Mental health and CoVid-19

acequion · 24-01-2021 9:07pm

thebaz wrote: »

agree about the negativity in the media , what if we had no vaccine as looked the case last October !
Yet every day a new fear inducing twist - people struggling mentally don't seam to count - What about some positivity about the figures dropping the past week - The media should tell the truth , but not over terrify an already over -anxious depressed poplulation of things that MIGHT happen , but probably wont.

Agree completely with the emboldened. I really struggled over the weekend and I'd put it all down to the media and throw in a dollop of social media with it.

But media this weekend was full of sensational doom laden click bait everywhere. Very hard to ignore and it takes a lot of willpower to resist being affected by it. In normal times if you're going through a bad patch you can plan an activity, shopping, coffee with a friend, a pint, a meal, book your next trip away. But now there is almost nothing to distract us from it. Ok a walk, but if you're like me you'll be thoroughly sick of the walks within your 5km. And I say that as someone who loves to hike and walk.

Challenging times folks, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and all that.

bunnyboxer · 24-01-2021 9:09pm

Deactivated my Facebook for that exact reason.

Doubt I'll even bother reactivate it. You can still use messenger.

fin12 · 24-01-2021 9:39pm

bunnyboxer wrote: »

Deactivated my Facebook for that exact reason.

Doubt I'll even bother reactivate it. You can still use messenger.

Oh never knew that, I always wanted to deactivate facebook but didn’t cause of messenger.

freshpopcorn · 24-01-2021 10:21pm

I'd say avoid RTE News, Prime Time, Tubridy, etc as much as possible.
The Late Late is one of the biggest misery fests out there and he sort of makes people feel guilty for doing something small or enjoying themselves.(Within regulations) and even before Covid.
Now it's useful to know the rough numbers and if there's changes to the regulations but just read it or ask somebody to tell you. There's no need to listen to Tony, Micháel say something which is drawn out and then RTE repeating it over and over again.
With Social Media of course you can delete it. I just follow Christmas, Soaps, Cars, Shops and the odd other thing.

acequion · 24-01-2021 10:30pm

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

I don’t often do reviews but I’d just like to say I’m using headspace. And when covid was getting all too much I dedicated myself to using it every night at the first hint of issues with sleep. And I’ve used it for the odd moment when overwhelmed.

I’ve done over 200 sessions now and it has been worth every penny. I’m sleeping better. And just the act of turning it on now has me int the habit of calming down, relaxing and preparing for sleep. There was only two nights in the last year where it failed to get me to sleep. And to be fair one of those I was on high dose steroids!

I was never one for meditation, always felt silly. I can’t do the timed breathing ones (asthma hates them) but I’m happy to adjust. I would recommend persevering to find something that works for you.

Switching it on now for the night and I won’t wake until morning.

I've started using Daily Calm and it's quite good as well. Now I'm not that into all this breathing stuff as I'm just too fidgety but the daily 10 minute meditations, if you ignore the breathing bits, aren't bad. I guess every little helps.

LilacNails · 24-01-2021 10:40pm

Is there many people here not working? The shame I have for not working for a total of 8 months. I feel so useless. Like most I'm finding this lockdown the hardest.

acequion · 24-01-2021 11:19pm

LilacNails wrote: »

Is there many people here not working? The shame I have for not working for a total of 8 months. I feel so useless. Like most I'm finding this lockdown the hardest.

You have absolutely no reason to feel shame or to feel useless because this is not your fault.

thebaz · 25-01-2021 12:03am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

I'd say avoid RTE News, Prime Time, Tubridy, etc as much as possible.
The Late Late is one of the biggest misery fests out there and he sort of makes people feel guilty for doing something small or enjoying themselves.(Within regulations) and even before Covid.

I don't watch RTE, stiil have to pay a license fee to be lectured by celebs on secure 6 figure salaries, some who didnt even obey the rules themselves - I work in the Arts , its been absolutly devastated - Really struggling to pay rent - as I said I dont mind been told facts , we need to know , but the negative spin on the variants really is too much , when no one knows for sure , Boris Johnson leading the way - eneogh said , people need a little bit of good news , and ther is good news , like the vaccine we got in record time, and if you dig deep you will realise in time it will protect against most of the mutations today, but they dont tell you that in the fear mongering headlines.

Hector Savage · 25-01-2021 9:48am

Tennis has saved me lately.
I joined a local club and play 2/3 times a week, lovely location, fresh air with a sea view, no need for masks on the court of course - singles only but no problem.

CalamariFritti · 25-01-2021 1:20pm

I feel its time to post here. Just gonna blurb it all out in no particular order. Maybe just typing it out somewhere helps. If nothing else someone else may think at least they;'re not the only one.

I'm working from home since March. Haven't seen anyone from work in person since, havent been in the office once. Just sitting in my home office. Didn't go on holidays. Didnt do anything. One meal we went to in a restaurant, that was in August.

Didnt find it too bad in lockdown 1. Well of course it was ****ty but it was also new and while everything seemed a bit over the top it was also a bit scary and I needed to do my thing like everyone else. Worked quite hard for most of 2020. Made the best of it you could say. Delivered one fair sized project myself and participated in another one where I learned a lot. Put quite a few extra hours into 2020. And my work was good quality and I had motivation despite everything.

But this time its different. Basically in lockdown since October. Was obvious what was going to happen after Christmas so we decided to do nothing at all during the short reprieve. So lockdown since October. No meals, no meets, no nights out, no five-a-sides and now no golf either. All my outlets are gone. Work life balance is gone because there is no life part anymore. Its just work and couch. The highlight of every other day is the walk to Lidl.
And I feel everything is 'dropping' around me. Work performance has taken a massive nose dive. I can't motivate myself for anything anymore. Its like getting up sitting down in front of the computer, replying to a few emails and then I'm ready to go back to bed again. Just to make the time pass. I expect to get a talking to in work at some point soon.

I'm reading quite a lot and that helped but even that is no longer interesting. Same for television or anything. Its definitely the worst slump I've ever been in and right now I'm not sure what's gong to pull me out of it if the situation doesnt change very soon.

I try not to let it show too much cos I dont want to drag my partner down. Of course we talk about it but during the day I'm putting on a bit of a show of normality to not compound the problem. I'm not suicidal or anything but I'm definitely feeling depressed. I've had seriously enough of this.

What doesnt help either is that I'm an analytical thinker. It comes with my profession. My talent if there is one is that I understand complex situations and problems rather quickly and I can quickly separate the chaff from the substance even under pressure. I'm a logical and rational and calm person. And when I follow the news its the total opposite. Rightly or wrongly I feel its total amateur hour out there with regards to our corona response. Going up the wall with some of the sh1te politicians and media come out with. Sometimes it feels like I'm trapped in some sort of madhouse and everyone is determined to make the madhouse never go away again.

In other words it's just really really crap.

Not looking for pity or sympathy. It the same for most of us. Probably a lot worse for most than me. I have a lovely partner and a good job and a decent house and I dont have to worry about any of these things for now. But its still crap.

CalamariFritti · 25-01-2021 1:27pm

Hector Savage wrote: »

Tennis has saved me lately.
I joined a local club and play 2/3 times a week, lovely location, fresh air with a sea view, no need for masks on the court of course - singles only but no problem.

I'm so jealous. I was hoping golf would be my reprieve but thats apparently too dangerous (sarcasm). Tbh the golfing bodies have really failed us in this. Tennis ireland didnt take all that sh1t from Sporting Ireland and the minister. I think she has a chip on her shoulder about golf.

leahyl · 25-01-2021 2:12pm

Found it tough this morning when I woke up to another week of groundhog day after groundhog day

- you don't realise how much it's affecting you sometimes. I try not to dwell on the news too much (or at least the negative news) which has helped a little. I'm trying to go easy on myself and I think everyone needs to do the same. This is not at all an easy way to live. I'm fully aware that others have it way worse than me which makes it even harder and more guilt-inducing beacuse you feel like you shouldn't be complaining.

Some evenings, I start thinking to myself (very dangerous!) that I'll never move out of home, never meet somebody to spend my life with (a distinct possibility at this stage) and will just be stuck in a rut for years more......this is all because of Covid but also I feel guilty that I didn't do all these things before a global pandemic hit :pac: It's just unbelievable to me that we are a month away from the 1 year anniversary of the first case in Ireland. Thinking about what the future holds is not the way to go, trust me!

hellyeah · 25-01-2021 3:01pm

LilacNails wrote: »

Is there many people here not working? The shame I have for not working for a total of 8 months. I feel so useless. Like most I'm finding this lockdown the hardest.

Hi. Was made redundant at xmas after 13 years service, so can empathize with you.
First time in my life without work, finding it tough also. Don't feel ashamed for not working as its completely not your fault. Many are in same position.
I thought my job was for life , but pandemic took care of that. Feels like the pause button has been pressed on life.☹

DessieJames · 25-01-2021 3:12pm

CalamariFritti wrote: »

I feel its time to post here. Just gonna blurb it all out in no particular order. Maybe just typing it out somewhere helps. If nothing else someone else may think at least they;'re not the only one.

I'm working from home since March. Haven't seen anyone from work in person since, havent been in the office once. Just sitting in my home office. Didn't go on holidays. Didnt do anything. One meal we went to in a restaurant, that was in August.

Didnt find it too bad in lockdown 1. Well of course it was ****ty but it was also new and while everything seemed a bit over the top it was also a bit scary and I needed to do my thing like everyone else. Worked quite hard for most of 2020. Made the best of it you could say. Delivered one fair sized project myself and participated in another one where I learned a lot. Put quite a few extra hours into 2020. And my work was good quality and I had motivation despite everything.

But this time its different. Basically in lockdown since October. Was obvious what was going to happen after Christmas so we decided to do nothing at all during the short reprieve. So lockdown since October. No meals, no meets, no nights out, no five-a-sides and now no golf either. All my outlets are gone. Work life balance is gone because there is no life part anymore. Its just work and couch. The highlight of every other day is the walk to Lidl.
And I feel everything is 'dropping' around me. Work performance has taken a massive nose dive. I can't motivate myself for anything anymore. Its like getting up sitting down in front of the computer, replying to a few emails and then I'm ready to go back to bed again. Just to make the time pass. I expect to get a talking to in work at some point soon.

I'm reading quite a lot and that helped but even that is no longer interesting. Same for television or anything. Its definitely the worst slump I've ever been in and right now I'm not sure what's gong to pull me out of it if the situation doesnt change very soon.

I try not to let it show too much cos I dont want to drag my partner down. Of course we talk about it but during the day I'm putting on a bit of a show of normality to not compound the problem. I'm not suicidal or anything but I'm definitely feeling depressed. I've had seriously enough of this.

What doesnt help either is that I'm an analytical thinker. It comes with my profession. My talent if there is one is that I understand complex situations and problems rather quickly and I can quickly separate the chaff from the substance even under pressure. I'm a logical and rational and calm person. And when I follow the news its the total opposite. Rightly or wrongly I feel its total amateur hour out there with regards to our corona response. Going up the wall with some of the sh1te politicians and media come out with. Sometimes it feels like I'm trapped in some sort of madhouse and everyone is determined to make the madhouse never go away again.

In other words it's just really really crap.

Not looking for pity or sympathy. It the same for most of us. Probably a lot worse for most than me. I have a lovely partner and a good job and a decent house and I dont have to worry about any of these things for now. But its still crap.

sorry to hear that mate , i find that not watching the news, going for long walks and jogging helps,this government and NPHET are utterly dreadful and contstanly blaming the public, but the dire consequences from these lock downs will have a far far worse effect that coronavirus will ever have and will be felt for years to come, but these absolute bast*rds couldnt care less about people who are stuck in a rut at home and struggling mentally, they just instroduce draconian lock down after lock down and its not making a blind bit fo difference, basically kicking the can down the road, the economy is in tatters, many peoples mental health is very bad but you rarely if ever hear them mentioning this.

Hector Savage · 25-01-2021 4:12pm

CalamariFritti wrote: »

I'm so jealous. I was hoping golf would be my reprieve but thats apparently too dangerous (sarcasm). Tbh the golfing bodies have really failed us in this. Tennis ireland didnt take all that sh1t from Sporting Ireland and the minister. I think she has a chip on her shoulder about golf.

Golf should be open, I mean you can't get much more socially distanced than that, are they worried cos people play in groups and they are close then ???

CalamariFritti · 25-01-2021 4:34pm

Hector Savage wrote: »

Golf should be open, I mean you can't get much more socially distanced than that, are they worried cos people play in groups and they are close then ???

I dont really know tbh. I thought its more to do with the general message. Like we are locked down together no exceptions. Surprised to hear that you can play tennis. Usually the two always went together as lockdown no-lockdown went. Glad for you its nice to have a little something to take your mind off things.

CalamariFritti · 25-01-2021 4:38pm

DessieJames wrote: »

sorry to hear that mate , i find that not watching the news, going for long walks and jogging helps,this government and NPHET are utterly dreadful and contstanly blaming the public, but the dire consequences from these lock downs will have a far far worse effect that coronavirus will ever have and will be felt for years to come, but these absolute bast*rds couldnt care less about people who are stuck in a rut at home and struggling mentally, they just instroduce draconian lock down after lock down and its not making a blind bit fo difference, basically kicking the can down the road, the economy is in tatters, many peoples mental health is very bad but you rarely if ever hear them mentioning this.

Thanks man, I dont want to sound like a whinger, I'll be grand. Like I said plenty of people far worse off. I'm sure the people who make the decisions - as much as I like to criticise them - dont make these decisions lightly. Its just sooner or later somethings gotta give. Rightly or wrongly we can only carry on like this for so long.

eigrod · 25-01-2021 7:59pm

CalamariFritti wrote: »

I feel its time to post here. Just gonna blurb it all out in no particular order. Maybe just typing it out somewhere helps. If nothing else someone else may think at least they;'re not the only one.

I'm working from home since March. Haven't seen anyone from work in person since, havent been in the office once. Just sitting in my home office. Didn't go on holidays. Didnt do anything. One meal we went to in a restaurant, that was in August.

Didnt find it too bad in lockdown 1. Well of course it was ****ty but it was also new and while everything seemed a bit over the top it was also a bit scary and I needed to do my thing like everyone else. Worked quite hard for most of 2020. Made the best of it you could say. Delivered one fair sized project myself and participated in another one where I learned a lot. Put quite a few extra hours into 2020. And my work was good quality and I had motivation despite everything.

But this time its different. Basically in lockdown since October. Was obvious what was going to happen after Christmas so we decided to do nothing at all during the short reprieve. So lockdown since October. No meals, no meets, no nights out, no five-a-sides and now no golf either. All my outlets are gone. Work life balance is gone because there is no life part anymore. Its just work and couch. The highlight of every other day is the walk to Lidl.
And I feel everything is 'dropping' around me. Work performance has taken a massive nose dive. I can't motivate myself for anything anymore. Its like getting up sitting down in front of the computer, replying to a few emails and then I'm ready to go back to bed again. Just to make the time pass. I expect to get a talking to in work at some point soon.

I'm reading quite a lot and that helped but even that is no longer interesting. Same for television or anything. Its definitely the worst slump I've ever been in and right now I'm not sure what's gong to pull me out of it if the situation doesnt change very soon.

I try not to let it show too much cos I dont want to drag my partner down. Of course we talk about it but during the day I'm putting on a bit of a show of normality to not compound the problem. I'm not suicidal or anything but I'm definitely feeling depressed. I've had seriously enough of this.

What doesnt help either is that I'm an analytical thinker. It comes with my profession. My talent if there is one is that I understand complex situations and problems rather quickly and I can quickly separate the chaff from the substance even under pressure. I'm a logical and rational and calm person. And when I follow the news its the total opposite. Rightly or wrongly I feel its total amateur hour out there with regards to our corona response. Going up the wall with some of the sh1te politicians and media come out with. Sometimes it feels like I'm trapped in some sort of madhouse and everyone is determined to make the madhouse never go away again.

In other words it's just really really crap.

Not looking for pity or sympathy. It the same for most of us. Probably a lot worse for most than me. I have a lovely partner and a good job and a decent house and I dont have to worry about any of these things for now. But its still crap.

I recognise a lot of what you’re saying. Some tips that worked for me:

1. Don’t know if you had a commute before lockdown or not, but you definitely need to replace the morning commute with something. Going from bed to desk is not good. A 40 minute walk is highly recommended after getting up, or better still a run. Try to work up to a 20 or 25 minute run over time.

2. Eat fruit, oranges & bananas. Fish oil supplements and Magnesium - try your local health food store for advice.

3. Take a 5 minute break from the desk every 40 mins or so. Get up, walk around the back garden.

4. Look up tv schedule in the morning and find something you like on in the evening that you can look forward to. And/or have a think about the good book you’re reading that you’re looking forward to getting back to later.

5. For morning coffee break a couple of times a week, if your employer allows and if there’s a coffee shop nearby, you and your partner go walk for a coffee and walk back with it - sit outside for 10 while drinking it. A nice treat for you both.

6. Do some basic daily mindfulness for 20 mins or so. I would recommend Jon Kabat Zin’s body scan on youtube. There’s loads of mindfulness on youtube- some you won’t like but keep searching until you do.

7. Go for an evening walk (and a lunchtime one too, of possible). I often do 3 walks a day, some as short as 15 mins.

8. Do long walks with your partner at the weekend - something to look forward to and add on a coffee or a treat at the end of the walk.

9. Have a takeaway night once or twice a week - especially Friday evening- again, something to look forward to.

10. Buy a Mindfulness colouring book and colouring pencils - can be surprisingly helpful.

Chivito550 · 25-01-2021 8:18pm

Hector Savage wrote: »

Tennis has saved me lately.
I joined a local club and play 2/3 times a week, lovely location, fresh air with a sea view, no need for masks on the court of course - singles only but no problem.

I didn't realise tennis was allowed to open? How did they get away with that when everything else had to shut. Good to hear they are open, but quite baffling when I can't go to an outdoor athletics track and train on it by myself!

Hector Savage · 25-01-2021 9:33pm

Sorry guys I should have specified I live in Spain.

But I was looking at Mt. Pleasants tennis club (Ranelagh) website and seems its open ? just no doubles ...

http://www.mountpleasantltc.ie/

fin12 · 25-01-2021 10:10pm

eigrod wrote: »

I recognise a lot of what you’re saying. Some tips that worked for me:

1. Don’t know if you had a commute before lockdown or not, but you definitely need to replace the morning commute with something. Going from bed to desk is not good. A 40 minute walk is highly recommended after getting up, or better still a run. Try to work up to a 20 or 25 minute run over time.

2. Eat fruit, oranges & bananas. Fish oil supplements and Magnesium - try your local health food store for advice.

3. Take a 5 minute break from the desk every 40 mins or so. Get up, walk around the back garden.

4. Look up tv schedule in the morning and find something you like on in the evening that you can look forward to. And/or have a think about the good book you’re reading that you’re looking forward to getting back to later.

5. For morning coffee break a couple of times a week, if your employer allows and if there’s a coffee shop nearby, you and your partner go walk for a coffee and walk back with it - sit outside for 10 while drinking it. A nice treat for you both.

6. Do some basic daily mindfulness for 20 mins or so. I would recommend Jon Kabat Zin’s body scan on youtube. There’s loads of mindfulness on youtube- some you won’t like but keep searching until you do.

7. Go for an evening walk (and a lunchtime one too, of possible). I often do 3 walks a day, some as short as 15 mins.

8. Do long walks with your partner at the weekend - something to look forward to and add on a coffee or a treat at the end of the walk.

9. Have a takeaway night once or twice a week - especially Friday evening- again, something to look forward to.

10. Buy a Mindfulness colouring book and colouring pencils - can be surprisingly helpful.

They are really great ideas. I’m going to try to do a bit more exercise but wasn’t having much motivation for it recently.

mirrorwall14 · 25-01-2021 10:22pm

Hector Savage wrote: »

Golf should be open, I mean you can't get much more socially distanced than that, are they worried cos people play in groups and they are close then ???

From a purely selfish perspective I’m glad it’s not open. I’ve have parents involved in it. They helped man the desk for the sign in and records needed for covid. The amount of idiots who would come in to sign in with no masks and get thick when told to get one before coming in or using the locker rooms or not socially distancing was outrageous

mirrorwall14 · 25-01-2021 10:25pm

eigrod wrote: »

I recognise a lot of what you’re saying. Some tips that worked for me:

Love this thank you!

I’ll add to it. I’ve broken out the 1000 piece jigsaw, leave the phone out of the room but with podcast on my headphones and lose myself.

I’m having a bath once a week. Candles, bubbles and all. Proper relaxation

If you have the space I’ve alternated myself from my work desk to the kitchen table for the odd day just to break the monotony

We have no coffee place near but myself and my husband try to walk around the estate each morning. It’s less than ten minutes but enough to brighten the day and touch base with each other

Hector Savage · 26-01-2021 11:30am

jazz24.org !!!!

No news, just relaxing jazz ... great background music, I have it on as I work from home and at dinner with family ..

DessieJames · 26-01-2021 3:20pm

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Love this thank you!

I’ll add to it. I’ve broken out the 1000 piece jigsaw, leave the phone out of the room but with podcast on my headphones and lose myself.

I’m having a bath once a week. Candles, bubbles and all. Proper relaxation

If you have the space I’ve alternated myself from my work desk to the kitchen table for the odd day just to break the monotony

We have no coffee place near but myself and my husband try to walk around the estate each morning. It’s less than ten minutes but enough to brighten the day and touch base with each other

someone told me about CBD bath bombs and they really are brilliant, have one in the evening stay in the bath for as long as posisble and you'll feel very relaxed and chilled and sleep like a baby that night.

Anon9876 · 26-01-2021 3:22pm

I've gone anon for this one.
I have to admit I am struggling terribly. I am on my own all the time. I haven't seen any friends, family in 2 months and broke up with my partner of 3 years over Christmas.
I have lost all my work and I'm on my own all day at home. I don't have a social bubble partner either - all my friends already have one. I'm finding it impossible not to drink early and it's like Groundhog Day every day. The whole above situ has made me very depressed, I'm not eating properly and thats just making things worse plus I've lost interest in everything. All people say to me is "Go for a walk". I was finding some days were better than others but now everything is just the same. It feels like an impossible rut to get out of.

Just getting it out on 'paper'.

Multipass · 26-01-2021 3:25pm

Anon9876 wrote: »

I've gone anon for this one.
I have to admit I am struggling terribly. I am on my own all the time. I haven't seen any friends, family in 2 months and broke up with my partner of 3 years over Christmas.
I have lost all my work and I'm on my own all day at home. I don't have a social bubble partner either - all my friends already have one. I'm finding it impossible not to drink early and it's like Groundhog Day every day. The whole above situ has made me very depressed, I'm not eating properly and thats just making things worse plus I've lost interest in everything. All people say to me is "Go for a walk". I was finding some days were better than others but now everything is just the same. It feels like an impossible rut to get out of.

Just getting it out on 'paper'.

I’m in a similar situation - Pieta house are still offering appointments face to face. They’re my only lifeline right now, might be worth a try?

Anon9876 · 26-01-2021 3:29pm

Multipass wrote: »

I’m in a similar situation - Pieta house are still offering appointments face to face. They’re my only lifeline right now, might be worth a try?

Thanks for that. Sorry to hear you are in a similar boat. It really does suck. I will look up their site. I'm not suicidal but I am definitely quite depressed. I'm so shocked I am in this situ and feel the way I do. I am normally good on 'my own' but this is a whole other level.

anplaya27 · 26-01-2021 3:31pm

Deaf ISL user here.

Extremely hard.

Cannot meet other Deaf and masks are the bane of my life communication with hearing people is basically non existent. Lip reading is extremely hard anyway as weve never heard a spoken language.

Deaf people are used to isolation anyway. But saying that, research shows are 4 times likely to suffer from mental health issues and 2 times more likely to take our own lives than hearing people.

Yet, despite this, there are currently no supports re mental health in Ireland for Deaf adults or children. Go figure.

Our language, once banned by the church and state, is now recognised as a native and official language of Ireland.

Somehow , we persevere, just like weve always had to.

leahyl · 26-01-2021 3:33pm

Anon9876 wrote: »

I've gone anon for this one.
I have to admit I am struggling terribly. I am on my own all the time. I haven't seen any friends, family in 2 months and broke up with my partner of 3 years over Christmas.
I have lost all my work and I'm on my own all day at home. I don't have a social bubble partner either - all my friends already have one. I'm finding it impossible not to drink early and it's like Groundhog Day every day. The whole above situ has made me very depressed, I'm not eating properly and thats just making things worse plus I've lost interest in everything. All people say to me is "Go for a walk". I was finding some days were better than others but now everything is just the same. It feels like an impossible rut to get out of.

Just getting it out on 'paper'.

Ah jeez, sorry to hear that. It must be very difficult not seeing anyone at all. Could you not form a bubble with some family members or are they too far away? It's very hard for people when they have lost their job too. I am lucky that I can work from home but I'm still in my bedroom all day and only get out of the house for a walk. I know you say that people keep saying to "go for a walk" but a bit of exercise in the fresh air breaks up being stuck in the house all day. I try to go for a walk on my break and then in the evening after dinner and it helps a bit. Definitely don't get into the habit of just staying in and not going outside at all. Sorry about your relationship breaking up too. All we can do is hope that we will be out of the worst of this come the end of March, I think that's the best we can hope for, unfortunately.

Do try to eat properly; I've been making sure I eat as much fruit and veg and all round good food over the past few weeks, as I find that I feel better in myself when I look after my diet. Perhaps go to the supermarket today and do a shop and buy lots of colourful fruit and veg, fish, meat etc. If you cook at all, perhaps do some batch cooking of stews, casseroles, curries that you can freeze so that at least you'll have a nutritious dinner in the evening.

I know a lot of what I've said is pretty basic, but all we can do at the moment if we are single/on our own is look after ourselves as best we can and be good to ourselves - self-care!

Take care

Anon9876 · 26-01-2021 3:34pm

anplaya27 wrote: »

Deaf ISL user here.

Extremely hard.

Cannot meet other Deaf and masks are the bane of my life communication with hearing people is basically non existent. Lip reading is extremely hard anyway as weve never heard a spoken language.

Deaf people are used to isolation anyway. But saying that, we are more likely to suffer from mental health issues and to take our own lives than hearing people.

Yet, there are currently no supports re mental health in Ireland for Deaf adults or children. Go figure.

We persevere, just like weve always had to.

Our language, once banned by the church and state, is now recognised as a native and official language of Irelsnd.

Gosh this must be extra hard for you. I'm always here for a PM if you need to chat. Maybe we can all help each other out in this horrible time.

DessieJames · 26-01-2021 3:34pm

Anon9876 wrote: »

I've gone anon for this one.
I have to admit I am struggling terribly. I am on my own all the time. I haven't seen any friends, family in 2 months and broke up with my partner of 3 years over Christmas.
I have lost all my work and I'm on my own all day at home. I don't have a social bubble partner either - all my friends already have one. I'm finding it impossible not to drink early and it's like Groundhog Day every day. The whole above situ has made me very depressed, I'm not eating properly and thats just making things worse plus I've lost interest in everything. All people say to me is "Go for a walk". I was finding some days were better than others but now everything is just the same. It feels like an impossible rut to get out of.

Just getting it out on 'paper'.

jaysus sorry to hear mate thats particulary rough, have you considered cbd oil the proper stuff which will help immensely with anxiety, i take it myself and it really does work.

try and keep yourself occupied and go jogging,etc.

wish you the best mate, fu$k this government and nphet, constant doom and gloom and draconian lock downs will which will cause far more long damage than covid ever will

leahyl · 26-01-2021 3:39pm

anplaya27 wrote: »

Deaf ISL user here.

Extremely hard.

Cannot meet other Deaf and masks are the bane of my life communication with hearing people is basically non existent. Lip reading is extremely hard anyway as weve never heard a spoken language.

Deaf people are used to isolation anyway. But saying that, research shows are 4 times likely to suffer from mental health issues and 2 times more likely to take our own lives than hearing people.

Yet, despite this, there are currently no supports re mental health in Ireland for Deaf adults or children. Go figure.

Our language, once banned by the church and state, is now recognised as a native and official language of Ireland.

Somehow , we persevere, just like weve always had to.

Wow, this post stopped me in my tracks. Really sorry to hear what you are going through. There is always somebody worse off

Keep persevering anplaya127. That's all I can say.

Anon9876 · 26-01-2021 3:42pm

DessieJames wrote: »

jaysus sorry to hear mate thats particulary rough, have you considered cbd oil the proper stuff which will help immensely with anxiety, i take it myself and it really does work.

try and keep yourself occupied and go jogging,etc.

wish you the best mate, fu$k this government and nphet, constant doom and gloom and draconian lock downs will which will cause far more long damage than covid ever will

Thanks re. CBD tip. I will order some. I am finding my anxiety is a lot higher now. I get anxious even thinking of going out to the shops. I order in most of the time and it's so much more expensive - I am going to have to start forcing myself to get out everyday.

I don't think a lot of people who have kids and partners understand how hard this is totally on your own.

Anon9876 · 26-01-2021 3:50pm

leahyl wrote: »

Could you not form a bubble with some family members or are they too far away?

Thanks for your kind reply.
No I have no family near me. My mates all have kids and partners and one or two text me every few days saying "How was your day?" Its appreciated but half the time I don't want to respond as I don't want to tell the truth. They all know I am fully on my own but I hate asking people to help me out. People have their own issues to be dealing with. But even a phonecall out of the blue would be nice.

leahyl · 26-01-2021 4:04pm

Anon9876 wrote: »

Thanks for your kind reply.
No I have no family near me. My mates all have kids and partners and one or two text me every few days saying "How was your day?" Its appreciated but half the time I don't want to respond as I don't want to tell the truth. They all know I am fully on my own but I hate asking people to help me out. People have their own issues to be dealing with. But even a phonecall out of the blue would be nice.

Ah God, that's tough. Would you ring some of your family? Or even text one of your friends and ask would they have time for a chat? Sometimes you have to reach out and you sound like you really need to chat with someone. Could you move back home for the next few weeks until the worst of all this blows over? Stay with a sibling or parents? I think if you have nobody and are finding it really hard on your mental health, then it should be acceptable for you to travel to somewhere where you are not alone. It's not like you'd be seeing lots of people, just family members. I'm sorry, I'm at a loss as to what to suggest. There are some lovely people on this thread though and we are all going through stuff, so keep posting on here anyway

PTH2009 · 26-01-2021 4:16pm

https://extra.ie/2021/01/26/news/real-life/mother-confesses-killing-10-year-old-son

This is a tragic story but have no sympathy for the mother who killed her own son.

Multipass · 26-01-2021 4:55pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

https://extra.ie/2021/01/26/news/real-life/mother-confesses-killing-10-year-old-son

This is a tragic story but have no sympathy for the mother who killed her own son.

Mental illness is illness, whether you have sympathy or not.

Anon9876 · 26-01-2021 5:09pm

Multipass wrote: »

Mental illness is illness, whether you have sympathy or not.

I agree. Any human who does that must be in an incredibly dark, sad and lonely place.

PTH2009 · 26-01-2021 5:30pm

Today's briefing was not great news for some people including myself. Half of 2021 is gone now and it will be far from normal going into 2022

Remain strong people this will be over soon

Itssoeasy · 26-01-2021 6:09pm

I think even some light at the end of the tunnel even if a little faint would be helpful. I’m not even looking for the old normal. Just someone even slightly Normal.

Anon9876 · 26-01-2021 6:21pm

Itssoeasy wrote: »

I think even some light at the end of the tunnel even if a little faint would be helpful. I’m not even looking for the old normal. Just someone even slightly Normal.

There is sadly going to be no light at the end of the tunnel until they vaccinate the population. Frankly I can't understand how it's going to take almost a year to vaccinate 4.5 mil people. Surely chemists can be trained. I'd inject myself if needs be. Diabetics do it every day. I understand the issue with the temp of the main vaccine but 9 months to protect such a small population is insane.

is_that_so · 27-01-2021 8:19am

Anon9876 wrote: »

There is sadly going to be no light at the end of the tunnel until they vaccinate the population. Frankly I can't understand how it's going to take almost a year to vaccinate 4.5 mil people. Surely chemists can be trained. I'd inject myself if needs be. Diabetics do it every day. I understand the issue with the temp of the main vaccine but 9 months to protect such a small population is insane.

It's the response they watch out for so you can't just jam it into your arm. As for the timetable it is based on the vaccines that are available and the forecasting is cautious. It's grim now at the end of January and may still be at the end of February but once stocks begin to flow it'll look a whole lot better. Plus the days will be longer!

DessieJames · 27-01-2021 10:18am

Anon9876 wrote: »

Thanks re. CBD tip. I will order some. I am finding my anxiety is a lot higher now. I get anxious even thinking of going out to the shops. I order in most of the time and it's so much more expensive - I am going to have to start forcing myself to get out everyday.

I don't think a lot of people who have kids and partners understand how hard this is totally on your own.

if you need recommendeations on cbd let me know as ive been using it quite sometime so know a good bit about it, id aboid prescription pills at all costs and use cbd its far better overall.

good luck

wadacrack · 27-01-2021 9:59pm

I find at night very hard tbh, I usually think back to what life was like before Covid. Certain things remind of it too. Has been happening alot recently Thought I would share. Not sure if anymore are feeling similar. Certainly wont take things for granted when this pandemic ends

ArmaniJeanss · 28-01-2021 9:25am

Sunset in Dublin today will be 17:01 (a little later further west in the country).
First time since October 27th that it's been after 5pm.

We are gradually inching towards long evenings, every day is a few minutes more.
Minor, but something that might help people.

um7y1h83ge06nx · 28-01-2021 11:54am

I'm generally good but the last few days has seen a lot of relatively bad news that is gnawing at me - extension of the lock-down which I expected. But then we have various issues with the supply and roll-out of vaccinations. I also have some frustrations at the government regarding travel in and out of the country - not making any hard decisions and apparently Martin's trip to Washington for St. Patrick's Day is still on. I believe our relationship with the US to be extremely important but surely a video call would do for the time we're in.

Sorry for the rant but I need to let it out. Think I'm going to make some time for myself later today as work isn't too busy - escape and play some video games for half an hour or so.

It's possible I had higher expectations for 2021 than I should have had, the beginning of the end of Covid I was saying. Now it probably still is but we're hitting a few bumps.

DessieJames · 28-01-2021 12:28pm

Solomon Delicious Simpleton wrote: »

I'm generally good but the last few days has seen a lot of relatively bad news that is gnawing at me - extension of the lock-down which I expected. But then we have various issues with the supply and roll-out of vaccinations. I also have some frustrations at the government regarding travel in and out of the country - not making any hard decisions and apparently Martin's trip to Washington for St. Patrick's Day is still on. I believe our relationship with the US to be extremely important but surely a video call would do for the time we're in.

Sorry for the rant but I need to let it out. Think I'm going to make some time for myself later today as work isn't too busy - escape and play some video games for half an hour or so.

It's possible I had higher expectations for 2021 than I should have had, the beginning of the end of Covid I was saying. Now it probably still is but we're hitting a few bumps.

the **** will hit the fan if he goes to USA on Paddys day, people wont be staying withoin 5km or theor opwn county and will be taking flights.

Goose76 · 28-01-2021 1:57pm

This might sound a bit totalitarian but I’d be all for a national media ban on all COVID related discussions and articles unless they are 100% fact based, e.g: number of cases today, the government deciding to move to a new level officially etc.

Genuinely have begun to loathe Varadkar, he is loving this situation , sick of him going on radio and tv every chance he gets saying what MIGHT happen. Said yesterday we won’t be in level 3 in March, why say that and panic people? Surely we could be if cases dramatically fell? He’s done this loads of times during the pandemic, peddling drama and uncertainty, saying this could happen or maybe that could happen etc, and I’m so sick of it.

It’s not just him though. Sat down hoping to relax on my lunch break just now and first thing I see is a thought piece from RTÉ about the merits of pursuing a zero covid strategy, full of maybes and what ifs and useless comparisons. Who wants to read this???

Give me the facts and only the current, real hard facts.

The major detractor to my mental health since all this has begun has been the deliberate uncertainty pushed by mainstream media. Not the rumours caused by the general public or the conspiracy theories online, but literally Varadkar and state sponsored tv and their unbridled delight in telling us all what might/could/maybe potentially happen. Please just shut up.

polesheep · 28-01-2021 1:59pm

I have been thinking of Patrick Kavanagh's beautiful line "Through a chink too wide there comes no wonder." We have all had to endure a sort of penance through Covid, but when it's all over there will be a freshness to the world that will be very uplifting.

Mental health and CoVid-19

Comments