Mental health and CoVid-19

Tell me how · 20-10-2020 12:39am

eviltwin wrote: »

Finding it hard at the moment. Work is difficult at the moment and there’s nothing to break the monotony. My world has shrunk to work and home.

Any suggestions how to stay on top of things when you don’t have anything meaningful or fun to look forward to?

Remind yourself that there have been dark days in the past, and they too gave ways to days filled with optimism and positive experiences.

Whether as a consequence of mental health, grief, broken hearts or any other of the frequent life events which we experience, most of us have had periods where we felt we would never smile again. But we did. This is similar, but it too will pass.

Another thing to consider is that before, you may have previously felt like life was a rush and there was never time to stop and relax. If so, remind yourself that at that time, you might have loved to have been able to put the brakes on. Now, the brakes are on, try to see it as a time to take a breath and relax so as to be ready for when things pick up again. It will happen.

One thing you could do is to maybe book a night or 2 in your favourite hotel or B&B, one with a cancellation policy, but, book it with the optimism that you are going to go there and enjoy it and have that to look forward to. If you need to delay going there, push the reservation out a few weeks or months and then look forward to that new date.

In terms of breaking the monotony, could you have a movie night with a friend or sibling where you both watch a movie simultaneously on netflix or similar at the same time while on zoom or similar while having a drink and a takeaway.

lucalux · 20-10-2020 1:57pm

Might be of use to some people here:
https://mymind.org/covid-19-project

MyMind is very aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many individuals and families, and there has been increased pressure on people’s ability to cope with the additional challenges posed by the virus. From bereavement and job lossesto the fear and anxiety caused by the need to socially distance, and trying to deal with loneliness and isolation, many people are finding it hard to cope at the moment.

Getting help and staying connected are very important factors in maintaining good mental health. Talking to a qualified professional is a proven and effective way of dealing with problems of stress or anxiety.

MyMind is now delivering FREE online counselling appointments for people all over Ireland. If you have been directly affected by Covid-19, you may be eligible. The main mental health issues include issues arising from unemployment, bereavement, social isolation/cocooning, illness, stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, or domestic violence.

Multipass · 20-10-2020 2:49pm

lucalux wrote: »

Might be of use to some people here:
https://mymind.org/covid-19-project

MyMind is very aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many individuals and families, and there has been increased pressure on people’s ability to cope with the additional challenges posed by the virus. From bereavement and job lossesto the fear and anxiety caused by the need to socially distance, and trying to deal with loneliness and isolation, many people are finding it hard to cope at the moment.

Getting help and staying connected are very important factors in maintaining good mental health. Talking to a qualified professional is a proven and effective way of dealing with problems of stress or anxiety.

MyMind is now delivering FREE online counselling appointments for people all over Ireland. If you have been directly affected by Covid-19, you may be eligible. The main mental health issues include issues arising from unemployment, bereavement, social isolation/cocooning, illness, stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, or domestic violence.

Wow I’m excluded from their categories, now I feel even worse than before. Why do that?

lucalux · 20-10-2020 2:51pm

Multipass wrote: »

Wow I’m excluded from their categories, now I feel even worse than before. Why do that?

I'm sorry, that must be upsetting.
I think it's better than there being nothing offered. A lot of people will fall into those categories, and I'm glad for them

20-10-2020 4:35pm

Multipass wrote: »

Wow I’m excluded from their categories, now I feel even worse than before. Why do that?

I know that My Mind offer sessions at €20 for people who are unemployed or in receipt of disability allowance. Would that be an option for you?

Multipass · 20-10-2020 8:22pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I know that My Mind offer sessions at €20 for people who are unemployed or in receipt of disability allowance. Would that be an option for you?

Thanks, yes it might be at some point in the future. Not right now though.

Corcaigh84 · 20-10-2020 9:55pm

Just back from my last game of 5 a side, was great craic. Feel great now. Tomorrow reality will set in. FFS.

21-10-2020 9:41am

I wish I had words of support and comfort for you all but I can't find any. It all feels so oppressive. Each time I think of life continuing in this way my stomach turns to mush and I get an ache in my chest. I'm reading everything about Covid desperate for something positive to appear. A life in and out of lockdown is no life at all for me. This I know is grief and eventually I will reach acceptance. Really just hope I don't have to. I was firmly in the camp of living alongside Covid but the Government doesn't seem to think that's possible so I hope for a vaccine.

Other people I encounter don't seem to be struggling the way I am. I guess that's why I'm posting here. It helps to feel less like I'm weak and with no resilience when I know others are going through similar.

Ellie2008 · 21-10-2020 7:51pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I wish I had words of support and comfort for you all but I can't find any. It all feels so oppressive. Each time I think of life continuing in this way my stomach turns to mush and I get an ache in my chest. I'm reading everything about Covid desperate for something positive to appear. A life in and out of lockdown is no life at all for me. This I know is grief and eventually I will reach acceptance. Really just hope I don't have to. I was firmly in the camp of living alongside Covid but the Government doesn't seem to think that's possible so I hope for a vaccine.

Other people I encounter don't seem to be struggling the way I am. I guess that's why I'm posting here. It helps to feel less like I'm weak and with no resilience when I know others are going through similar.

Objectively I’m not that badly affected by Covid i.e. neither health wise nor financially & I don’t live alone. It has resulted in my WFH which I hate & a maternity leave with very little social interaction. I feel a bit down in the dumps. I know that their are people who would cope fine in my position. That makes me feel worse!

Goldengirl · 22-10-2020 3:27am

Ellie2008 wrote: »

Objectively I’m not that badly affected by Covid i.e. neither health wise nor financially & I don’t live alone. It has resulted in my WFH which I hate & a maternity leave with very little social interaction. I feel a bit down in the dumps. I know that their are people who would cope fine in my position. That makes me feel worse!

Give yourself a break , that 's a lot for anyone to be getting on with it never mind in a pandemic and lock down .
The to get some time for yourself everyday to just chill and no Covid .
And everyday is a new day , it will get better .

Graces7 · 22-10-2020 6:49am

is_that_so wrote: »

They communicate every day, we now know their one and only focus is virus transmission. The rest is just data we can all read and responsibility for measures lies with the government anyway.

Of course it is; that is their job and their function! And that is what all the restrictions are there to combat; covid-19.

It is their responsibility to speak as they do And they do it well.

And there is no need to read them. I have no radio or TV and limit internet news access.

Look after yourself; please! Doing that is our job and our responsibility as in co-operating and obeying .

Graces7 · 22-10-2020 6:58am

Deleted User wrote: »

I wish I had words of support and comfort for you all but I can't find any. It all feels so oppressive. Each time I think of life continuing in this way my stomach turns to mush and I get an ache in my chest. I'm reading everything about Covid desperate for something positive to appear. A life in and out of lockdown is no life at all for me. This I know is grief and eventually I will reach acceptance. Really just hope I don't have to. I was firmly in the camp of living alongside Covid but the Government doesn't seem to think that's possible so I hope for a vaccine.

Other people I encounter don't seem to be struggling the way I am. I guess that's why I'm posting here. It helps to feel less like I'm weak and with no resilience when I know others are going through similar.

(((HUGS)))

We all have that resilience but it lies dormant until is in needed...

As others have said, we all need to find ways to enjoy life in this situation. yes ENJOY... FInd a new " hobby " ( hate that word)

Maybe get in touch with your local emergency volunteer group to see if there is anything you can do to help? Old wrecks(!!) like me are dependent on you for our shopping, meds etc and they need more folk … and many old folk are crippled by loneliness" . Even a face at the window? A phone call?

Maybe make your own Christmas cards this year?

Many feel as bad as you do; reach out?

You are worth so much! As you are and as you can be.

Drifter50 · 22-10-2020 8:03am

Wanderer78 wrote: »

so effectively silencing the medical professionals in communicating their findings and knowledge to the general public?

Perhaps you are posting in the wrong forum. You seem to be venting at some posters on here with some smart comments. Please don`t make little of other peoples struggles and issues. It is`nt helpful. Some of us are overwhelmed by the media driven doom laden narrative

begbysback · 22-10-2020 8:12am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I wish I had words of support and comfort for you all but I can't find any. It all feels so oppressive. Each time I think of life continuing in this way my stomach turns to mush and I get an ache in my chest. I'm reading everything about Covid desperate for something positive to appear. A life in and out of lockdown is no life at all for me. This I know is grief and eventually I will reach acceptance. Really just hope I don't have to. I was firmly in the camp of living alongside Covid but the Government doesn't seem to think that's possible so I hope for a vaccine.

Other people I encounter don't seem to be struggling the way I am. I guess that's why I'm posting here. It helps to feel less like I'm weak and with no resilience when I know others are going through similar.

My mental health regarding Covid is now fairly straightforward, the less I read about Covid the better off I am, the more I read the worse I get. Media has the biggest impact on people’s health and unfortunately it will never suggest to stop watching or stop reading about Covid, though this to me seems to be the perfect remedy.

lynyg18 · 22-10-2020 12:49pm

Self compassion is really important. Put your hand on your heart and say to yourself I’m sorry this is so hard right now, need to be kind to yourself it is not a normal time and this is difficult. Brain is just reacting to a fight or flight response, the danger is covid this time but the mind will react this way regardless of the danger, please treat yourselves as you would treat a good friend

Lavinia · 22-10-2020 12:50pm

begbysback wrote: »

My mental health regarding Covid is now fairly straightforward, the less I read about Covid the better off I am, the more I read the worse I get. Media has the biggest impact on people’s health and unfortunately it will never suggest to stop watching or stop reading about Covid, though this to me seems to be the perfect remedy.

doing that for the last 6 months, guess what? didn't miss anything. :pac:

ThewhiteJesus · 22-10-2020 12:57pm

begbysback wrote: »

My mental health regarding Covid is now fairly straightforward, the less I read about Covid the better off I am, the more I read the worse I get. Media has the biggest impact on people’s health and unfortunately it will never suggest to stop watching or stop reading about Covid, though this to me seems to be the perfect remedy.

+1 100%
I suffer with the black dog and the last lockdown sent me a bit off the wall listening to the nightly doom and gloom merchants on rte.
So i've stopped, i do the basics as is washing hands ect and keeping at a safe distance and my mood while still terrible is way better than it was.
So yes totally agree switch off the news

GoneHome · 25-10-2020 7:19pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It all feels so oppressive. Each time I think of life continuing in this way my stomach turns to mush and I get an ache in my chest. I'm reading everything about Covid desperate for something positive to appear. A life in and out of lockdown is no life at all for me.

Not trying to get at you personally or anything but I really can't understand that way of thinking, yes life is different but in reality how different is it? From my own point of view I can still get out for a lovely walk in the countryside here within the 5 km limit, actually did it twice today, can still read, watch movies, cook lovely meals, have a few beers at the weekend, keep in contact with family and friends through phone calls, texts, whats app, zoom, etc. Yes I know there's no foreign holidays or even weekends away but f$%k it I'd prefer to be content and safe here at home than risking my health mixing with others. You have to see the positives.

fin12 · 25-10-2020 7:47pm

GoneHome wrote: »

Not trying to get at you personally or anything but I really can't understand that way of thinking, yes life is different but in reality how different is it? From my own point of view I can still get out for a lovely walk in the countryside here within the 5 km limit, actually did it twice today, can still read, watch movies, cook lovely meals, have a few beers at the weekend, keep in contact with family and friends through phone calls, texts, whats app, zoom, etc. Yes I know there's no foreign holidays or even weekends away but f$%k it I'd prefer to be content and safe here at home than risking my health mixing with others. You have to see the positives.

Not everyone has a happy home environment, that’s the point so to be ordered to stay at home is not going to be easy, for some people being at home is the last place they want to be. How has that not entered your head? Domestic abuse is rampant in this country. Look beyond ur own little bubble.

25-10-2020 7:56pm

GoneHome wrote: »

Not trying to get at you personally or anything but I really can't understand that way of thinking, yes life is different but in reality how different is it? From my own point of view I can still get out for a lovely walk in the countryside here within the 5 km limit, actually did it twice today, can still read, watch movies, cook lovely meals, have a few beers at the weekend, keep in contact with family and friends through phone calls, texts, whats app, zoom, etc. Yes I know there's no foreign holidays or even weekends away but f$%k it I'd prefer to be content and safe here at home than risking my health mixing with others. You have to see the positives.

I agree we have to see the positives and I'm trying to.

There are a few reasons why it feels oppressive to me. I can't do things I used to do. Things I loved. Sitting in a cafe or quiet pub, jumping on a train for a day out in Galway, nights out with my friends, going to workshops related to much job and hearing the experiences of colleagues. It all matters to me. I love people. I'm the person who will chat away with you on a bus, who loves to wander around Grafton St soaking it all in. Even the lack of events I have no interest makes me sad. No big hurling matches or festivals or hundreds of people all coming together.
And trying to manage what feels like opposing mental states of not wanting to get Covid and wanting to live my life.

If your life is mostly unchanged by the pandemic then I can understand how you wouldn't feel as I do. Your experience is different. Most of us I think are having differing experiences of this.

25-10-2020 8:03pm

fin12 wrote: »

Not everyone has a happy home environment, that’s the point so to be ordered to stay at home is not going to be easy, for some people being at home is the last place they want to be. How has that not entered your head? Domestic abuse is rampant in this country. Look beyond ur own little bubble.

There are an an awful lot of frightening home situations for people. Imagine being locked up with your abuser. Panorama did a documentary back in the summer and one of the women interviewed spoke about her experience. Her partner actually said to her "let the games begin"

It would break your heart.

GoneHome · 25-10-2020 8:07pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I agree we have to see the positives and I'm trying to.

There are a few reasons why it feels oppressive to me. I can't do things I used to do. Things I loved. Sitting in a cafe or quiet pub, jumping on a train for a day out in Galway, nights out with my friends, going to workshops related to much job and hearing the experiences of colleagues. It all matters to me. I love people. I'm the person who will chat away with you on a bus, who loves to wander around Grafton St soaking it all in. Even the lack of events I have no interest makes me sad. No big hurling matches or festivals or hundreds of people all coming together.
And trying to manage what feels like opposing mental states of not wanting to get Covid and wanting to live my life.

If your life is mostly unchanged by the pandemic then I can understand how you wouldn't feel as I do. Your experience is different. Most of us I think are having differing experiences of this.

Ah yes I can see that point of view too and how my life has really changed very little with the restrictions, have to say I was delighted to see the hurling and rugby back this weekend brough back some bit of normality too.

Skippyme · 25-10-2020 8:07pm

Living with the virus and continuing with sports etc. ... leads to the herd immunity being in place automatically.

As long as it's still there even at a lower rate, then it forces compromised people to be stuck forever in the never ending in-between-mode with no end maybe. People that think they cannot stay apart indefinitely are choosing other's endgame of being boxed away

New Zealand are back in theatres etc. living pretty much without Covid. Better off without it could live as domestic tourists and work as normal if we were free

GoneHome · 25-10-2020 8:10pm

fin12 wrote: »

Not everyone has a happy home environment, that’s the point so to be ordered to stay at home is not going to be easy, for some people being at home is the last place they want to be. How has that not entered your head? Domestic abuse is rampant in this country. Look beyond ur own little bubble.

Ah you know there's a worldwide pandemic going on here don't you, that's the whole point of keeping people at home :rolleyes:

25-10-2020 8:13pm

GoneHome wrote: »

Ah you know there's a worldwide pandemic going on here don't you, that's the whole point of keeping people at home :rolleyes:

What fin is trying to say though is that home can be hell for some people.

Skippyme · 25-10-2020 8:16pm

Deleted User wrote: »

What fin is trying to say though is that home can be hell for some people.

Yes it can drive people up the wall, but by spreading the virus at even a slower rate it means other people will be stuck inside longer, maybe forgotten but still watching the world go by

So what I mean is

Skippyme wrote: »

Living with the virus and continuing with sports etc. ... leads to the herd immunity being in place automatically.

As long as it's still there even at a lower rate, then it forces compromised people to be stuck forever in the never ending in-between-mode with no end maybe. People that think they cannot stay apart indefinitely are choosing other's endgame of being boxed away

New Zealand are back in theatres etc. living pretty much without Covid. Better off without it could live as domestic tourists and work as normal if we were free

26-10-2020 2:41am

GoneHome wrote: »

Not trying to get at you personally or anything but I really can't understand that way of thinking, yes life is different but in reality how different is it? From my own point of view I can still get out for a lovely walk in the countryside here within the 5 km limit, actually did it twice today, can still read, watch movies, cook lovely meals, have a few beers at the weekend, keep in contact with family and friends through phone calls, texts, whats app, zoom, etc. Yes I know there's no foreign holidays or even weekends away but f$%k it I'd prefer to be content and safe here at home than risking my health mixing with others. You have to see the positives.

Risking your health, how? From Covid? Are you in the 0.03% that's at risk? Sorry to hear.

Ten of Swords · 26-10-2020 5:16pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Risking your health, how? From Covid? Are you in the 0.03% that's at risk? Sorry to hear.

Can we keep the barbs and the arguing out of the mental health thread, it doesn't help anyone. This thread is supposed to be about help and resources for people's mental health and an outlet for people to voice their concerns during this unprecedented and stressful time.

This applies to everyone, take the bickering somewhere else

GoneHome · 26-10-2020 6:16pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Risking your health, how? From Covid? Are you in the 0.03% that's at risk? Sorry to hear.

I read a great quote recently, if 1 in every 100 get Covid and potentially die from it, which of your 100 family or friends would you chose to be that 1, makes you think....... so I would say don't be so quick to judge.

26-10-2020 8:30pm

GoneHome wrote: »

I read a great quote recently, if 1 in every 100 get Covid and potentially die from it, which of your 100 family or friends would you chose to be that 1, makes you think....... so I would say don't be so quick to judge.

Problem with that quote is it's fictional and not based on statistics, so therefor irrelevant.

Anyway, back on topic. Hope everyone out there is well. Exercise common sense, but keep calm and carry on. I recommend everyone try 48hrs without reading any Covid news whatsoever. I guarantee you'll feel better. After that, perhaps continue this new habit moving forward.

GoneHome · 26-10-2020 9:15pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Problem with that quote is it's fictional and not based on statistics, so therefor irrelevant.

Look that's fine if that's how you want to deal with it, I know I have elderly parents who would be considered in the "at risk" category so I'm not taking the risk of exposing them to the virus.

27-10-2020 1:34pm

GoneHome wrote: »

Look that's fine if that's how you want to deal with it, I know I have elderly parents who would be considered in the "at risk" category so I'm not taking the risk of exposing them to the virus.

Yeah, I understand. It's just that in your earlier post you said "not risk my health". I was responding specifically to that as Covid is statistically very likely not a risk to your health (unless you have underlying conditions). I assumed you didn't live with your parents either, as you said "I talk to family and friends through Zoom etc". Best of luck anyway; keep living

Herb Powell · 27-10-2020 3:19pm

GoneHome wrote: »

Not trying to get at you personally or anything but I really can't understand that way of thinking, yes life is different but in reality how different is it? From my own point of view I can still get out for a lovely walk in the countryside here within the 5 km limit, actually did it twice today, can still read, watch movies, cook lovely meals, have a few beers at the weekend, keep in contact with family and friends through phone calls, texts, whats app, zoom, etc. Yes I know there's no foreign holidays or even weekends away but f$%k it I'd prefer to be content and safe here at home than risking my health mixing with others. You have to see the positives.

My life and that of most of my friends, is completely upside down at the moment. I've heavily involved in music for years as soon as I was able (playing, recording, attending, organising), and that's just gone indefinitely. Socialising normally is out the window too.

They're not essential on the level of eating etc but it's a MASSIVE difference to life if this is what was normal to you before. I'm not complaining mind, everyone is losing something at the moment and tbh I think I'm handling it fine. But it is fairly unrecognisable at the moment to be quite honest.

TomSweeney · 28-10-2020 11:21am

Feeling pretty ****ty to be honest after last nights primetime.

The vaccine was a hope for me , I never thought it would be an instant fix but the beginning of the end at the least.
Now according to PT nothing will change, whats the bloody point in making them so ????

I can only see this going on for years and years.... and yes before people jump on me and say my positive posts on other threads seem to condradict this, it's something I do maybe to convince myself.

TomSweeney · 28-10-2020 11:24am

GoneHome wrote: »

I read a great quote recently, if 1 in every 100 get Covid and potentially die from it, which of your 100 family or friends would you chose to be that 1, makes you think....... so I would say don't be so quick to judge.

hmm I don't think that will help in here, the IFR is not as high as 1/100 ... closer to 2/1000 ...

uli84 · 28-10-2020 7:00pm

Only 1 week of that ****ty Level 5 in and it’s so so bad. When I think that another 5 weeks at minimum ahead all I do is cry. Hearing more and more from friends about the job losses doesn’t help, limiting shopping even more than in April doesn’t help, worse weather than in April doesn’t help. I just hope something big happens and it will all end somehow, don’t mind anymore whether in a good or bad way.

GoneHome · 28-10-2020 7:33pm

uli84 wrote: »

I just hope something big happens and it will all end somehow, don’t mind anymore whether in a good or bad way.

I can't believe I just read that :mad:

Lavinia · 28-10-2020 7:37pm

this situation is not good for (my) mental health.. i have to admit. i am finding myself sad and melancholic most of the time in a day.. cant meet people who'd i love to meet, friends, family, and travel home nor even know when will i be able to see them again.. stuck in prison of apartment +5km.. how can it feel good????

28-10-2020 8:21pm

uli84 wrote: »

Only 1 week of that ****ty Level 5 in and it’s so so bad. When I think that another 5 weeks at minimum ahead all I do is cry. Hearing more and more from friends about the job losses doesn’t help, limiting shopping even more than in April doesn’t help, worse weather than in April doesn’t help. I just hope something big happens and it will all end somehow, don’t mind anymore whether in a good or bad way.

Lavinia wrote: »

this situation is not good for (my) mental health.. i have to admit. i am finding myself sad and melancholic most of the time in a day.. cant meet people who'd i love to meet, friends, family, and travel home nor even know when will i be able to see them again.. stuck in prison of apartment +5km.. how can it feel good????

You've got to put things in perspective. There's people sitting in literal prisons all around the world right now, who will never be released, and maybe only get out of their cell for an hour or two a day. Your life and (for the most part) freedom is something they can only dream about. Even then, some can find solace in the coldest cell block. You can certainly find it in your current situation.

Immerse yourself in things of interest. Books, internet, video games, sports, exercise, cooking, meet your friends for a walk / coffee, go for a drive etc etc. You've so much to be grateful for; you've just got to allow your mind to see it.

Lavinia · 28-10-2020 9:29pm

Well I did not murder anyone nor acted irresponsibly so not sure how could you compare my situation with people in real prisons for life, who are there for a very good reason..

Open the Pubs · 28-10-2020 10:17pm

uli84 wrote: »

Only 1 week of that ****ty Level 5 in and it’s so so bad. When I think that another 5 weeks at minimum ahead all I do is cry. Hearing more and more from friends about the job losses doesn’t help, limiting shopping even more than in April doesn’t help, worse weather than in April doesn’t help. I just hope something big happens and it will all end somehow, don’t mind anymore whether in a good or bad way.

Try to take one day at a time. It feels particularly grim at the moment but many many people feel the same. This will pass and things will get better again.

Open the Pubs · 28-10-2020 10:23pm

Lavinia wrote: »

this situation is not good for (my) mental health.. i have to admit. i am finding myself sad and melancholic most of the time in a day.. cant meet people who'd i love to meet, friends, family, and travel home nor even know when will i be able to see them again.. stuck in prison of apartment +5km.. how can it feel good????

If possible try get out of the apartment for walks even daily. It's become more difficult now with the weather and darkness so early but that makes it more important to do.

I wfh myself and I'm working in a small bedroom. I agree it can feel like you are stuck in a prison of 4 small walls every day.

28-10-2020 10:37pm

I've been taking vitamin D supplements for weeks now and my mood has improved significantly.

fin12 · 28-10-2020 11:52pm

Deleted User wrote: »

You've got to put things in perspective. There's people sitting in literal prisons all around the world right now, who will never be released, and maybe only get out of their cell for an hour or two a day. Your life and (for the most part) freedom is something they can only dream about. Even then, some can find solace in the coldest cell block. You can certainly find it in your current situation.

Immerse yourself in things of interest. Books, internet, video games, sports, exercise, cooking, meet your friends for a walk / coffee, go for a drive etc etc. You've so much to be grateful for; you've just got to allow your mind to see it.

Are u for real? your trying to compare what is asked of law abiding citizens to do with people stuck in prisons, unless they are innocent, they deserve to be in there, their freedom is something they have given up when they choose to commit their crime. Sorry while I don’t shed a tear for some murdering scumbag who’s locked up in prison....

fin12 · 28-10-2020 11:59pm

Lavinia wrote: »

Well I did not murder anyone nor acted irresponsibly so not sure how could you compare my situation with people in real prisons for life, who are there for a very good reason..

There’s at least two posters on this thread that really don’t contribute anything helpful to this thread and actually tend to just criticize and questions others people feelings and thoughts about their situations.

Really don’t understand why they are on this thread. Best to put them on ignore.

lainey_d_123 · 29-10-2020 9:55am

Herb Powell wrote: »

My life and that of most of my friends, is completely upside down at the moment. I've heavily involved in music for years as soon as I was able (playing, recording, attending, organising), and that's just gone indefinitely. Socialising normally is out the window too.

They're not essential on the level of eating etc but it's a MASSIVE difference to life if this is what was normal to you before. I'm not complaining mind, everyone is losing something at the moment and tbh I think I'm handling it fine. But it is fairly unrecognisable at the moment to be quite honest.

+1

I don't mean to sound snarky here but I know people who are going on about how it's not even that different and tbh it's because they basically had no life before this, either. If someone's life consisted of gaming, Netflix and takeaways before the pandemic then yeah, it's more of the same, perhaps with the added bonus of not having to go to work every day and deal with the commute.

I basically live for travel. I spent a few years working remotely/travelling full time in different countries on a shoestring budget. I didn't care that I was broke and had no assets because travel brings me so much joy. Even once I decided to be sensible and retrain and settle down in London with a full-time job, I would be popping over to Paris for weekends and penciling in a few days in Reykjavik. I always had a trip booked to look forward to, and it kept me going during long days at work in miserable weather like we have now. I also have a hobby/second freelance job which sent me around the world for it, and I'd meet loads of people doing it and have a great time.

That's all gone now, and I don't know when I can get it back. Sure, it's not the end of the world, and I know lots of people have it worse, but my life is completely different now. It just feels like Groundhog Day, in all honesty, every day exactly the same. Sure, I can do different activities at home, but I'm essentially still at home. I can get out and exercise, but I'm in the same bit of London looking at the same roads and the same landmarks. I'm used to every year really counting, being filled with memories, and this one has just evaporated. I couldn't tell you what I did in May, or July or September. It was just all the same. Work from home, bit of exercise locally, reading, TV. And that's mentally quite hard.

Sam Hain · 30-10-2020 8:14am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I've been taking vitamin D supplements for weeks now and my mood has improved significantly.

Same here, without my habitual masturbation routine, I just won't know how to fill my day and elevate my mood.

lainey_d_123 · 30-10-2020 12:47pm

The weather here in London has been properly miserable for the last few weeks and I'd say it's a big factor in how low I've been. Today it was finally dry (miserable grey sky but at least not bloody raining) and I got out for a bit of a slow jog/walk. I feel so, so much better now. I was absolutely dreading it but once I got out there and put some music on, it was grand. I'll really try hard to do this several times a week. Then even if I don't do a lot for the rest of the day, I have already achieved something positive.

voldejoie · 30-10-2020 6:44pm

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

The weather here in London has been properly miserable for the last few weeks and I'd say it's a big factor in how low I've been. Today it was finally dry (miserable grey sky but at least not bloody raining) and I got out for a bit of a slow jog/walk. I feel so, so much better now. I was absolutely dreading it but once I got out there and put some music on, it was grand. I'll really try hard to do this several times a week. Then even if I don't do a lot for the rest of the day, I have already achieved something positive.

Similar story here, work has been mental busy so it's been hard getting out and any time I have had a chance it's been raining. But this morning I went for a 'run' just as the sun was coming up (I put that in inverted commas because I'm doing week 1 of couch to 5k and very little actual running was done!) and I felt amazing after it! Fab way to start the day and I really do think it helps me focus better through the day.

fin12 · 30-10-2020 10:46pm

Definitely agree getting out for a walk and some fresh air makes u feel better.

Mental health and CoVid-19

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