Hi,

Does anyone have family that have tested positive to Covid?

My little nephew has tested positive... it means that half my family is now in isolation and probably going to test positive soon.

I feel helpless and upset and I can't even really post anything on facebook to my friends because my sister doesn't want anyone to know.

I feel like nobody knows anyone who has actually had it, so all I can think of is the possible worst case scenarios....

Thanks for reading.

My daughter lives in the UK and caught Covid late last year. Fortunately she is fit and healthy so only had mild symptoms and recovered well. She found isolation hard as she had to stay in her room to avoid infecting her housemates. Hopefully your family will be like the majority and recover well. By sticking to the rules and isolating when potentially infectious they are protecting everyone else including those who may develop severe forms of the disease.

Hi missa7

I’m really sorry to learn that your nephew has tested positive and that other family members have now been exposed to the virus.

Please, try not to overthink it. In 80 per cent of Covid patients the illness is mild to moderate.

What’s really important though is for people having difficulty breathing to get to a hospital quickly. There is a steroid medicine that can really help people at this stage of illness and I understand people can deteriorate rapidly, so best to be at hospital (I am not a doctor, getting my information from ABC news reports).

Please, tell your sister not to hesitate to call 000, if required. Always better safe than sorry.

Why doesn’t your sister want anyone to know? Do you think this might stop her seeking medical care?

No pressure to answer here. Just curious.

Kind thoughts to you

I'm sorry Grandy about your neighbours son. I felt angry hearing about people being so inconsiderate. When you look at the situation in Vic where a couple of removalists from NSW broke the rules going into an apartment and not wearing masks and resulted in the whole state being locked down because they infected people in the apartment one of whom went to the football and infected others leading to a massive chain of infections.

People need to think of others and follow the rules to protect everyone whether they are vulnerable people, buisiness owners or workers who need to be able to work.

Is anyone else hearing Sydney is going to be in lockdown until mid November when vaccination rates reach 70%? I don’t think I will make it that far to be honest.

l'm in Vic but l've been catching updates most days this time round. Haven't heard anything about Nov for Sydney , couldn't imagine that though myself that's a helluva long time away yet.

lf these things run to the usual form for Aus through this, l'd say they'll be on top of it within a mth or so from here now though. Couldn't see it lasting all the way through to Nov myself.

rx

We are 5 weeks in RX and it’s getting worse not better. I find it hard to believe numbers improve in the next four weeks.

Yeah , no way to know. But they did in Vic and we were getting 4 times what you guys are. And yes l know this is Delta , but 4x , anyway , lets hope eh, hang in there.

I think the Hope part is the worst part RX. Sitting around hoping only to be hit with the inevitable extension. That’s worse than knowing. I wish they’d just level with us.

If something isn't working...why do they keep doing it over and over again, expecting a different result?

I heard once that was the definition of "insanity"....

and I saw yet again long lines of people waiting hours to be tested? why weren't they forming long lines waiting to be vaccinated instead?

I completely agree Moonshine. They stand there saying the same bloody thing every day at 11 am to the point there are now jokes about the repetitive nature of it.

The other day I saw the stats for tests, cases, vaccinations etc. Testing numbers were 3x that of vaccinations. It’s madness. Instead of getting a swab up your nose how about a needle in your arm?

My vaccination took all of 20 minutes, including the 15 minute wait at the end yet people spend hours in their car lining up for a test.

Wow first time I've seen Nov mentioned but I won't engage in speculation.
My MH doesn't have the capacity to "gamble" lol.

Day by day & minute to minute during my work days. News is off.

My Year 12 son is enrolled in a school a LONG way down South (but has been living at home most of lock down thank God)... received a Survey tonight for Year 12 students to VOTE about whether to hold the HSC Exams (which he is FOR for statistical reasons) or whether to ditch them all together and use marks all ready from previous assessments - which sucks for rational reasons. OUT goes any rational thinking. Who cares about them?
I DO.

There ARE ways to hold exams - safely.

And my others in Year 12 don't quite have as much invested in the HSC as South son or p.son as I call him.
And another child in Year 11 who's like a pig in mud learning from home - far higher marks now and FAR better "attendance" because she never has to attend lol! She hates school but is very studious.

My work is nuts since LD.

My deepest anxiety is around homelessness rising, businesses going bust, people starving.
I work in the Community with families and it's extremely stressful NOT being able to help them. Much.

I called 2 helplines around 4am this morning. One said "this is not really the line for you" so I called the one she gave me. After explaining my anxiety - they hung up. No real response! No goodbye. Nothing.

If I was a person in a worse state than I am, HOPING for help then raking up the courage TO call a "help" line, only to feel worse BECAUSE I phoned a helpline. WOAH THOSE ARE ISSUES.

Issues that don't seem to be resolved with "help" lines. Help my foot. It's disgraceful.

I'm safe.
I'm fine.
PLENTY AREN'T.

So if I can't get earthly support to support around 6000 ppl, ummm wow.
It's God all the way!

Love EM

Well , hoping we soon start seeing some downward trend for you guys in the next wk or so, we see l guess hey.

Yep all these pollies are loving their pedestals they're all up there everyday for and hour just for one bloody case crapping on , it's ridiculous. With exception of NS.

l hear some report the other day , people we lined up 7hrs for testing , is that right , holy moly . lf they didn't have it already they'd get it in the lines with their windows down. A 20min shot in the arm sounds like a much better idea know what l'd be doing.

rx

l heard today they've got the army patrolling Sydney hots spots , are they for real , what in th ????

The army , like police don't already out number citizens in Aus wth would the bring the army in too, my God what an embarrassment.

Sorry guys you must feel like your in a war zone or something how ridiculous.

rx

Gees , at least we can say China's worse with over reacting

They've just tested 10 million people , 3 times , yep , 3 times, because of an out break of 75 cases. They do say it may have spread to 20 other cities though. They also talk of 3 cases here 5 there , l thought Australia was the only one making such a fuss over such low numbers. They've closed borders and international travel plus locked down 100s of 1000s of residents and millions in other cities related . lt is hard to piece all that together though as it's such a huge country and population but it certainly doesn't sound like many cases given it's size or say compared with say the UK or others fully open yet still with 25 to 40k cases per day depending.

But get this, they've vaxed 1.5 billion doses.

rx

Hey RX

The ADF are only assisting the police in NSW as there are some issues with non compliance where lockdown protocols are concerned

kindest....Paul

Hi Paul , nice to see you mate.

But yeah , l realize that but it's so overkill. Saw clips l'm not kidding of cops and army walking up and down just very very quiet suburban streets and malls not a soul in site in any direction anywhere,in groups of 4 and 6 , l mean what the? What do they think they're gonna come across where they're gonna need groups of 4 or 6 of both and what a waste of resources and money. If they think they must patrol in such a necrotic manner then cruising them in patrol cars would more than suffice surely to God , covering whole suburbs 3x a day if they must insist, not just a few streets. And at about 20% of the cost and labour.

rx

Telehealth is so difficult, when technical issues interfere sometimes we miss important words, I miss the connection I have built with my counsellor, I don't feel that same sense of growth of uplifted after telehealth sessions sadly.

Hi everyone

covid really adds a huge amount of pressure to life. I feel really trapped and it makes me feel nauseous all the time. I know I am very fortunate and others have it much harder, much harder than me but it still is really difficult to be positive. I live on my own and just wish I could get a hug from someone. I am even looking forward to my second Astra shot today as there will be a moment that I get some physical contact. Sometimes extreme stress highlights other things about myself that I really hate and feel ashamed of.

Hi Tozzy, 

We agree, it's a really difficult time, especially when you're living alone. Times like this can definitely get overwhelming. We’re grateful to have you reach out to our community this morning, we hope you find some comfort and understanding on the forums.

We hope you know that there is always help available to you, whether it's from our counsellors on 1300 22 4636 (or you can use our webchat or email), or our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Alternatively, there's always our friends at Lifeline 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.  

We don't want you to feel alone. Our lines are here, and so are the lovely people on threads like this, who will really appreciate your openness in sharing. Do feel free to share more with us here on how you're feeling and what might help, if you feel up to it. 

Kind regards, 

Sophie M 

Hi pl515,

I agree with you. It can be quite challenging having a Telehealth consultation because of connection difficulties. It is hard to see your counsellor, engage the same way you usually do and feel connected. I know some clinics do offer both Telehealth and face to face consultations. Check with your counsellor if face to face consultations are offered, if it is not the case, let the counsellor know about your concerns and see if there is a better approach to help you feel more connected in the session and give you the results you are looking for.

All the best

Hey Sophie

felt better just writing it and they were heaps nice at the vaccination place.

Thanks, feel much better, even though can't sleep tonight. Hope sleep better tomorrow.

is it really lockdown again in victoria?

i just got the news as i was booking a social-work appointment... i had ABSOLUTLY NO IDEA

i've been in my bubble i guess, and that's kind of scary how these things change so quickly and u have to observe it aggressively

i thought that we were doing okay, just yesterday heard about 0 cases and was feeling good.

I know it's controversial, but i'm not so supportive of what is happening now. i know they're trying their best but it's feeling very hard to have everything going from open to closed in days, it seems the slow vacine roll-out is a huge issue here. I dont get what is going on and why we are in this vulnerable state. I send from the bottom of my heart a bg hug to anyone who is feeling tormented by lockdown news. *Sigh* This stuff isn't easy.

hi Sleepy,

yep, sorry to say you are right. I just checked the news - you guys in Vic locked down for 7 days from 8pm tonight.

All I can say is - here for you online - reach out to us all here :) I am so sorry for you. I agree with you. I phoned Covid lines and said I cannot take even 1 more lockdown. They have no idea and no care for those of us all alone. Talk as much as you need Sleepy x and everyone in Vic and other lockdowns. Just a matter of time until us in SA are due for another one too no doubt... the MH consequences outweigh all this

Is this what our lives will be now? To be in and out of lockdown? Is this really the only way to go? To constantly let us live on the edge? I get so anxious just having to make plans since i don’t know if it will be cancelled.

whether we have enough vaccinations or not, it’ll still take a while for at least 50% of the population to be vaccinated with both doses. They can only administer so many people a day and we are supposed to go in and out of lockdown until then? Are we aiming for zero cases or to just flatten the curve? Its upsetting to see other countries opening up and we are still stuck? I feel I’ve lost 2 years of my life.

I think many people are becoming defeated. It’s not because they are selfish, people are just exhausted.

Yep , afraid so, another one for Vic.

But l'll never forget the main one and 750 a day and one things for sure , Dan hasn't either and he doesn't wanna end up there again you can bank on that.

l don't know though , none of us do but are they all just trigger happy now or what , you know, is this just trigger happy , it's all becoming a bit of a blur and hard to know anything much with it all anymore.

Keep seeing OS stuff and countries still open , even traveling, with 1000s a day , hth do they manage if we can't even manage with 8 and other states shutting down for 1 and 2.

Hands in air.

rx

Dear Luna and others...I cannot take this any more. Friends who have been strong compliant and law abiding are coming out and saying similar.

We are living as prisoners..if not literally then certainly mentally. We live in a police state where a doctor unelected by the people controls..literally..each move we make.

You win Gov't....we are ready to surrender. You have finally broken our spirits. People have suicided due to the huge losses they have suffered..How much more proof do you need ? You have taken our freedom...the freedom our soldiers fought and died for during two world wars....Lest We Forget....and we wont forget this oppression either.

hi Moon,

I posted on our other thread too. I can't take it either. I am alone. Hardly following the news so as to 'protect' self. But u can't avoid it. I don't know what has happened to the world, especially our 'nation' in the last 18mo. I do not understand it anymore. I do not relate, or feel a part of it anymore. I am one of those alone that are not considered and fall thru the cracks with MH worsening in this time due to lockdowns and no supports or stop/start supports due to lockdowns. You are right about suicides. It is the real pandemic. That young home and away actor tragically was due to lockdowns.. I guessed it when I heard. What about him? Does he not matter too? But the media keep all this silent as they push their fear of Covid. And the spin to create drama and fear. eg when it is a young person, they create a monologue - which is not even the truth as the family come out with the truth. But when it is elderly ppl, they don't even give us that - just the number of 'Covid deaths'..you then research it to find out 5 elderly ppl for e.g. Obviously this is still horrible - but just the way the media sing the tune of the politicians and bureaucrats to push their fear campaign. Unfortunately ppl are either too ignorant or just exhausted, scared etc they just believe the narrative.

I have no-one to talk to of my distress, and opinions. I need discussion - for my brain, but also it helps to ease the anxiety that is created by all this fear spin. They say ring a helpline - but they all seem to be happy to go along with the media spin. Whenever I have phoned to try and state how I feel and how it is affecting me and my MH. I get met with their mainstream views being patronizingly talked over me. As if I am some idiot or disobedient. It actually makes me worse. I lose my brain - and give up.. more proof of what the world has become thru all this. If you happen to have a different struggle or experience thru Covid, and try voice your truth you are outcast. It is left or no way at all. I find it absurd that all these so called empathetic ppl - have selective empathy. I have seen the real selfishness of ppl come out in these 18mo. I have lost faith in humanity.

It has really also highlighted the difference between the mega wealthy, and sports stars and politicians etc and then the rest of us. It is not 'affecting' those in their mansions who hop onto their platforms to preach to us what to do (with no credentials). Lockdown in a mansion is not lockdown.

hi golden... i know what you mean

lockdown where u have a stable income that is entirely unaffected (or milliosn in savings), while hard, is copmletely different, ppl fly through certain cities and quarantine there so they can have their needed holidays. (my friend sad not to judge, she'd probably do that too if she could...I dunno...)

My family member who has a lot of wealth complains to me a lot about really really marginal stuff, she seems to find lockdown hardest of all... because she can't go to the shop she likes beyond 5k. I know everyone's different, but sometimes i feel like saying - coud she even imagine how fearful and horrible i feel when lockdowns are announcd, shopping is the last thing on my mind, i'm literally scard how i'll survive and be okay and a human thorugh all this. it is painful to hear her complain about not being able to go to her favourite fruit shop outside of 5k.

sorry to hear that Sleepy. I think that is super insensitive of her to say re the 5km fruit shop.. regardless, but especially given that your struggles thru this time are so much more profound than that. I wonder what she would say if you told her even one eg of your struggles?? If it is even worth trying to enlighten her? Some ppl live in a different reality, full of their own self-importance and no empathy. Or should i say lots of ppl. You are the better human being :) I hope u find some nice movies or tv shows to watch in this week. I am thinking to get a Netflix or something to have at the ready for our next lockdown. Wouldn't have a clue how the things work though, and not keen on sitting watching stuff, but i guess it is a good fallback rather than just my thoughts. Thinking of you thru this time :)