Hi

I like to bake and cook too. I use oat flour in some things. If you have a blender you can make your own oat flour. Also you can bake with almond flour too.

Have you considered using those, it is fun to experiment with them. There is tons of recipes online that use these flours for baking

Hi Everyone,

Quirky i really liked your response here and i agree with what you have written.

Moon, i understand about your worries for mental health, and i think most people are very concerned about this, but when you say that the social restrictions are an overreaction - how does anyone know that they are an overreaction? If we look at what has occurred outside Australia i think it shows these restrictions are not an overreaction.

In Italy, they didn't react quickly with restrictions and the public didn't take the restrictions seriously when they eventually were brought in, and now things are really grim there - we are 4 weeks behind them i think, in terms of when the virus hit.

When people say they want our leaders to tell us we're going to be ok, and to give us positive news - would that not be dangerous to paint a rosy picture when things are not rosy? Donald Trump did that, he said "everything was under control", "all good", "we've contained this" in his address to his nation, and then his administration had to correct everything he'd said afterward because it was not contained and everything was not ok.

I get that our mental health is not being looked after so well right now, and definitely all the job losses are extremely concerning and probably a recession will eventuate, and there's room for improvement in this regard, but i don't see how it would be helpful for our leaders to tell us things are ok, when they're not?

When the recent fires were raging, and we were constantly being told today, tomorrow, the next day was going to be catastrophic, it was deeply disturbing and scary and anxiety was sky high (and many will be traumatised for a long time) but at least the majority of us were prepared enough to at least flee and save our lives - if they told us it was going to be ok I'm sure many more people would have perished.

We're all in this deeply uncomfortable and strange scenario but isn't it better that we follow the rules/advice/restrictions to reduce the number of lives that will be lost rather than saying and pretending that everything will be fine?

We're all in this together ❤

Take good care of yourselves everyone.

Hi Centaured,

We acknowledge your fears about going for a medical test at this time. A lot is happening around us and there is a great deal of uncertainty about what the next day or even week may look like for us. What we do know it that there are some things within our control that can assist us in staying well. Like writing on the forums when unhelpful thoughts or emotions start to feel overwhelming. We’re here to be a space for anyone needing to let go of any unhelpful feelings and share what has been supportive for people during this time.

 It may also be helpful to have a chat with one of our counsellors at our Support Service to talk things through – 1300 22 4636 or www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

Keep connected and check-in whenever you feel comfortable.
 

I would like to see the prime minister and premiers or on the same page.

My mental health has plummeted in the last week. I’m halfway through my 14 day isolation after enjoying a short holiday in NZ. Stress from the isolation has caused my back problem to resurface. I am struggling to walk and in constant pain. I can’t access treatment as my practitioner is unable to see me until quarantine ends. The pain has left me sleep deprived, I am unable to exercise and am teary all day. My mood thrives on social interaction but at the moment I can’t handle it as I am so negative. Hopefully I will get back to work soon but for now

SoozVictoria,

Welcome to the forum and thank you for making your furst post.

can see how hard it is being isolated when your are in so much pain.

Is it possible to have a telehealth call with your doctor, Can you keep in touch with people online and by phone?

It is hard when you are in pain.

is there some light exercise you can do? Can you try mediation or listening to calm music.

Quirky

Hi everyone,

I realise this is a stressful & confusing time for so many. So much uncertainty & the thing is, I think most of us humans like certainty....

I really liked what Hanna said:

This is the social contract - that we sometimes have to do things to help other people among us. I know it's scary and uncomfortable and tough, but we are asked to do this to help people like my neighbour who is far from young but still prepared to leave her ill husband and go down and work a shift at the local ED to help people who are sick.

We are asked to make some sacrifices for people in our community who are vulnerable. Eventually this virus will pass, but it will take some time. In the meantime, do please try to help the people at the frontline like my neighbour, and help to stop this virus infecting so many people that they are overloaded. Thanks everyone.

Beautifully expressed in my opinion :)

In my own case, I don’t like social distancing more than anyone else. But I accept the fact that we need to practice social distancing & limit going out as much as we can to slow the spread.

I understand that I will not be seeing my friends or family for at least 6 months (possibly longer). I know that I need to do this, even though it’s not pleasant, to help flatten the curve...in the same way that others I know are doing the same.

As Hanna correctly said, hospital’s personnel & resources are not unlimited. Thus, we need to slow the spread to such a point that it does not exceed our hospitals’ capacity to cope. I personally know a few doctors who share the same sentiment...

So as difficult as it is, I agree with birdy & Hanna that we need to give up some things in the here and now for a brighter collective future where there are fewer new cases.

Personally, I try to think of social distancing, etc, as an act of love & protection for our physically vulnerable/high risk individuals :)

All this is not easy though. I do understand that, but I also believe we can do it.

We really are all in this together.

Kindness and care,

Pepper

I am feeling physically sick with anxiety. At the moment I still have a job but I’m not sure for how long. How do I pay bills, rent, repay loans ect and provide for myself my family and my animals. I have always worked hard, and made enough money to survive and make ends meet. This isn’t going to last a few days or a few weeks this is going to last for many, many months. It’s ok for the wealthy and for people who have money and family to fall back on, governments will go broke, many elderly will die. I’m sorry I’m not trying to scare people I just think that there must be a better way to deal with this. I am not coping. I’m sick of the silly jokes and memes online, this is not a joke anymore. News out of Europe is so depressing. How do we go on?

Jacey,

Welcome to the forum and well done for writing your first thread. Yjos forum is full of supportive anf friendly people.Yout worries are very real but thinking the worst does not help. Sure be real and things will change.

I have had to learnt to live without my home and an income since the fires. It is not easy.

know some people do not like the jokes but I find the videos of songs and people singing and exercising in part buildings show the human spirit.

Our ancestors got through the wars, and we will find a way.

Do you have people you cant talk to and you can help each other.

If you want to read some of the threads here with ideas of how to cope. pper has written a helpful post.

Post here as much as you can.Quirky

Hi Jacey

I know you are scared. I am too.

What I keep reminding myself to do in these uncertain times, is to focus on the facts and what we have. And Australia has:

• One of the best health care systems in the world and additional equipment and medicine is on the way.

• Committed doctors, nurses and paramedics who are working hard--and will be working even harder--to care for us.
• Brilliant scientists trialling new treatments and working to develop a vaccine.

• State and Federal leaders who are trying their very best to find solutions to challenging health and economic issues.
• A public service that is working very hard to provide essential services.

• An established social safety net system. The new stimulus/survival packages are significant and financial help is on the way. There will be more help to come.
• A largely kind and caring collection of communities across the nation. I have faith in Australians to do the right thing.

We are in a much better situation that many countries around the world. But we must acknowledge that governments and the medical community cannot do this alone.

We must hold the line and do what is being asked of us. We must have faith.

Hang in there, my friend

ps , very true rose with all those things , huge in these times .

are people still heading out at all? Going to buy groceries at all? Every day it is changing. Today I walkd by multiple hair dressers with people sitting in them getting their hair styled... tomorrow this will be a thing of the past?

I feel guilty every time I even go for a walk, like I should be at home only all the time. I'm confused by the media

Just letting people know I got some flour at the local deli, it was like the 2nd last 1 😂. I’m officially happy now n can make a pizza base :)🙂

Then a sticky date pudding for dessert ;). It was like winning the lottery 😂

Got some apples n butter so could make a flaky pastry apple pie too 😁😁

Hello to Everyone, with this coronavirus, it's the uncertainty that
concerns all of us, we've been told to isolate ourselves, keep our
distance from each other and make sure we adhere to hygiene, but we have
scientists working 24/7 who will eventually find a vaccine, that's their goals to find a solution, to be the one to find a cure.

RX, it's a good time to do the work at home, if you have the materials and most importantly the inclination.

It's not advisable to sit at home and worry, 'if', take it day by day as we often suggest in coping with depression of any type, we can't predict 'what if' and to 'assume' (a word I don't like using) is only making your anxiety go through the roof.

You will not be able to make yourself unhappy by worrying about something you don't know, OK, we all have a precaution in life and that's to stay safe at home and for those who are needed to work, I want to raise my arm to salute you all and support you in any way possible.

Is it possible to hear from anyone who has this commitment?

Take care.

Geoff.

What everyone has going through at the moment has taught me who my real friends are and I’m so grateful they even though I’ve never met anyone on here I still know people will be there for each other on here too!

sleepy depends on your situation if your in the city l wouldn't be walking about too much or touching anything like rails or door handles. we're in a country town and most people are still out walking dogs or just themselves which l think is a really good thing there's plenty of space and not too many people so you don't even have to be near anyone. my place has a back track cross the road which runs through the back of town and farmland so we walk down there and up around through all the back roads to the town but here plenty are still out walking about through town streets. l think it's a good thing myself but it's also saf so here it doesn't really do any harm.

Hey geoff , nice to see you about was wondering how you were doing and thanks for that mate. Yep l'll be finishing work next week here and if my last pay comes through ok l'll be able to afford some reno materials so l was thinking of killing lots of time with some of that and hopefully some distraction. dunno if l'll feel like it but , we see.Pretty good chance gf won't be able to gt back pretty sure the last flight will cancel sooo, could be riding this out solo , might help doing a few renos.

Great you got your flour andre , l feel a little guilty where we are the supes are jamb packed with everything , cept toilet roll .

My housemate believes that this is all just a conspiracy theory. I was washing the dishes and he was talking to me about how it’s not that bad and it’s all the government etc etc ... I didn’t say a word but in my head suddenly I was having these flashes, like visions, of children with asthma, allergies and anaphylaxis dying because of no ventilators, people with heart attacks not having surgeries, car accidents not being tended to, all in quick succession. It felt extremely real. I had to excuse myself from my housemate and ran to the bathroom and vomited and I went into convulsions just couldn’t stop shaking like a leaf. I know it was a kind of panic attack. I was on the bathroom floor rocking for a long time. I’ve been saying for a while that I’m not ok. I feel absolutely floored by anxiety and also my previous PTSD. It is so much harder and I feel like my number 1 biggest trigger is people in denial or saying it’s not that bad.
All I can say is I pray that they are right.

I guess all that stuff is just very invalidating for those of us who are struggling with this very severely.

I just hope and pray that people will think more about their words. Saying “It’s not that bad” to a healthcare worker or anybody else who is concerned about this virus is so damaging.

Hello everyone,

Geoff I have mentioned before about the uncertainty and how we have to learn to cope with uncertainty which is very hard.

Sleepy I need a walk every day for my mental health and I just walk around the block. If you can find somewhere that there are not a lot of people.

Lauren, that is a dilemma that many will face. Can your parents help you without you moving back in with them.

Billie, I am sorry you were triggered. there is always a conspiracy theory around for every topic.

If you listen to some news source you trust and don't listen to everyone else, would that help. I am so sorry your house mate upset you.

I am glad people can be honest here and we are all supporting each other.

Hi Sleepy21

In answer to your question, are people still heading out at all?

Unless the outing is essential I am not going out. This means:

• Yes to one weekly trip to a grocery store.

• Yes to two daily walks (keeping 1.5 metres distance from others).

• No to everthing else. Medical and psychologic appointments (for my daughter) moved to online. Dentist, unless an emergency, has to wait.

I want to be able to look back on this period of time in history and know I did everything I could to help flatten the curve and save lives.

Kind thoughts to you

same here quirk .

l find waking up the worst, so far every morning a few minutes after l wake up it all comes back and suddenly l'm feeling sick to the stomach .

Haven't watched news two days now , l dunno if that's a smart thing or maybe silly not too , but l can't At work the radio pops out a few updates though which l often don't hear because of noise working so l get a bit of a filter and just a few dribs and drabs through, that's enough for me .

Not sure how l should be with my daughter , l don't wanna make out like this is nothing but l don't want her worrying too much either . or if she's not taking it too serious to just leave that or remind her to take it serious so that she takes more care, maybe it's a blessing she's not taking it too serious yet.

Hi Sleepy,

To answer your question as well, no i am not going out.

My partner works for an essential service, so she has to go out for that, and brings groceries home for us.

I have not left home for more than a week.

Like Summer Rose, i want to be able to know that i did everything i could possibly do during this time.

Billie, i am so sorry about what happened yesterday. We are here with you and for you.

Hi All,

never posted here before but have battled with major anxiety most of my Adult life.

i know with the current global situation we are all feeling uneasy and uncertain, I just hope humanity can remember to care for one another instead of turning on each other.

My situation and biggest cause of anxiety is that do still have a job and my job will not shut down even when the state goes into lockdown. I work for NSW health, Medical records office in a prison.

im also a carer for my elderly mother in her mid 70's and I need to use public transport to get to and from work. I am filled with absolute dread and fear than I'm going to be a huge risk. My anxiety has never ever been at this level my whole life and I'm really struggling to see how I'm going to get through this and keep going on.

Thanks for listening and please stay safe and stay home if you can

Anthony

Hi everyone,

Never posted here before but I just don't know what to do.

I've lost everything in this pandemic. Both of my jobs have reduced hours to less than 8 per week. One of those jobs was my placement for my studies, and without the hours I can't complete them. So that's been cancelled on me until next year. I've lost two massive traineeship opportunities in my dream career because of this. My grandparents are very old and immunocompromised, and I can't visit them just in case. I don't want to lose them, and I feel that I might without getting the chance to say goodbye.

I've now lost my house due to unable to pay rent and have to move back in with parents for the first time in 8 years. I'll lose my car soon as I can't afford it. I'm trying to apply for unemployment but our govt is making it painful and I can barely access the site. I need to call to confirm something but I can't get through, so no support there. I was so close to having my future sorted, and it has all come crashing down. I've lost everything, including my sense of identity.

I don't know what to do. Everyone says when this is over it'll go back to normal but will it? Can it? I put off following my passions for years because of issues and now when I'm finally almost there it's gone. I know this sounds selfish, but I just don't know what to do anymore. I'm completely lost. I've got no will to carry on anymore. If anyone has any advice I would love it

I am convinced this is the end times.
Nothing is going to go back to normal again, this is how society will stay until the virus wipes the Earth clean.

Despite my best efforts I can't look away from the media and the constant reminder that people die every day.
When am *I* going to be turned into a faceless statistic reported on by the media 3 to 4 times per day?

If the virus doesn't get me then my OCD absolutely will.
I cannot stand it I feel so sad.

Hello Greenboy, Revann and Anthb79, as well as others on this thread

I just wanted to jump in to try to address some of the fear and anxiety that you are expressing here. It is a time for the unknown, it is a time like we have not seen before, there are people dying, HOWEVER...we must try to remain calm, we must do as we are asked and take the messages to practice social distancing and to stay home when possible, we must also give ourselves a break from the media too, from the hype and take the facts aside from the emotion when we can.

It is true people are losing their jobs, for now, it is true people are not able to pay rent and continue living as they are, for now. I know this is not much help when these things are so very important however, when this virus is under control, and it will be, we will be stronger, there will be so many jobs created as we do resume life. Sure, it may look different that we knew before, it may not but this we don't know.

We have to focus on what we do know, that if we stay home, we practice good health and hygiene and try as best as possible to keep our bodies and brains active we will get through this time...we are all in this together.

I am so very sorry that you are in a position to have lost employment, this is heartbreaking, I do believe though when we get through this phase and out the other side, there will be many many opportunities again.

Turn to loved one for comfort and support, come here and chat, do what you need to to remain calm and find peace.

Huge hugs to you all.

Sarah xx

I walked my dog on the oval this morning. The sun was shining and it was glorious. My dog is a staffy, so she has a very big smile. I took a photo of her smiling, on the grass, with the beautiful blue sky, and posted it to facebook. I wanted to break up the doom, gloom and worry, with a moment's reprieve. Yes, things are bad, but there's still good.

Take care everyone x

Hi Revann

Your anxiety is palpable and I understand your fear and disappointment. I really do.

It's not fair and you don't deserve this to be happening to you, yet here we are. You are not alone. We are in this together.

I'd like to encourage you to focus on what you have. Parents who love you and a home to go to. Your parents may be anxious given their age and this gives you an opportunity to provide comfort and support to them.

Perhaps it would help you to look at this situation as a pause on your career goals. All that you have achieved is still there. All that you are going to achieve is still yet to come.

Breath. Have faith.

Kind thoughts to you

Hi Greenboy

My daughter has OCD, so I think I may have an insight into how badly you are feeling at present. I'm so sorry for your struggles.

I'd like to encourage you to look at the evidence coming out of the originally worst affected areas of China. There is improvement. Restrictions are being lifted. No new cases. Life always finds a way.

Hang in there

Hello Greenboy, it must have been an enormous effort to post your comment, as you have OCD and can be a frightening experience to know what to do, when to do it, and how to actually respond to a fear that has all of us worried.

Try and establish whether washing your hands is because of your OCD or is it because of this new virus that's hit all of us, there may seem to be no different to someone who isn't suffering from OCD, but to someone with it, there is a difference.

There is certainly a need that we always want to listen to the latest news bulletin, hoping a cure has been found, may be there has but being kept quiet until trials have been carried out.

I realise and do appreciate that this coronavirus may be a personal nightmare for those suffering from OCD, and please those who are involved it would be good to hear the pain you are also going through.

Take care.

Geoff.

thanks randomx from your reply, helps a lot. just to know how others are handling it. those walks sound peaceful and with so much distance between people, it makes sense.