Is anyone else starting to go f**king insane?

fits

Anyone else looking forward to a less hectic Christmas?

Graces7

It will be the same as always here; peaceful, through choice.

gozunda

Graces7 wrote: »

lol.. knitting is better!

Can't knit either

Gruffalux

gozunda wrote: »

Can't knit either

Macramé!! Big knots! Faster!!

I found the recession period from about mid 2008 to maybe late 2013 far worse and more depressing than the pandemic. Things felt utterly hopeless then and that we had brought it on ourselves as a country. It seemed like everyone started to become genuinely depressed around that time.

Prime time and the Frontline etc. would talk about young people not being able to afford to attend college or get jobs anywhere and everyone's attitudes to each other hardened. Life went from a condition of getting by just fine, to abundance and even luxury for many, to a grinding anxiety-ridden depressing existence in comparison. That said, at least back then not everyone suffered financially and it was an option to leave the country, and we are only 7 months or so in, but I'll never forget how dark those times were.

And who knows where this pandemic will end. I would worry about the amount of resources the entire world is using up to tide us over this period - what happens if another more-deadly child-killing virus emerges in the near future for example and we have used up all our resources on this far less serious pandemic.

jimgoose

Some days are like a wet Tuesday in Buttevant with no money. Having said that, the whole lockdown scene is great for keeping on top of the laundry, developing cooking skills, catching up on odd-jobs around the place and embracing my inner anti-social bastard. It turns out I'm quite good at it.

Porklife

ChikiChiki wrote: »

Started a 1000 piece jigsaw and it's surprisingly addictive and rewarding.

This is something I would never have done previously. It passes the time quick enough.

A few years ago a friend of ours had his first child, he's Italian. My sister and I got a 1000 piece jigsaw of a cherub with doves and decided to build it, mount it and frame it as a gift for him. I thought that was such a beautiful idea.
In reality, we started the jigsaw with love in our hearts and hope in our minds....couple of hours later we're both like **** this ****! Why wont this stupid piece fit? Gimme that corner..its my corner! Ah screw this let's just buy him a pint:)

Lockdown is suiting me at the moment cos I don't feel much like interacting with people but I completely understand why some people are finding it difficult. I was out of work in March and found my drinking ramped up cos I'd no reason to get up in the morning and my hangovers made it all the more grim. This time around I'm not drinking and I'm working from home so money is not a huge stress for now. As Wibbs said, living in the city centre makes it feel way busier too and you almost forget there is a lockdown. There are people everywhere and cafes still bustling with take out etc.
That said, I really miss my family and wish I could visit them abroad. We'll all get through this though folks. One (looooonnngg) day at a time.

GDK_11

Kaliyah Mushy Dresser wrote: »

Hi all, personally we don't mind it really. Ok, you don't get to see family as much but working at home full time is brilliant, I see so much more of our toddler than I did for the first months of his life as I was away for days almost every week for work. My wife is still not back to work after maternity leave though which I know makes it easier as we don't have childcare problems. She has been looking to get back working now but the jobs market is a little slow even in her sector which overall isn't being hit hard by covid.


I can understand its a very different experience for those who live in house shares and other situations like that especially those who have lost jobs and so on. Unlike some of the posters who talked earlier in the thread we would not have been introverts and would have gone to restaurants and the pub weekly even after having our child but we appear to have adapted quickly.

Like you it is great to spend more time with the toddler but for me personally it is harder to get work done, we are lucky we have some help from family but kids of that age obviously require a lot of attention. I’m looking forward to getting back to some kind of normality, whatever that may be.

Wanderer78

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Or better still, start being more active, Its called anxiety, and it can cause serious problems for some

Nah, it’s fashionable attention seeking. The go-to excuse for everything.

fineso.mom

fits wrote: »

Anyone else looking forward to a less hectic Christmas?

Yes and no. Our Christmases have always been family oriented anyway so not particularly hectic, just extra visits, food and fun. Time to enjoy each others company and remember those not with us. We probably won't be able to do that this year so are contemplating building some sort of shelter outside and having a Christmas morning get together where we can be together but not too close and then go home.Luckily we all live veey close to each other and have lots of room outside. Two of my children live abroad and I haven't seen them since early January and they won't be able to take enough time off work to isolate on both ends so they won't be here. I'm trying not to think of how much I will miss them on the day.
I feel sorry for an aunt and uncle too, both in their 90s,both still driving. One lives 3 hours away, the other 4, and since I was a child they make the journey 'home' and visit each of their nephews and nieces and bring us 'something nice'. I'm over 50 now and still feel like a happy child when my aunt or uncle arrives in the yard, beeps the horn and gets out of the car carrying a brown paper bag with sweets, biscuits or cake. There won't be too many of those visits left (although we've been saying that since they hit 80 ðŸ˜), so it's sad knowing we won't have that visit this year. Though my aunt who is 92 is mad into zoom calls so she said will organise one to make up for not being able to visit.
On the other hand, I won't miss all the extra social events, work parties, friend's nights out. I don't go out an awful lot but at Christmas I often have to choose between events as there are so many. We might have a few zoom parties instead.

Gruffalux

jimgoose wrote: »

Some days are like a wet Tuesday in Buttevant with no money. Having said that, the whole lockdown scene is great for keeping on top of the laundry, developing cooking skills, catching up on odd-jobs around the place and embracing my inner anti-social bastard. It turns out I'm quite good at it.

I learned a new term yesterday - age related social selectivity. Apparently even apes do it, narrowing down the pool of close contacts as they grow older. It's a bit of a mouthful but sounds nicer than misanthrope.

jimgoose

Gruffalux wrote: »

I learned a new term yesterday - age related social selectivity. Apparently even apes do it, narrowing down the pool of close contacts as they grow older. It's a bit of a mouthful but sounds nicer than misanthrope.

It certainly is true that as I get older my tolerance of bullshit, stupidity and inane yapping is dropping like a stone.

cherryghost

Strumms wrote: »

Great post, routine has been key for me too....

I’m not THAT routined but generally...

8.45 - get up / shower / breakfast

9.30 - email / news / boards / watch some TV

11.00 - online exercise class

12.00 - shower / change

12.30 - make lunch / eat lunch / cleanup

14.00 - TV / boards / internet

15.00 - guitar ( trying to write a melody a day for 10 days no matter how crap )

16.00 - TV / boards / internet

17.00 - walk in nearby park

18.00 - make dinner / eat dinner / cleanup

19.30 - TV / Netflix / boards / Facebook

22.00 - guitar / ps4

0.00 - bed / iPad - boards / Facebook / tv

2.30 - sLeEp

Some days I’m out shopping but that’s the general gist.

Borgo

I don't find it too bad although im still working as normal through it. We all have our bad days. I try get a few walks in most days with the other half. Get into something, I like watching live sport at the min maybe have a beer or two if Im off work or on the late shift the the next day, I'm looking forward to the football later. I also never thought I would be a netflix person but I'm even getting into a few crime documentaries. Music can help change your mood, bit of cooking even, do something with the family. Switch off and try not to watch the News, Prime Time or The Tonight Show if the news gets you down, there's literally no need to watch that stuff every single day. Just keep the mind going, there is always something for you to do even when you don't think there is.

jill_valentine

It's a fairly surreal experience, because what's getting in on me is completely the opposite to everyone else, so it feels like I'm experiencing 2020 in a parallel dimension. I've never been busier or more socially overwhelmed and it's taking a huge toll on me that feels exacerbated a bit because none of my friends are in the same situation. So they're moaning about being at a loose end or not having spoken to anyone for a few hours, and even though I know rationally that must be hard, all I can think is how much I'd kill for that rn. It's making me a bit bitter and resentful about it, and I know that's not fair.

Halenvaneddie

It’s a bit like ww1 at this stage. At the beginning we embraced lockdown,ah sure it will all be over by Christmas

is_that_so

gozunda wrote: »

Can't knit either

Easy enough although I always found getting the tension right was quite a challenge.


There's that Norwegian slow TV!
https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/knitting-real-time/

topper75

Halenvaneddie wrote: »

It’s a bit like ww1 at this stage. At the beginning we embraced lockdown,ah sure it will all be over by Christmas

OK, well, if so let's harness our previous learnings.

So we just need to get the virus into a railway carriage to get it to sign a contract to pay us billions in damages?

radiata

Strumms wrote: »

Great post, routine has been key for me too....

I’m not THAT routined but generally...

8.45 - get up / shower / breakfast

9.30 - email / news / boards / watch some TV

11.00 - online exercise class

12.00 - shower / change

12.30 - make lunch / eat lunch / cleanup

14.00 - TV / boards / internet

15.00 - guitar ( trying to write a melody a day for 10 days no matter how crap )

16.00 - TV / boards / internet

17.00 - walk in nearby park

18.00 - make dinner / eat dinner / cleanup

19.30 - TV / Netflix / boards / Facebook

22.00 - guitar / ps4

0.00 - bed / iPad - boards / Facebook / tv

2.30 - sLeEp

Some days I’m out shopping but that’s the general gist.

I'd go insane with a day like that! Couldn't look at a screen for that long

victor8600

Deleted User wrote: »

.....- what happens if another more-deadly child-killing virus emerges in the near future for example and we have used up all our resources on this far less serious pandemic.

I would be more optimistic. We have tried out some techniques and procedures for dealing with a future pandemic, so we can fight it better.

To the topic: Personally, I got very jittery and anxious during February/March, I suppose the general stress combined with the gloomy news pushed me over the edge into panic attacks. I had to take a week off work and had some psychological counselling. Tried drugs (SSRI) as well, but that was not for me. This time around, I am just annoyed by the lockdown, but it does not make me crazy anymore.

RebelButtMunch

When I'm working from home, I try to get out for 11am/3pm walks. I take my lunch away from the computer. I login at 9 and logoff at 5:30

I try not to check emails in the evening, mostly unsuccessfully.

When I'm on a day off or during the weekend, I try to spend long times outside the house. Taking my time, sitting down on a bench. Bring a book, a flask of tea etc. No rush to get back home.

Halenvaneddie

topper75 wrote: »

OK, well, if so let's harness our previous learnings.

So we just need to get the virus into a railway carriage to get it to sign a contract to pay us billions in damages?

I think that will be China’s baby

I'm not one for routine or rigidity at all. The days I'm not working are a blank canvas. In the past I would have had plans to go such a place or meet someone but that would be the extent.
I get up and go to bed when I choose, if I feel like a walk I'll take it, if I want to watch films all day I will. There is no "I really should" in my life.

Maybe more of a routine would be helpful for me now though. I know its hugely beneficial to others. It gives a sense of certainty and there is such comfort in that.

Odyssey 2005

[Deleted User] wrote: »

And who knows where this pandemic will end. I would worry about the amount of resources the entire world is using up to tide us over this period - what happens if another more-deadly child-killing virus emerges in the near future for example and we have used up all our resources on this far less serious pandemic.

That didn't take long.... unfortunately

Graces7

barney shamrock wrote: »

I'm sort of lucky I suppose as I don't go to pubs or clubs so not really missing out on anything there.

I do most of my shopping online (books, vinyl, ebay etc) so that also hasn't really been affected.
I've been able to carry on working, so my daily routine is much the same apart from wearing a mask etc.

No staff Christmas party to "look forward" to this year as well, which is a bonus in my book!

I actually consider myself to be fairly unattractive (my wife disagrees!) so I'm happy enough wearing a mask as a lot of people seem to have lovely eyes when that's all you can see!

Apart from my immediate family, I don't like greeting/kissing/hugging etc so I'm not feeling any great physical contact loss there, as some people are.

I do miss going to restaurants, gigs and cinema though and not being able to go abroad on a nice Italian city break is disappointing.

I suppose you could say this virus has been easier to deal with for those of an introverted nature?

And the more adaptable maybe?

Graces7

gozunda wrote: »

Can't knit either

Oh you poor thing! lol... I cannot imagine a life without knitting!

biko

The last lockdown put in place processes how my circle of friends and family socialise.
So once this one came into effect we were all ready and could just revert to the Zooms, phone calls, meeting outside in car parks etc.

It's works pretty well, for us. It's not the same but it's not forever.

Graces7

Gruffalux wrote: »

I learned a new term yesterday - age related social selectivity. Apparently even apes do it, narrowing down the pool of close contacts as they grow older. It's a bit of a mouthful but sounds nicer than misanthrope.

We old wans get tired more easily is all that is; mot misanthropic at all..;)

Graces7

is_that_so wrote: »

Easy enough although I always found getting the tension right was quite a challenge.


There's that Norwegian slow TV!
https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/knitting-real-time/

They do that in Shetland; it is called " back to back"

Knitting for me is as natural as breathing and I am lost without it..

Foweva Awone

I've struggled with mental illness all my life, particularly since becoming a mother six years ago. But my mental health has been more stable these past few months than ever before!

I think what's stood to me is that I spent soooo much time in hospitals and treatment centres in recent years. I'm well used to sitting with myself without distractions. This lockdown, I still have so much more freedom than I ever did when I was stuck in those places.

I thought working from home would be horribly isolating, but in fact it suits me down to the ground. It probably helps that I only work half days, I have the rest of the day to do what I want.

I've taken up jogging three days a week, something I didn't have the time or the energy to do before. I'm reading a lot more than I used to too. I've made a huge effort with self-care this year, massages and pedicures and what have ya... Obviously all on hold for the moment, but something to look forward to again when everything reopens.

I'm an introvert, but I'm in regular contact with several friends and family members. Even though I obviously amn't seeing much of anyone, I don't feel isolated or disconnected. If anything, I think most people are making a bigger effort to stay in touch with loved ones at the moment.

Honestly I think it would be lovely to have a six-week national lock-down this time every year, give us all some peace and quiet before the madness of Christmas. I'm very well aware I'd be in a very small minority there though!!

To those struggling, your feelings are totally normal and valid. Be kind to yourself, and don't judge yourself by what others or doing (or, more accurately, by the facade that others present on social media.) Try to take small steps to feel better about yourself, whether it's getting out of bed or making yourself a nutritious meal or phoning a friend or whatever - give yourself credit for what you achieve each day, no matter how big or small your achievements are. Take things a day at a time, an hour or a minute at a time if needs be. This isn't forever.