Think l better walk away from the daily update for awhile this stuffs getting into my head again.

l only want the numbers and l only want those bc l hope for some good news. And the update's on right when l come in from work for a coffee so l supposedly have a quick check and then switch it off , but of course l often end up watching it all in the end.l'll have to check out for a few days, maybe there'll be some good news then.

rx

Hi rx I don't watch them and probably go to the other extreme, I worry about not knowing up to date info about lockdowm rules, as I am so completely avoiding the news. I only have a vague idea re if cases are going up or down. I don't know how to find the balance sadly between no news and useful news so I'm entirely switched off.

I gather though from the vibes from people here and IRL that there's high chance lockdown may continue in Vic.

How are Victorians staying sane and happy? My go suggested tending to plants, and I'm looking into that! Also trying new recipes, and journalling, helps me.

I struggle very badly when my MH appointments are cancelled, as was recently the case, although that wasn't covid related. Therapist just had an emergency! I am so rry if I've made anyone down with my venting. Thank out, sweet and supportive BBers

Hugs Anne with an e. I was very affected by what u wrote....feel every word. Thank you.

Anne......yes, you are right on the statement. It is so weird that a similar line was brought up by the WA AMA chief with an opposite idea. i.e. opening up with 70-80% of vaccination! we need 90%.......this is too depressing. :(

Bit worried as my clinical appointment with a hospital clinicians is now online...it's an essential service and I'm surprised it isn't permissible. It ha d been scheduled last week for face-to-face, and today was told it's now telehealth. Makes me scared as the restrictions tighter. Feel like it's going to continue in that direction

During this lockdown has been hard, COVID in general has been hard. Last year I just lost my father near Christmas from cancer in a different country, I was stuck there for 5 months (pretty much isolated) before I could come back to Sydney. When I got back here I had to undergo quarantine for 2 weeks, terrible experience. At least for a 1 I was able to work and go out; but then lockdown occurred and I feel as though there’s no more hope. I lost another special someone in my life due to cancer and this time I couldn’t attend the funeral.

During this lockdown- for the past 3 or so months - literally staying at home I became self aware and was fine, but I had no job and tried to ask for Centrelink help but I struggled mentally and lacked motivation. I had only but my family, who was always busy working; leaving me pretty much feeling alone anyways.

Now knowing it’s pushed longer, my mentality has worsened. I have no one to talk too. I’ve lost friends, when I try to talk it would be with friends I’m not so close with, and it wouldn’t even last - just surface level communication. Everyone has been working or studying. But me I can’t start until next year to study. And no work.

I can’t see my bf who is more than 5 km away because its ‘dangerous’ I can’t drive so I wouldn’t put myself at more of a risk, even though it’s inevitable that the cases would just increase. I have been no where but at home. I haven’t really been upskilling but I’ve been trying.

Im now crying in bed because of the extension. I know everyone is having a hard time but at this point I feel so exhausted; I’m ‘content’ with doing nothing.

Hi Everybody,

I have found great strength in dealing with "the current adjustment period"

by:

1. Living one day at a time.

2. Accepting the current situation.

3. Keeping busy. I am writing a book on Resilience.

4. Being grateful daily for the good in my life, however small.

Wishing you peaceful moments for tonight and tomorrow.

B

The words we choose are powerful.

Instead of using the expression lock down, I think of it as "The current adjustment period".

This expresses to me what we are all going through at the moment. Each one of us is adjusting to life as we have never experienced it before. By placing emphasis on the word "current" it allows me to stay in the now mentally.

This too shall pass and other proverbs can be very strengthening.

Try to find some proverbs which resonate with you, make them your best friend,

instead of thinking the same old recycled thoughts of worry about the future.

All the best

B

There is no simple answer to this, usually a parent can tell if there child is unwell, but given the current situation it is hard to tell why they are unwell. Personally I have older children but if I had the choice sadly I would advise a Covid-19 test would be the first option, just to be sure. I am not sure where you live but delta is so transmissible it is best to seek help from a qualified professional, just to put your mind at rest.

The best way I find to stay sane is to concentrate on what I can do not what I can't. Another thing that can be done is to realise all you have achieved in life and write it down so when you feel a a little sad or anxious read it, it will give you strength and resilience.

Sorry Sleepy 21 I think you got a reply that was not meant for you so in reference to your post, however in reply your post may well be that the practitioner does not want to expose you to infection so has decided on balance that it is better to use telehealth to help you.

Hi MagicDragon, sorry to hear that this is so hard and yes it is hard for everyone, but your problems are the ones that matter to you and your mental health. This is difficult so perhaps there is a way to help you can see your boy friend, can you set up a bubble with him? you mentioned you live alone so maybe he can set up a bubble with you. Another option is that you did not say how far from you he is so maybe if it is less than 10klm you could meet half way a ta park. A problem is only a question that an answer has not been found for. Also beyondblue is a good place to help you though this, thankyou for reaching out.

Fantastic and positive post Resilience21, we all need that kind of thought process, this is not a pleasant time it is just a time which will pass. It is a challenging time but a time that makes everyone stronger yes its hard but does not define us.

I'm sure plenty of us dream of going overseas but there are much more important things to consider right now.

I like this! Especially taking it one day at a time. It's less overwhelming that way.

I wonder how people are staying motivated? The hardest part is each day, getting the latest update and finding out that despite all the restrictions, nothing is improving, the numbers continue to rise and it's hard to feel like there's any end in sight. I know I should be grateful for my health but depression is flooring me. I see people out running and I'm truly inspired by their obvious mental strength.

Tbh it actually helps.

As far as an end in sight though yeah , that is a bit of a worry for sure . Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any silver bullet going on OS although l suppose vaxing has at least slowed it a bit , it;'s def a start.

l'm thinking someone in the world is gonna come up with a super jab though in the next 6mths , and that'll be the one that really stops this thing.

rx

Hi I have issues related to using telehealth

It's not just a preference, the triggers from seeing my face on screen has affected my health.

So was just venting and saying I dislike telehealth

I also hate my face on the screen. I leave video off or ask for a.phone call. I have to use the video for hand therapy as they need to see my hand but psych appointment they don't have to see my face even though they might prefer it. I can't talk freely with my face in front of me. I'm too focused on how bad i look.

I agree Sleepy and Elizabeth CP,

I don't like looking at my own face the whole time on a screen either... there are mirrors for that lol.

For all my endless Zoom meetings for work with bosses and colleagues, I PURPOSELY set up my laptop facing OUT to the bay and the glare darkens my face, I LOVE it lol!!
Everyone tries to PEER into the screen to see my reactions and they can only see a silhouette 😎😉.
I'll continue to do this.

For Clients I don't do this btw. They're awesome. I want them to see every bit of my face because I'm always cheering them on! They're ANGELS.

There are SOME choices I do still have and that's two of them :-)

A WARM BELATED Welcome Stui and Resilience21!
Hope you find the forums a wonderful place to express yourselves.

R21, I hope your thoughtful suggestions help people, but I won't call lock down anything other than what it is.
Lock down.
I'm far too pragmatic to sugar coat this whole situation.

If I try to call a friend, there are so many sirens and helicopters overhead we can't hear each other.
Seeing people being arrested EVERY time I go out in my car is extremely confronting to me and my children.
"Lock down" is a far more friendly term than what feels like an apocalypse here.

I'm also rather sensitive to the possibilities of having others think I'm invalidating them if they're struggling through this time. Or worse, minimising their experiences or being dismissive all together if I call it anything else rather than what it is.

Reminiscent of a woman who hadn't given birth telling me that Labour was "waves of 'sensations' coming and going" lol.... get outta tha house!
I hope she had as many labours as I did and changed her vernacular - fast!

So what I'm meaning is that we don't really know HOW people are coping, what each individual is going through in their specific situations.

But I'm so happy that these thoughts assist you.

Many Blessings and good luck with your book!!

Love EM

randomx said:

Think l better walk away from the daily update for awhile this stuffs getting into my head again.

l only want the numbers and l only want those bc l hope for some good news. And the update's on right when l come in from work for a coffee so l supposedly have a quick check and then switch it off , but of course l often end up watching it all in the end.l'll have to check out for a few days, maybe there'll be some good news then.

rx

Hey rx

I just saw your post on my way out of this thread...

Just wanted to let you know that YouTube has approx 2 - 3 minute clips of our Premier delivering the latest stuff.

So if you HAVE to have a fix of some information, you can make it "short" (never sweet lately anyway) and be done.

EMxxxx

Hiya em.

Haaaa, that would be chopped down that's for sure. This guy goes on an hour, l dunno how he repeats so many numbers and lines just over and over. l'll check it out.

Anyway , l've waited two wks with work and done other things instead so that l can hopefully actually get into the hardware's as per usual , and pick up my supplies, as per usual,,,,,,wronggggg. ! That ain't gonna happen any time soon.

l had to bite the bullet Thurs , ok l'll do this ridiculous bs this once and that's it damn it. l'd thought very carefully about the exact supplies l'd need to keep me working 3 more wks. l can't funtion like this l need to go and pick my stuff and prices out myself butttt, l did it. Went up to their sill table and ribben at the door , gave him my list with exact brands and sizes of everything and said fetch fido - no l didn't really say that bit . Be damned , 2 of them came back in about 15 , with all my stuff down to a T. They pass it all over this silly ribbon and table to you l mean what the - just move the damn table , no no can't do that.

Anyway got my supplies, gotta wonder though , is this really happening.

rx

PS

Just last wk l found a news on the radio at work , 11.30 am. That's great too , he skips through the numbers and whats going on in a minute or two and boom , your done. So if anyone else just wants to know just fast and light , check out some of the radio news too.

rx

Hey rx

I'm really hearing you.

I feel this lock down clamping down around us even more tightly now.
I can feel the pressure in my chest over the responsibilities I'm burdened with - yep burdened I used that word lol.

After this post I'll visit my garden for grounding and to BREATHE.

Last night youngest daughter's boss called and told her (info that's been confused on line so go figure - who KNOWS what's correct!) she's been in close contact with a "close contact" & needs to ditch work until she's tested etc.

So now my whole family need to quarantine, get tested, not attend work etc. My kids are all casual workers so no pay until .....

And the testing stations here are closed until tomorrow. Thanks guys!

go do this and go do that and travel with this document and that document and NO we can't because the systems are NOT set up to do so "in a timely manner". WE, as in my FAMILY, react instantly but the systems are not set up to COPE with what we are TOLD to do.

Who's fault is that?
Who can WE blame when we're pulled over and drilled, charged?
The Govt? lol right.

If I'm rostered ON for work tomorrow then I have to use more leave which is fast running out.
Yes I'm complaining.

Okay back to gratitude.
I'm GRATEFUL I have awesome health and so do all my kids living at home.
I'm grateful I saved money and can ride things out for a while.
I'm grateful I've had offers of help from a friend and some family. (Family surprised me lol).

Now to my garden... talk soon.

EMxxxx

Damn , whata bloody nightmare em.

Wish there was something l could say.

Permits to hey , what can ya say.

Actually l find out Thurs l'm suppose to have one here to now lf l need to go more than 5k l think it is. My brothers got one he works for himself to and got pulled up and checked twice last wk , are you kidding me. l'm up on the coast we've pretty well been doing what we want 18mths now there's no cases within 100s of k . Suddenly after all that time now l need permits ,wt, not playing l'm afraid.

l know it will be very different where you are and God almighty , l dunno.

rx

Well rx welcome to the beginnings of it - again.

I wish you all the best navigating through the mire like we do 24/7.

I worked so hard in my garden today, came up inside and I'm STILL furious!! lolol... I have to laugh at myself because I seldom EVER get this mad over anything!

I've been titled as having "the patience of Job" from the Bible, so many times, and well, it ran out!

Well from the hoards of ppl I know (and remember I'm not on any social media - I ACTUALLY KNOW these people - like know them lol) you are best to take SCREENSHOTS of the most recent updated rules and restrictions to SHOW police when they pull you over.

Because seriously, they haven't kept up!

My friends have been pulled over, told this and that then shown the police SCRIPTS from govt websites and lo and behold... were allowed to drive away with no charges.

I'm 100% Pro law enforcement but this is not law enforcement. It's nuts.

Either police are exhausted (as I'm sure they would be) or worse, power gone crazy.

And "security" (not) at shopping centres WOW. Most I've seen have been polite and courteous, just getting through their shifts and getting home.
THEN there's the ones who stand there shouting and arguing in front of little children who are crying.... yes I saw this with my own eyes VERY sadly. I was dismayed at the state of some people's attitudes.

Who are these people?

My community has been torn to shreds.

And then my heart and mind go to the most vulnerable people and I shudder to think how on earth they can get through this.

We'll have SO MUCH healing to do. We already had so much healing to do in so many sectors.

I'm not even saying the worst of what my friends and their colleagues have experienced.

I have to learn how to order food online now... throw it on the pile.
Then I worry about those without money to buy any food and my heart sinks all over again.
I can't even drive food to my Church Food Pantry. Not that people are allowed to drive there either.

What a mess.

EMxxxx

Im honestly glad this exists cause I'd be in such a worse place without having a place to share.

Im at the the point of having no hope left anymore. After spending 5 years at uni to come out and have every ripped out from under me and to not even get to experience a uni graduation ,I honestly dont know how to get past this. The longer it goes on and seeing the numbers increasing is more and more depressing cause its putting more nails in the coffin. Im getting tired of being tired of all this and the society that shows the rich getting richer the poorer getting poorer and everyone just trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. When is it going to be over and when will we be able to view each other as equal and not judge based on employment status or the life that person lives.

You guys that are ‘coping’ or going okay during this must be made of different stuff.
I just feel so hopeless tonight, I feel like my old life is gone and is never coming back.
There is no hope. There is nothing we can do to try to improve our situation. I don’t know what the point of getting up each day even is any more.

Hey Anne(withan-e),

Thanks for reaching out tonight,

We're sorry to hear how hopeless you feel. We acknowledge how limiting and powerless it can feel to be living in lockdown. If you feel up to it, we'd recommend reaching out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website is regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. You can also call our dedicated support line, staffed by mental health professionals, which is available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.
 

Anne.....I feel the same. lost all hope.