen enormous improvement in "flattening the curve" lessening cases etc, what we are doing has been working well, etc etc... we still "have a very long way to go, this is going to last for a long time yet, we are going to see another outbreak, do not relax!". Hearing and reading that every day is so demoralising and depressing.

To have our personal freedom, our "choices" taken away one by one, with no reassurance it will get easier has beaten me down at last.

I see my grand kids forbidden to go to school, to have face to face contact and rapport with their beloved teachers, socialisation skills with their friends and school communities.

I am told where I can go, where to stand, what to touch, where to walk, people fined huge amounts for sitting alone on a park bench, seats in shopping malls roped off so no one can take a rest, gotta keep walking!

I feel we are being treated like criminals, in what once was a "free" country.