Dools- my thoughts go out to your and your situation. You are such a trooper honestly!

To all the single parents out there my thoughts really go out to you as well.

Everyone I hear you and I am feeling so frustrated as well :( One thing I have been trying to do is to imagine life after lockdown where I can look back and say well I'm glad that is over and now I can have some hope again. It can be so hard though. I decided not to look at the numbers everyday at 11, I kept reading so many news articles. I'm going to put my mental health first!

Thinking of you all

missep you are always a sweetheart validating everyone's feelings on the forums. Hugs.

Hi everyone, a warm welcome to the NEW posters on the forums. Hugs.
We are so glad you found this safe space to share and have some support.

Hugs to all the forum friends I already know. High five peeps!

Hey singlemum, I'm also a single mum of lots of children in my care100%. Working FT from home also. The kids are learning from home. AND doing stacks of work shifts too - again.
Last year during lock down (LD), I ended up taking leave on half pay for 2 months to help get my MH sorted.
That helped.

My Update for this lock down and ever changing & increasing restrictions is, it's been INTERESTING.

Last LD I thought the same thing, why aren't ppl reaching out?
So I reached out.
As I spoke with my previously silent friends, I realised they were really doing it tough.
I know they're not single parents, some never struggle with money etc etc but they were still having a hard time. Some really serious health issues arising.

SO I listened - really had to pull my "judgement and comparison" head IN lol - mostly never got a chance to share anything I was going through... I connected and THAT was important to me.

Strangely, and with relief, this LD I'm doing much better even though my work is 10 fold that of last year.
And I'm not taking leave, none left really.

I never watch or listen to the news, no point really. Decisions are made without my input so it is what it is.

I won't engage in discussion about what might happen or not, I don't have the mind space to speak of fruitless things. No one has a crystal ball, so that's what I say to those around me IRL who want me to engage.

SO back to what's WITHIN my control or influence lol.
Completing my own work tasks.
Trying to maintain boundaries of work hours.
Scheduling support for the kids.
Feeding everyone, laundry blah blah blah.

Then there's the GARDEN, my fave.

Apparently there are Education Dept guidelines as to the HOURS per day a child can be expected to do their Learning from Home programs.
NOT until they're all finished but a guide to the TIME spent. About half of what some ppl think!
There are guidelines for the NSW DoE, not sure about other places around Oz.

Take good care everyone
Love EMxxxx

Hi Dools

Just popping in to check on how you and your hubby are going. Hoping that you are both still in the light. Hugs to you.

I know you know this, but we are here for you if, and when, you need us.

Thank you for the sacrifice you are making to help keep all of us safe. And, of course, my thanks to the many tens of thousands of Aussies in the same boat across the nation.

Kind thoughts to all

Hi Summer Rose, missep and all reading,

Thanks for your messages. I am doing okay. I know I am very fortunate we are able to stay at home and we don't have to be evacuated to a medi hotel. I guess living out the back of Woop Woop has its advantages! We have a large yard to wander around it.

I've spent some time wandering around earlier in the garden, it is blowing a gale out there so quite invigorating. I have picked up some gum nuts I am going to arrange on different coloured cardboard pieces to take photos of and to see how creative I can be.

This morning I awoke feeling a bit trapped, hence the time outside. I understand the reasoning behind the quarantine. I just need to think of the next thing I can do. Too much spare time and my mind may quickly go to a dark place!

I will feel very relieved when we receive the results from our last required test in a week's time. Still waiting for the last test results. The labs are doing an amazing job processing everyone.

This may make me appreciate my job more! Then again, I am enjoying having a weekend off even if I can't go anywhere!

My thoughts are with everyone who is in lock down and is doing it tough right now.

Cheers all from Dools

Hi all,

This is crazy - SA citizens all in full lockdown for get this... 1 case!! What about ppl not able to access MH support - and so much more. Businesses going under. School kids getting mucked around. Weddings, funerals, grieving ppl in isolation. Meanwhile the pollies and CHOs lives go on the same, as they dictate to us how to live our lives and try and make us live in fear. Qld premier off to Tokyo. The examples are endless. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), I have a medical degree and a greater understanding than many who follow this and do get frightened by all the media and CHOs fear spin campaign. It is such a deadly disease apparently that we have to go and queue for many hours in our cars to take a test to even find out if we have it or not. Give me a break. I will continue to be a critical thinker - always. I had just made some inroads on my MH and fighting the agoraphobia I already developed due to the previous lockdowns and restrictions. And hello, welcome back agoraphobia. And I know I am not the only one. Sending virtual support to all.

Hi Dools

I really admire how much you are being as positive as you can under difficult circumstances. I think that's great! I can imagine it's quite an effort.

The gumnuts sound a great idea. Good on you for being so resourceful!

Very sharp wind here too, feels like it's off snow somewhere. It's good for a brisk walk!

Hang in there Mrs D we're all here to help you through. 🙂🐦💌🌅🦘🌳

Hi everyone, coronavirus has really turned my life around. I had so many friends from overseas who've left Melbourne and feel somewhat socially isolated. The travel restrictions hurt a lot too.

I have spoken to Beyond Blue and got asked to focus on what I can do, it's a tough one because there's so much that I remember that I can't do now. I've been riding a bicycle and playing music but still don't feel I've recovered from lock downs and the current COVID situation completely.

Hi Domi333,

Welcome to the community. It is difficult when life circumstances change, when we feel we have little control and have no idea what will happen in the future.

There are things we can control though, like how we look at situations and how we react to them. I know there are many times when my depression only presents me with a very negative and overwhelming view of my life and the world around me.

At present I am in quarantine so can not go out at all. I am trying to look at all the things I can still do. It does help if you can concentrate more on the acceptable situations in life. I know it is hard at times.

Think of 3 things you can do tomorrow to help add some pleasantness to your day.

Wishing you well and hope you find ways to accept and adjust to this strange world we find ourselves in. Cheers to you from Dools

Hi Hanna,

Thanks. I was feeling a bit horrid so finished off a jigsaw puzzle, cleaned the bathroom, looked in a craft book, have dinner in the oven and have a craft project ready for after dinner.

I filled in my Gratitude journal as well for yesterday and made some notes for today's entry so I don't forget the good things of today. It is so easy to look at the unpleasantness and stuff I am not happy with.

My mind started to wander. I listened. Decided I didn't like that subject and tried to sing myself a song until I thought of something else. Covid is here. I am in quarantine. I have a lot to be thankful for!

Cheers to you and all from Dools

I feel my anxiety is bubbling away just under the surface.
When this first Delta case arose in Sydney, I wasn’t too concerned, I thought we’ve got this, no need to panic we’ve been here before and gotten through it.

It’s now been 5 weeks, numbers are continually going up even though we’ve had a variety of styles of lockdown and the most concerning part numbers in hospital keep increasing daily as well.

We’ve had some very close calls in our regional areas, with an area not too far from me also now in lockdown.

We regularly have people trying to travel into our town from locked down areas in Sydney. No offence to Sydney people on here, but some just don’t get the impact of having a Covid outbreak would have on our towns, especially our health systems. Some small hospitals don’t even have a Doctor.

This time I’m starting to feel quite worried about whether we can stop the spread of this very transmittable variant.

My husband and I both had our first vaccination last week. I know everyone had their own opinion on this, but I feel that unless the majority of us get vaccinated, the Government is going to be hesitant to ease our restrictions back to what they were prior to this outbreak.

Stay safe & well everyone, and I hope everyone is coping as best as they can.

SD

Hi Dools

You are amazing. Love reading what you’re up to and how you’re coping. More power to you!

Kind thoughts to you

Hey, I'm new here.

Week 5 of lockdown here in Sydney.

I got jabbed yesterday, I have "friends" bullying me saying I need to wake up. I spent an hour at the clinic yesterday because I was having a panic attack and they didn't want to let me go like that...

Then 3 hours after I returned to work, we where all stood down. Without pay. Because we're just outside of the lockdown areas. I've never not had a job.

I've been single for almost a year (was in an abuse relationship) I momentarily keep panicking that my ex is going to yell at me because I lost my job. Because that's what he was like. I keep forgetting he's very much gone.

I'm lonely. My dad lives in Forster. I'm all alone here. I want my dad

Hi Charmed,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your story with us here. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support, you also never know who will read this post and feel less alone in their own experiences. We are sorry to hear about your friends, your job and your previous relationship. We understand that all of this must be so overwhelming for you. Please know that you never have to go through this alone, and support is always here for you.

If you would like to talk to someone we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals.

We also strongly urge that in overwhelming moments you get in touch with our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).

Please feel free to keep reaching out here on your thread whenever you feel up to it

Dools you're amazing. Well done doing all that when you were feeling a bit blah.

I'm about to watch a French movie on SBS.

I'm still ignoring the housework!!!! 😊😷

hi all,

hard not knowing what way the lockdwon will turn here in victoria, so much uncertainty and frustration. I find being in lockdown really challenging, especally over the weekends, everything is so quiet and boring.
My mind wanders into some darker spaces.

I relate to what ppl are writing about feeling distrustful of the government, and the added stress of ongoing lockdowns

Hi Charmed,

I'm really sorry to read of the situation you have found yourself in. Sophie has suggested you call the support services. The people there will be able to help you work this out and maybe offer some suggestions of what will help.

Can you call your Dad?

Would it help if you told yourself none of this is your fault! Life is happening in the strangest of ways for some people right now.

Please know this is a safe and caring place for you to share how you are feeling if you want to and need to. I hope you feel welcome here, acknowledged and supported.

It is only normal to feel distressed in your situation. Call the support lines and hopefully people can offer suggestions on where to from here.

Sending you kind thoughts and hope you find solutions. Regards from Dools

Hi Summer Rose, Hanna and all,

To be honest, yesterday I had to work hard to hold it together. I accepted I was struggling. I wanted to move on. I'm trying to look for the positives, for thankfulness and what I can be grateful for.

I am quarantining here in the house for my good and for the health of those whom I may be in contact with if I was able to leave the home. I am not infectious nor is my husband. This is precautionary.

One of my issues is the struggle I have on any given day to stay inside. People have struggles with going outside, I struggle with the feeling of being shut and trapped inside!

Thankfully I can go outside and walk around in the garden. I can open the curtains and look outside. I can wander about in the rain, wind and cold conditions, at least I am outside and feel free for a moment.

I also know I have to push myself. For ages now I have been so stuck, knowing there are things I can do to help myself but have huge issues in moving forward.

It would be so easy to fall back into that now. I am going to be easy on myself today. Try some little craft projects and appreciate what I achieve.

I'm trying to use this as an opportunity to enhance more resilience, acceptance and to tell myself I can do this, and if I can't, that is okay as well. If I struggle and have a melt down, that is okay. I can pick myself up again and try once more.

Wishing you all strength to encounter another day with curiosity. Cheers from Dools

Even though we're still in lockdown here in Melbourne, I'm not kidding myself to know that the situation in Sydney is more serious than down here. Even though some politicians outside of NSW are playing the "we told you so" card, I just want everyone in Sydney to know that you didn't do anything to deserve the situation up there, all my friends, family and colleagues are right behind you, because we've been there before. I've felt pretty helpless as I've watched the numbers grow, and haven't really known how to support my Sydney family, friends and colleagues, so I put myself right out of my comfort zone and hosted a work trivia night by Zoom on Friday for my 300 colleagues, more than half of whom are in Sydney. I'm organising zoom dinner parties for this week, bring together different friends in Sydney, many of whom don't know each other. I'm not posting Melbourne-centric posts on social media, I'm texting, calling, facetiming with friends, not just single friends, even if just to talk total sh*t. Although we're not out of the woods yet, I'd like to ask Sydneysiders on here who are struggling what YOU would like from us to help support you. Just know that so many of us are going into bat for you down here. Big virtual hugs...

Hi there

im new here. I hope I’m posting in the right spot. I’m really struggling in Melbourne’s latest lockdown. I know we are in a better place then we could be. But after last year - I’m really struggling with more isolation. I’m single and live alone. I don’t have much family and - I’ve realized now - I really don’t have many other close relationships either. Ive never felt my failure to connect with others more deeply. I feel like a failure myself. I’ve got work. It I struggle to do it. I don’t have much interest in anything. I’ve had quite serious periods of depression and anxiety in my life before. But I was going okay mostly before covid. It’s partly because of these illnesses I’ve had trouble making and keeping relationships. It’s hard for me sometimes to socialize and be a good reliable friend to others. I just feel like there’s something terribly wrong with me. And I don’t know how to fix it. I take medication exercise eat well and don’t drink. Life just always feels so uphill. And while I definitely have things to be grateful for. Lately all I can see is my aloneness. Any tips or help to manage this difficult time would be appreciated. I hope others are managing okay. And if I can help you I’d be happy too. Take care all. xx

I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling how you are. Firstly, it's ok not to be ok... None of us have experienced anything like we have these last 18 months, so you are not alone here... You are amongst people who are right behind you here to validate how you're feeling... Please stay in touch with this group, scream when you want and need to... we're right behind you... big virtual hugs!

Yeah fully agree , Melb to but of course , Sydney with the biggest population in the country this stuff right now is unfortunately still gonna happen atm no matter what you do , just like it did in Melbourne and anywhere in the world. They have massive testing numbers up there so it just goes to show people in general are doing everything they can.

Melb' well , hoping we're out Tues people but it's 50 50 right now. Anything higher between now and then and we'll be in for at least another wk butttt, we see l suppose. Hoping for Tues though especially for all those here struggling and for business too.

rx

Dools, I'm finding your posts inspiring. You share honestly how difficult it is for you yet you are doing what you can to cope. We need to know we 'normal' when we struggle in this crazy time but it also helps to have some ideas of things to try to help.

One thing stood out Dools said I am quarantining ... for the health of those whom I may be in contact with if I was able to leave the home. I think recognising these restrictions are there to protect our community not just because politicians want to control us. We may disagree with the best way to manage the pandemic but accepting we are part of the solution rather than the victim of the situation I think is helpful to our MH. When I feel frustrated and struggling I try to remind myself that my actions combined with everyone else who is doing the right thing is helping combat the pandemic.

It is good for us to share what we do particularly while isolated or in lockdown to help ourselves. We also need to remember we are all different. One person may love the extra time to do crafts or other hobbies while others prefer walking or gardening. Don't judge or compare yourself with others and that includes not putting yourself down because you can't do what someone else does.

Anyone who is struggling don't suffer in silence. If you fell over and broke you leg or had a serious physical illness most of us wouldn't hesitate to seek medical help regardless of restrictions. Mental Health is equally important. Reach out for support and advice of what you can do to cope.

Hi I am new to this forum I have been concern about how we are in locked down at present and what is going to happen with us can anyone help me at present I am anxious person and need to chat with sometimes.

Hi Caroline - and welcome,

Sorry to read that you are feeling anxious. It is extra difficult to cope with anxiety since all this Covid and lockdowns etc have been going on. The unpredictability and uncertainty can be really tough. I hope you find some solace here on the forums where you can post/reply and see that you are not alone in feeling anxious. Also there is a BB covid line you can call to speak to a counsellor 1:1. You can call as many times as you need. Some ppl call daily; whatever you need to help get you through. And obviously on here and there is an online chat to for BB if you prefer that style if thing. I have just copied the info Sophie put at the start of this thread with the phone numbers and details of support.

All the best :)

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-i'm-worried-about-the-coronavirus-

Hi caroline Y,

I too welcome you to the community here. I see that Golden has reached out and supplied you with some very helpful information.

This is a place where you can share what ever you are comfortable to share. Many people here understand what you are experiencing. We all have different lives and different ways of coping as Elizabeth explained so well in her recent post here.

I have also found for myself that what works one day may not work so well the next, and that is okay.

My anxiety has been spiked as I am currently in quarantine so can not leave the house for 2 weeks. I am telling myself that I am safe and I am also keeping the community safe.

Each morning I try to think of activities and things I can do during the day. Too much spare time and my mind wanders. Reading is helping me as I can't fret and read at the same time!

I try to work on one day at a time. It is hard when we don't know what the future holds and we feel out of control.

Maybe thinking about what you can do right now may be beneficial.

Feeling like you are not coping is okay! Reach out here or to the phone lines for support. People do care how you feel! Kind regards from Dools

Hello everyone
Caroline, charmed and Elly42,
Thank you for joining our forum z d this thread. Please feel free to post here as much as you want to. You can see by the replies this is a friendly and supportive place.
I too welcome you to the forum. Golden and Dools have given very helpful and supportive suggestions.
I find that posting about what I am feeling and reading other post help me.

Thinking of everyone in lockdown and quarantine and thanks to BB for their supportive thread and help line.

Hello golden82

Yes I am still here and appreciate the fact you are still here too...as I think you may be one of the very few who tolerate my views on this...some of which have not changed since Day One. Perhaps they are too confronting when I challenge our various Govts {we have so many, with the states being run by their own Premier who bow down to whatever their Health Advisor says)...and also point out my views on the hysterical media reaction since Day One...

It is changing, gradually, with some journalists actually now being brave enough to ask the hard questions, and challenge our Govt leaders to give some direct answers. Our leaders are not only different, in their opinions, rules, personalities...but also indiviual and therefore get different responses from the public...according to how they behave and react when on TV, in front of an audience or with a microphone in front of them.

Some are eloquent, others dramatic, some sound a bit dumb, some are clever at manipulating whatever emotions they want to evoke among their communities, the innocent public who watch, listen and sometimes slavishly hang on their every words. Some know that and use it to enhance whatever "Image" they want to project.

On Day One, I predicted "the cure will be worse than the disease". Last weekend's public protests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane did not surprise me in the least. I've always expected civil disobedience to appear eventually. Some may think the crowds were "angry" I think anger is usually "fear"turned inwards.

The protestors are filled with fear. some have lost everything. They are stressed beyond human endurance. No, I don't act out my fear like that.....but I understand why some people do. I have had to stand by and watch a loved one's life, career, hard work, dreams,hopes and aspirations crumble to dust. and Yes I am ANGRY....because under that anger are my heartfelt fears of what it is doing to his mental health and entire previous positive personality.

as a matter of interest, take note and count how many "positive"things our Govt leaders say to us during their next performance. They owe this to us. If I am right, during the horrors of WW2, the present Queen, then Princess Elizabeth gave uplifting radio messages of hope to the people....our politicians give us nothing to hope for, to strive for, to stay alive for.....

Hi Moon,

Great to see you here :) I read your post but can't take much on board right now. I am very flattened by these lockdowns on my MH. This is no way to live; and I am constantly thinking what is the point? There are multi - tiers to how this impacts ppl, dependent on so many factors. Ppl talk about pre-existing conditions and risk of Covid... what about pre-existing family abuse/DV, mental health, isolation and so many other struggles and risk of lockdown?? And then add to that all the extra, well everything.. I know you get it. I feel very few have true empathy and get it. Ppl say Covid has made us better - No way - it has highlighted the greed and selfishness of many and the lack of empathy for others in a different starting point to them. The way ppl praise our 'leaders' for 'keeping us safe'...I feel ill. Our 'leaders' live in a very different world to us - and their lives are not affected in the slightest. They must be loving the response from the general population. I am dumbfounded.

Whilst I offered info on the Covid support lines etc.. and this is what is considered gold standard as the solution to help us through...It really does not help me. I emailed the premier last week to explain my experience of this 18 months. Guess what I got in reply?? BB Covid line info. As if they do not get the magnitude of this on my MH wellbeing. If someone is so desperate to email them their situation - that person is across all of the 'support' out there. 'Support' does not replace life and human interaction, be it as small as once a week popping into the library (perhaps the only face and smile one might get that week to keep them going) and trauma therapy work and all the effort ppl have put in to keeping their MH afloat. We are not all in the same boat - not even close.

Being offered advice like oh have you tried colouring in or watching a Netflix or whatever. Yeah, been there done that for 10yrs trying to keep my head above water as I deal with a lifetime of trauma and abuse. What now? Plus it is meaningless, pointless to me - oh but they say it can waste some hours. I do not want to spend my life locked up wasting hours. I am a highly intelligent person (as you are) and sitting around this way for 18mo of prime of life. With all the uncertainty and game changers all the time. Trapped in Australia. I never thought Australia would be divided and so pandering. I also really feel for the families and businesses and can empathize with their stress.

The Australian way of our Gov's moon , literally scare and threaten us into submission. They do it with fines , they do it with all the insanity of horror tv ads we have to sit through if we wanna watch tv, Rd accidents , health ads , you name it . l've said 20yrs now all the scare tactics they try to use on us is just wrong , people who visit from os see our tv and can not believe the in your face crap and tactics forced on us here. Latest l saw was yet another horror ad of a woman with Covid in hospital , that was gonna be their Sydney run to scare people into staying home through this latest lock down. Don't know if it started running up there or not , God help them having to look at that everytime they turn on tv. Just what they'd need right now .

What you were saying about the queen and princess through the wars and them supporting the people , is what should be happening .

Dan in Melb l thought wasn't too bad he at least use to also praise and encourage the public almost every time up there , for doing the job and sacrifices they were.

On another note talking of talking gloom , saw today Germany are back to 100k cases a day right now , wow.

rx

ps

Sorry got the Germany thing wrong it seems , thought l better check it out of curiosity. The news might have said such and such "per" 100k people l think or something bc nah they're down to 1500 a day , still a lot isn't it.