Hope you get some help for the grocery etc with the quarantine.

@caroline: it is tough time for everyone. Hope the helpline helps if you want to talk to someone. I have developed anxiety through these......

@moon and @golden: really wonder how our old pal, tangney is doing. I wish there is a web space where we all like minded people could meet virtually -- not that i like virtual world so much but at least a space to have
'human interaction'. Given that so many of us have been in this head space and helpline seems helping and not helping sometime. I have a small mom support group online from moms all over australia -- it started off on a public forum (not tax payer funded) and then spinned off into a private group for those who got along. They mostly talked about kid stuff rather than sensitive topic like covid or mental health stuff. I'm glad to find people here as i'm just in the mental stress and have the same thinking/feeling with y'all.

And you are right, moon, you have reflected part of what i am going through. Someone who lost a lot......friends, a job/career which i spent 12 yrs building up, health etc. I was once pro lockdown etc but changed my mind a lot since last yr because i lost a friend in 40s for a condition that could have been prevented for his death if he would have gone to the hospital to check out last year when symptoms shown up. He didn't because it was at the peak of pandemic. People were too scare to go to the hospital. He left behind two young children. Who cares as it isn't covid!?!

As for the protest, i was surprised to see only one local media reported the Perth one. Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney seem to take the headline. People have turned angry. I am too....I wouldn't be the one to go protest, though, as i even feel anxious to leave the house! and am certainly not anti-mask and anti-covid vax. Personal choice. My US friend is shocked that we are still pursuing the zero now that the vaccine is here. Of course, people have turned angry. I feel bad for Glady. As many people are blaming her, i truly think that she has done well for the past outbreaks. i.e. getting it under control without the drastic lockdown. People need to realise that this virus will be with us forever.....the NSW curve has flatten but i feel sorry that she is pushed to go down to zero to suit the rest of the country. Covid has also torn apart the whole country....so divided than before.

Its nice to know Vic has a bit of relief but there is still an elephant in the room. I like many lost my job due to covid last year and I've been trying to get another one I even went back to requalify but I'm totally stumped with what to next as it seems like I'll never get another one. How long can one remain positive when we keep going in and out of lockdown

Hi Everyone,

Just sending out a message of Hello and how are you? to all reading here.

Lock downs, quarantines, COVID news and fake news, loss of employment, break downs of relationships etc...there is a lot going on for many people.

Hope you all have someone to reach out to, a support number to call or some way of encouraging yourself to hold it all together.

For me today it was working out in the garden!

Sending kind regards to you all from Dools

hi all,

happy that today there is a chance of hope for victorians, while hearing some ppl hear feel tired and over it as ther has been lockdown after lockdown and the relief has been brief. Sending hugs. It has been annoying and hard.

covid has been rough and difficult for many, and i'm also so tired. Tired of all this.

Someone asked me today ( a MH professional) - other than feeling sad and isolated because of lockdowns, how re u doing?

I found it hard to answer. i can't see outside of the lockdowns. They have impacted everything in my life, my work, my choices, my finances, my mental health, my frendships.

I wish I could adapt better and find meaning outside of these restrictions, but they have made my loneliness so much worse, it's suffocating.

Hi Sleepy,

Absolutely agree. Some ppl seem to thrive on being locked up and baking brownies or learning new skills. Some ppl I know are wanting lockdowns extended as they love this new world. No consideration for the rest of us who struggle. Whilst some of us find it so hard. I am like you in that I cannot see past lockdowns and that makes it so hard for me to try and get 'relaxed' enough to even consider doing anything. I am constantly stressed.

I was going to write on your thread - but I will put it here... I think you have done so amazing thru this. You have had it darn tough in Vic. I complain in Adelaide, but I could not begin to imagine the length of time you have been with this. Try give yourself credit - and see you are coping - and you are so strong. I couldn't do it. You have and you are still going. If that is anything to take from this - realization of your inner-strength.

Hey everyone, big physically distanced hugs for those at the end of their tether.
I'm sorry you're going through rough times.
Sending MOUNTAINS of positive energy!!!

Dools I'm SO jealous you got to garden today lol. Beautiful use of your time dear lady.

Sleepy, sad face. Difficult times indeed for those living alone. BIG SQUISHY HUGS!

In my family, it's nuts the amount of work we're all needing to do during lock down.
I've had to put in up to 18h in a day to get the work done with deadlines.
Kids are working lots more shifts as per... their school work is suffering.

My friend who's living alone for the 1st time in 60y begged me to go for a legal walk with her on Sunday so I did.
She works FT as a Nurse. I introduced her to YouTube lol!

So with that being my only "social event" of personal choice in LONG time, my life is a LOT more sociable in lock down.

So besides the 500% increase in my work load, wearing masks and doing QR codes, nothing much has changed.
I only work on site one day a week but it's a VERY early start and late finish, then working from home the other 6 days.

Looks like the LD is extending for us where we live. With that, the pressure cooker goes up.

Best wishes to you all
EMxxxx

Hey EM and everyone!

If I could pick a country to live in...Its here in Oz.....Heaps of Hugs and best to NSW in this difficult time

'wearing a mask says a lot about the person that does and even more about a person that doesnt'

kindest

Paul

Nice to hear Paul , l've kinda been a bit Aus down last few yrs , l know it, so things like that are helpful to hear.

Does anyone get the new Vic mask rules from tomorrow. l thought they've say we must mask everywhere , inside and out , shops and stuff l mean , but on the street as well , is that right ?

And l wonder is it all of Vic or just Melbourne ? Bloody ridiculous up where l am we haven't had any Virus within 100k , 6mths far as l know.

Cheers to all and congrats VIc , free again , sorta.

rx

Hey RX

always great to see you and thanks for your ongoing support to others too :-)

I am sure its masks inside and outside (street) for a minimum of 2 weeks as NSW is a concern to the VIC govt

Its not being pro OZ....Its about being in a country that doesnt have the infection rate of many other countries

you rock RX

Paul

Everyday is becoming a struggle with seemingly nothing to look forward to and I’m not sure how to overcome the feelings of hopelessness.

Today we got news that we have another 4 weeks of lockdown and I’m feeling anxious. I’m not in the Sydney hot spot but in a region that has been encompassed as part of Greater Sydney. I’m not sure how I can cope much longer in isolation it seems like it will never end.

My situation, confidence and mental state was fragile before the first COVID lockdown announcement in July, having had my long term partner of 13 years announce he wanted to end our relationship as as a New Year’s gift 2021 after admitting he had been cheating on me online in dating apps for a few years and all the while projecting his guilt as anger towards me, undermining my self esteem, making me feel less than and that the relationship was failing because all the faults were mine. I lived in constant anxiety, walking on egg shells in those last few months to try and keep peace and hide the failure from family and friends and felt some small relief when the relationship finally ended, even though due to circumstances we have had to continue to share our home the last few months while planning to separate our lives.

With the help of my family I was slowly getting my life back together and preparing a plan to move up the coast to be near them and start a new chapter of my life. Then COVID delivered the lockdown blow and I’m stuck in a house with my ex and no family as they are all outside the lock down area. I get to stay in touch on the phone but it’s not the same as being there with them for a hug and company and I don’t want them to worry about how low I’m feeling when we chat on the phone. Plus my ex is always around as we are in lock down together so I feel my phone conversations are somewhat scrutinised. It would be nice to be able to get out for a chat over a coffee with a friend.

I know I’m not the only one suffering through lockdown and feel selfish as I should be grateful that I still have a roof over my head with a job and can work from home at the moment while so many others are doing it tough and being stood down as businesses remain closed in lockdown but I can’t help feeling alone without my family and that life is in a permanent unhappy limbo.

I just want to feel like me again. The happy, caring person who looked forward to each day, not this robotic unrecognisable sad shell I feel I’ve become.

I everyone , I live in the Cumberland area and I'm really freaken out about this extended lockdown. I haven't been to working since 26th June and I've tried to get support from service NSW but I've been turned down for any support.

I really don't know what to do anymore ?? i have some savings , I'm really pissed off at the government because there not supporting me at all....

My heart breaks and it saddens my soul to read everyone's stories here.

I don't know how people manage to keep going when life is so tough and resilience is low.

Like Golden mentioned, Sleepy and so many of you do have inner strength you have ben relying on.

Some how you keep going day after day. I applaud you. I congratulate you.

I know that doesn't help you in your situation in anyway! I just want you to know my heart goes out to all of you and I am so very thankful for all I have.

Kindest regards and hoping you all find more inner strength and answers...somehow. Hugs from Dools

I just had a good scream (indoors) and am feeling a bit better.

I've been in a sort of "lockdown" since November because I haven't had a working assistance dog since then. My new dog just turned 6 months old and is doing well but still too young to work much. She won't be a real working dog for another nearly 6 months. I require a dog to leave the house, so haven't even been to the supermarket since November and I'm going nuts. I walk my puppy around the back streets and attend the training sessions run by the assistance dog organisation occasionally, but that's about it. She's also a large breed, so I can't walk very far without potentially damaging her growing joints. Can't even make it as far as the local outdoor mall for some company. I don't know how much longer I can take this, but at the same time, what choice is there?

Last time I changed over dogs there was overlap, with the old dog able to work until the new dog was ready, so I wasn't a shut-in. Hasn't been the case this time. It's really no fun at all.

Help me and guest

welcome you both to the forum. This lockdown is hard andI I am sorry you both are struggling.

This support line is staffed with trained people who can provide support 24/7.

Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

1800 512 348

If you scroll through this thread you will read others stories and how they cope.

I have a new grandchild but can’t see her now until she will be over 8 weeks . I know many people are struggling in different ways.
Guest the timing of the end of your relationship would be stressful.
you both are not alone and we are listening.

Hi Mimsy19

That sounds really tough that you've been pretty much stuck at home since November. Why weren't you able to have an overlap with the previous dog and this new one?

I an imagine adjusting to the new dog isn't easy either.

May I ask your dog's name and how you're getting on together? I see assistance dogs sometimes around where I live and they must be a wonderful support.

I'm sorry you've been so isolated as a result of having the new dog the same time as the lock downs.

Do you have any friends or supporters who can call in or to talk to?

You're always welcome on the forums on BB and after a while you get to know people here and they can be a real support.

I wanted to say welcome and I hope you find some company here. Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers 🌞

Thanks, Hanna. Her name is Bismuth. I wasn't able to overlap because, well, it's a long story but when my second assistance dog had to retire suddenly for health reasons, I got another about 4 months before the pandemic hit. The new dog was a rescue, and didn't cope with the isolation of lockdowns. I wasn't able to get enough help because dog trainers weren't considered essential workers, and she developed severe behavioural issues despite my best efforts. I ended up having to rehome her, but found a lovely new home on 5 acres outside Geelong. Bismuth is not a rescue and is doing much better, thankfully. Still having some issues because of covid related lack of socialisation opportunities, but nothing pathological yet. My second assistance dog who retired is sadly no longer with me.

I don't have any friends because of long term, severe psychiatric illness. I usually rely on incidental meetings with strangers for social interaction, but that hasn't been happening recently, obviously. Online forums are better than nothing, eh?

Hi Mimsy,

I welcome you here as well, Hanna gave you a wonderful caring reply.

I'd just like to mention, you may notice that some threads seem to flit about from here to there and back again, please feel welcome to join in anywhere. There are lots of topics covered on this forum.

Sorry to read of the situation you find yourself in, hope Bismuth learns and adapts quickly.

Do you have hobbies or activities you can do to help fill in your time? I know it is hard to find motivation at times when mental health issues are banging around in your head! If only it was that easy!

Hope you encounter a few people to chat with even briefly as you do venture outside.

Where I live, I can walk for an hour and not see anyone.

Cheers to you from Dools

Hi Mimsy19 and hi Dools!

Bismuth is a gorgeous name can I ask what kind of dog he/she is? My profile pic is my little dog Sam. He's 10 years old this month and I can't imagine being without him!

I rely on casual chats a lot too but at least I can get out. What a shame your rescue dog couldn't cope poor thing.

I knew a girl ages ago who was blind and she got a poodle guide dog which she adored, but she was a university student and the poor dog found the campus overwhelming and she had to relinquish her. I believe she has another dog now. She told me after having to walk using a cane, walking with her guide dog felt like flying. How lovely for her!

You're welcome on my thread anytime, it's called anyone spent days alone with nobody to talk to, under Long term support - because I moved to a new town just before the terrible bushfires and then covid!!! So I didn't know anyone. 😕

Mostly I chat there with a few ladies..

Are you in regional Vic?

Cheers for now 😊🐾🐕

She's a German Shepherd. Your dog looks like a real sweetie.

No, I'm not in regional Victoria, I'm in Melbourne. Currently, anyway...

Thanks Mimsy,i think Sam's sweet too but nice of you to say so! It was his birthday today he turned 10! 😊🎂🎉🐾

Not sure if you are a he or she? Do you have any family that support you or friends?

I'm in regional Nsw. Very cold snowy winter's here and hot summers which I don't like so much!

I've found it hard to break in and make friends here but have made some good friends on BB!

There is a gaol here and the prisoners train military assistance dogs. They're amazing. We see them walking around all the time and it's great for the men to do something useful and also bond with their dogs.

How do you fill in your days? Any special interests?

Hope you're going OK today 🙂🐾🌻

Yes Hanna it's very cold here too, we're without heating now so it's chilly!

Hey Mimsy, welcome to the forums. I'm glad you have a dog and hope this one works out well for you.

We now have an extension to our lock down and it's like the rising pressure is tangible.

I'm sad to see us falling prey to repeating history with divisions in our Community.
Knowing that extreme hatred is being expressed is extremely concerning.

BUT I can only control and influence what's in front of me in my little circle of the world.

My work has become untenable / unmanageable BUT my boss accepted some changes to be enforced and will meet with other bosses tomorrow to disperse responsibilities in a more equitable manner.
I hope it works!

I'm grateful for my Counsellor who has ever so gently walked me through a trigger I couldn't understand.
She found the root causes in one appt and my healing of THAT particular reaction in my self.

Thankyou to ALL the MH professionals and support people and everyone here on BB for reaching out to support others.
It's SUCH a loving and altruistic endeavour.

Many Blessings
EM

Hello to you all,

My quarantine ends on Monday. If my last Covid test is negative I can return to work on Tuesday.

When I was told I had to be in quarantine at home for 2 weeks I didn't like the idea at all. I struggle being home in general. Thankfully it has not been raining continuously so I have been able to go outside.

Through these forced 2 weeks at home, I have appreciated our home and garden fir the first time in ages! I feel more comfortable inside now as I have had to be here. So in a way it has been a blessing.

I have also realised that as a child when stuff was going on in the house, I used to run away. We lived in a small country town so being away all day even as a young child was thought of as acceptable. I have acknowledged that has been my way of coping, running away, spending time outside, not being indoors where I felt trapped.

Now I have the dilemma of returning to a work place where people seem to think it is okay to take their frustrations about COVID rules out on me. My headaches have reduced immensely since I have been at home!

I should be thankful I have employment, just pull my socks up, put my suit of armour and my mask on and just get on with it.

Cheers to you all from Dools

Hi Dools

Thank you for sharing your news and the salient reminder to always look for the silver lining.

Thank you and all the others in isolation for your community service. Your sacrifice matters and is appreciated.

Kind thoughts to you

I'm female. Mimsy is what my brother called me when we were little, it's short for Miriam.

I'm currently filling in my days by learning C++. I don't like pointless activity, and learning C++ will be a very useful and employable skill down the track. I'm playing the long game 😀. No friends, but my mother helps me out by buying my groceries so I don't have to use the online supermarket thing with delivery, as you need to spend a minimum amount that is way higher than what I'd usually spend.

I just resigned from my job I had only been in for 2 months. I was full-time and I was grateful that I could go part-time to manage remote learning at home too during the lockdowns.

However with my reduced hours, they only allowed me one short break in the middle of a 5 hour day. I had a customer service role answering calls and my body was not coping for extended periods of time without moving. I felt confined to my chair and I started feeling really anxious.

My GP said to leave and I feel a bit better for giving my notice. I really hope I can find something else soon. It will give me a chance to find something a lot more suitable.

I believe the situation was a lot harder because of the lockdowns and having to work from home. I need to be around people and I felt very isolated and lonely.

Things can only go upward from here.

Hi Mimsy19

I'm not sure what C++ is I'm sorry.

Have you thought about starting your own thread on BB? That way people can easily find you to chat with. On the coronavirus thread you're can be easily missed.

I hope you are going OK 😊

C++ is a programming language.

Struggling to get motivated today. SE Qld went into lock down today (again). I will be getting my first shot of the vaccine today as well so drinking lots of water before hand.

hi all

thanks smallwolf i also had not heard of C++. :)

Good luck today with ur vacinne shot, smart that ur drinking water before.

sorry to read about the hard times for SA at the moment.

This virus is so bumpy. So many ups and downs. I find little things upset me a lot more in lockdowns, i feel mor sensitive overall and breaking a plate or the fact that i cant get this stubborn stain out of my jumper.... i feel mor likely to overreact and feel like it's the end of the world. i guess for me my nerves are shot

very cold here lately, icy

Hi everyone...

I get my first astra Zeneca vaccine on the 10/8...Covid hasn’t been around where I live..but my Dr wants me to have it anyway as we get a lot of travellers through our town..,.

People just don’t listen or know how to obey the lockdown rules....My neighbours son arrived today from a strict lockdown..don’t leave your local general area....So he drives over 380kilometres and doesn’t get caught...Does he even care what he has done is so wrong....Doesn’t he care about his mum.....We are less then 200 people in this village...it will only talked one person to potentially infect everyone here.....

Why don’t people listen?....no wonder it’s spreading!..

Grandy..