Mental health and CoVid-19

21-04-2020 8:12pm

makeandcreate wrote: »

I think they are operating but not in person - some info here https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/connecting-for-life/news/supports-and-services-during-covid-19.html
or call your local counsellor.

Person to person sessions are available if you are in a bad enough state. Had a constant low level of anxiety about Covid (waking up earlier than normal etc) until I got a kidney infection 2 weeks ago which completely wrecked my sleeping pattern. Lead me to having 4 sleepless nights in a row (probably insomnia). My GP finally referred me last Friday to the mental health unit in Mayo general hospital where I had a face to face session. Currently on Mirtazapine, plus sleeping tablets if I need them. Finding this all very hard to deal with to be honest.

ShineOn7 · 22-04-2020 8:16pm

I spent a lot less time than usual on the reading and analyzing of it all today

Apart from a quick in and out I kept out of the main daily thread on this Subforum and a quicker than usual time spent on the two threads on it I was most interested in, (the Travel side of it and the Maths/Stats side), it was only about a third of my normal time trying to take in every single fact and figure

It wasn't a perfect day by any means, I felt the anxiety rise when the news came on a Radio station I was listening to, but I felt a bit more in control today. Not hugely. But a bit is better than nowt

Been getting an hour a day for two days now, in the sun or cloudy sun out my back garden, and letting the natural Vitamin D get on me

Hope the regulars in this thread are feeling even marginally better

Sober Crappy Chemis · 23-04-2020 3:00pm

As much fresh air as possible, avoiding non-reliable sources, avoiding speculation, and sticking with the facts have all helped me get through my cocooning.

(Oh , and getting threadbanned from the mega thread, thanks Beasty :pac:)

Take care of yourselves folks...

ShineOn7 · 23-04-2020 7:21pm

More time in the back garden today, this time listening to a positivity podcast and I decided after to start doing walking laps of the garden for a good 15 minutes.

It sparked endorphins I haven't felt in weeks. Definitely more of that tomorrow

I'm back indoors now on the laptop and as soon as I started scanning Boards the feeling of hope dropped at little. I'm almost going to set time limits with myself with reading both Boards and other links on it all. There's information overload on Covid everywhere at the moment and so, so much bullshít about it all

The best we can right now is:

Look after those we love
Look after ourselves and be absolutely fúcking vigilant about hand hygiene and scrubbing down surfaces we're around a lot
Distract ourselves away from the absolute avalanche of misinformation and opinions

Spending an hour researching vaccines and possible treatments won't actually help speed up either :-)

Hope you're well and would love to hear updates from regulars in this thread

Cheers

leahyl · 23-04-2020 9:03pm

Like most people, some days are better than others but I’ve been doing this constant throat clearing thing (think it’s a mixture of anxiety and sinus pressure) over the last few days and it makes me tired and anxious that I’ve picked up something. I’m trying my best to relax more but my shoulders are constantly tense and I have a mild tension headache lingering :-(

All I can say is thank God that I can still distract myself a little with work during the week - makes the time go faster.

Shineon I also find that Boards raises my anxiety levels but yet I keep looking at it! I’m a glutton for punishment!

Gonna get into my pjs now and wind down.

Hope everyone else is doing ok.

PTH2009 · 24-04-2020 5:39pm

My current routine is
Mon-fri- workout (stuff at home and walks), shopping when needed
Saturday- atm this is the only night I drink and for some reason 1 day a week drinking was unimaginable for me when I was working etc (possibly the stresses and that)

As my job is retail its anyones guess when I'll be back but hoping its soon enough. Feel when the pub opens I'll be back there and drinking 2/3 times a week

I do worry about if I get sick of my current routine and an extension of shorts on the 5th May could do that

fin12 · 24-04-2020 5:45pm

Anyone suffering with issues around food n weight during this lockdown?

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 25-04-2020 2:11pm

I know of a few elderly people whose mental health and alertness is diminishing due to being forced to spend large amounts of time indoors and alone.

It would be great if the govt could relax restrictions in a way that could help alleviate the loneliness of our elderly population, without providing loopholes for the selfish brigade to start moving around all over the place and bringing us back to square one.

iamwhoiam · 25-04-2020 2:14pm

BellaBella wrote: »

I know of a few elderly people whose mental health and alertness is diminishing due to being forced to spend large amounts of time indoors and alone.

It would be great if the govt could relax restrictions in a way that could help alleviate the loneliness of our elderly population, without providing loopholes for the selfish brigade to start moving around all over the place and bringing us back to square one.

I think if they could see their families ,at a good distance of course ,it would help the eldery greatly . Even to have someone call and sit 3-4 metres away would help with the loneliness some must be suffering

PTH2009 · 25-04-2020 3:41pm

Anyone else struggle with this video call stuff ???

I hate been on camera and dont feel comfortable doing that stuff

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 25-04-2020 5:57pm

Yes I think if close family could travel a bit further to sit in the garden with elderly parents a couple of times a week it would be a huge help. But unfortunately you'd have people using this as an excuse to go here there and everywhere. I'm really worried about an elderly relative of mine. But it seems impossible to build in a bit of flexibility without releasing mayhem.

Hobgoblin11 · 25-04-2020 6:20pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

Anyone else struggle with this video call stuff ???

I hate been on camera and dont feel comfortable doing that stuff

yes it's very strange , getting prepared to let people into your home

fryup · 26-04-2020 6:42pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

Anyone else struggle with this video call stuff ???

I hate been on camera and don't feel comfortable doing that stuff

i hate it as well i look really old with a fat face

rather be on the phone to be honest

(maybe its the webcam i have)

De Danann · 26-04-2020 6:53pm

Sebastian Unkempt Trademark wrote: »

I know of a few elderly people whose mental health and alertness is diminishing due to being forced to spend large amounts of time indoors and alone.

It would be great if the govt could relax restrictions in a way that could help alleviate the loneliness of our elderly population, without providing loopholes for the selfish brigade to start moving around all over the place and bringing us back to square one.

My grandmother diagnosed just before Xmas with the early stage of dementia.
Since the heavier restrictions started, it seems she's gotten quite a bit worse. I'd love to be able to visit her a couple of times a week and get her chatting, maybe do some brain training quizzes with her.

She's also not able to cope with not being allowed to see and hug the young grandkids.

Lavinia · 27-04-2020 6:46pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

Anyone else struggle with this video call stuff ???

I hate been on camera and dont feel comfortable doing that stuff

Can you ask to be just on call without video

robbiezero · 27-04-2020 7:17pm

Sebastian Unkempt Trademark wrote: »

Yes I think if close family could travel a bit further to sit in the garden with elderly parents a couple of times a week it would be a huge help. But unfortunately you'd have people using this as an excuse to go here there and everywhere. I'm really worried about an elderly relative of mine. But it seems impossible to build in a bit of flexibility without releasing mayhem.

A lot of people I have talked to are going to visit their elderly parents and close relations regardless next week while keeping social distancing when they get there.

ShineOn7 · 27-04-2020 7:25pm

robbiezero wrote: »

A lot of people I have talked to are going to visit their elderly parents and close relations regardless next week while keeping social distancing when they get there.

Maybe outdoors and 6 feet away

Definitely not indoors

robbiezero · 27-04-2020 7:28pm

ShineOn7 wrote: »

Maybe outdoors and 6 feet away

Definitely not indoors

Ya. That would be the plan. Would make a huge difference to some elderly people to have their family visit even with that distancing.

ShineOn7 · 27-04-2020 7:43pm

robbiezero wrote: »

Ya. That would be the plan. Would make a huge difference to some elderly people to have their family visit even with that distancing.

Yeah agreed. Kids smiling and talking to their Grandparents from a distance of at least 6 feet and completely outdoors will do all concerned a great deal of positivity

LilacNails · 28-04-2020 3:57pm

I'm quiet over whelmed again today.

I'm struggling most with having no one to call or chat too. My social outlet was mostly at work. I do have 2 or 3 friends but it's me that's made the effort most and have dropped a hint I'm struggling a bit.

I've just binged on so much crap. I don't want to leave the house. I'm sick of just walking, reading and watching TV. I'm feeling just so empty.

I'm scared what this impact is going to have on me in the future. All this time to think and being alone. I haven't had a conversation with someone since Saturday.

I have applied for some voluntary work, but I got no call back or they have enough people already.

There's no relationship with my family, that hurts a lot too, but that's something I cannot control. If anything any dealings usually makes me feel upset.

I'm jealous when I see people together walking around, I'm jealous of families... Yes theres no such thing as a perfect one but their lucky they have each other. Most don't realise what they have until it's gone.

I feel like I'm counting down the hours.

I just needed to get that all off my chest. Thanks for reading

PTH2009 · 28-04-2020 4:38pm

Going through old gigs videos and thanks to past self been stupid and recording most things in portrait style I'm editing them now lol

You dont know the frustration ha

Tell me how · 28-04-2020 4:56pm

LilacNails wrote: »

I'm quiet over whelmed again today.

I'm struggling most with having no one to call or chat too. My social outlet was mostly at work. I do have 2 or 3 friends but it's me that's made the effort most and have dropped a hint I'm struggling a bit.

I've just binged on so much crap. I don't want to leave the house. I'm sick of just walking, reading and watching TV. I'm feeling just so empty.

I'm scared what this impact is going to have on me in the future. All this time to think and being alone. I haven't had a conversation with someone since Saturday.

I have applied for some voluntary work, but I got no call back or they have enough people already.

There's no relationship with my family, that hurts a lot too, but that's something I cannot control. If anything any dealings usually makes me feel upset.

I'm jealous when I see people together walking around, I'm jealous of families... Yes theres no such thing as a perfect one but their lucky they have each other. Most don't realise what they have until it's gone.

I feel like I'm counting down the hours.

I just needed to get that all off my chest. Thanks for reading

Hope that this post helped you a little bit.

It is a difficult period to be caught with so much time and finding it hard to fill it. Any insecurities and discomforts can be magnified in this environment.

I can empathise with you in some ways. I am single and at an age where all my peers have families, I do find myself thinking about what my experience is during this versus theirs and one sibling in particular posts updates on a group chat about how they and their children are spending the day and I am delighted for them, but each picture reminds me that I don't have that.

Generally, in terms of every day form, I have noticed a distinct drop off in terms of texts, memes, updates etc from people either directly or in group chats and take this as a sign that all people are suffering in dealing with this more and more as time goes on.

Yesterday, I called my former neighbour, an elderly lady who lives on her own and I spoke to her for ten minutes and she was very thankful I called, and it did me good.
Today, I'm going to call a guy I know here for the same reason, I think he will benefit from me calling, and I will too.

Could you reach out to a work colleague or two and see how they are doing? I know what you mean about being the one that always makes the effort, but some people just aren't good at picking up the phone.

One somber note to finish up on. Lots of people are struggling within the confines of their home for various reasons. Calls to support groups have increased over this period. We don't know what other people are dealing with and I'm not suggesting that your friends or family are in this category but they too are likely struggling with this and so are probably less inclined to engage.

r93kaey5p2izun · 28-04-2020 5:44pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

Anyone else struggle with this video call stuff ???

I hate been on camera and dont feel comfortable doing that stuff

Yes. It's not so much how I look, it's the fact they are able to see into my home. Due to my lease ending during the outbreak (but before protection measures were introduced), and my house purchase being severely delayed, I am living in a situation where I am frequently the subject of verbal abuse, and people shouting abuse and making racist comments in the background is an unfortunate reality. I can just about cope with this myself in private, but being required to open it up to others is quite unbearable.

ShineOn7 · 28-04-2020 9:59pm

LilacNails wrote: »

I'm quiet over whelmed again today.

I feel like I'm counting down the hours.

You (and all of us) are one day closer to the world feeling safer

I'd a terrible day yesterday, there was almost some man tears. But I'd just 3 hours sleep the night before so of course my mind was over amplifying everything. Today, after 7 hours sleep last night and exercise today, I feel a lot better

Tomorrow; I might feel like shít again. But days like today give me hope

LilacNails; if your thoughts turn very dark please reach out to one of the helplines

LilacNails · 29-04-2020 1:41pm

Tell me how wrote: »

Hope that this post helped you a little bit.

It is a difficult period to be caught with so much time and finding it hard to fill it. Any insecurities and discomforts can be magnified in this environment.

I can empathise with you in some ways. I am single and at an age where all my peers have families, I do find myself thinking about what my experience is during this versus theirs and one sibling in particular posts updates on a group chat about how they and their children are spending the day and I am delighted for them, but each picture reminds me that I don't have that.

Generally, in terms of every day form, I have noticed a distinct drop off in terms of texts, memes, updates etc from people either directly or in group chats and take this as a sign that all people are suffering in dealing with this more and more as time goes on.

Yesterday, I called my former neighbour, an elderly lady who lives on her own and I spoke to her for ten minutes and she was very thankful I called, and it did me good.
Today, I'm going to call a guy I know here for the same reason, I think he will benefit from me calling, and I will too.

Could you reach out to a work colleague or two and see how they are doing? I know what you mean about being the one that always makes the effort, but some people just aren't good at picking up the phone.

One somber note to finish up on. Lots of people are struggling within the confines of their home for various reasons. Calls to support groups have increased over this period. We don't know what other people are dealing with and I'm not suggesting that your friends or family are in this category but they too are likely struggling with this and so are probably less inclined to engage.

Thanks so much for this post, Tell Me How. You seem to get where I'm coming from and understand my feelings, that alone brings me some comfort. Almost makes me feel seen and heard.

I felt sorry for myself a while after that post. The ****e I bought, I dumped it, I know it only makes me feel like crap when I eat it and I guess it gave me some control again with my feelings by getting rid of.

I got up off my ass and went for a cycle. Felt SO much better. It was a lovely evening, the route I went was it long and hilly so was challenging. Your always guaranteed a good sense of achievement after it.

It passed away 2hrs. Was in a far better place and am again today.

Even though the days are long I guess it still allows for time for it to be made a better one.

leahyl · 29-04-2020 2:16pm

Hi all, I'm honestly so grateful that I can work from home because otherwise I think I'd go mad. I'm still living at home (nearly 35

) and single so I'm trying to keep my mind off the fact that I can't socialise with anyone and my chances of meeting someone in the next few months are now definitely zero....it's tough sometimes but I know there are many people way worse off than me. I try to keep things in perspective. I am trying to find my own place to call home for a few years now and haven't been successful so far - I think it would be easier if I wasn't living at home because at least then I wouldn't be worrying about bringing home anything to my parents when I do the shopping - I could just drop any shopping at their door - my anxiety is bad, mainly, because I am worried about my parents - even though they are in good health generally...but they are over 70...

I think everyone has their own worries and different circumstances which present different challenges.

This is a nice thread to have (one of the few on the Covid forum!) so that people can have a chat and express how they are feeling without judgement

sc9736 · 29-04-2020 5:27pm

Hi All,

Just reading through the thread, a lot of us are struggling.

I won't go into circumstances, put I am abroad (usually get back every 2 weeks) and alone in my big new house. I'm recently separated and was due to have my kids over all of Easter and hopefully whole of summer. I haven't seen them in 7 weeks.

I've hit very dark times, I had a major panic attack last week during a presentation which is something I have never had before. I am lucky that I can work from home and have an amazing team plus very busy but the whole uncertainly and being alone is a huge thing to deal with.

I am usually a very active person who has run numerous marathons but I just can't be bothered training now. My sleep and eating patterns are stupid. Luckily where I am living has not been as bad as other countries and we are easing a lot of restrictions but I don't know when I can leave.

It's probably one of the hardest stages in our lives and even though the dark dog comes, I try to find a way out and keep saying this can't last forever.

Chins up all.

Goose76 · 29-04-2020 6:42pm

The talk in today’s Irish Times of cocooning going on until there is a vaccine has set my mental health back ten steps. I’ve been panicky since reading it. My parents are 70+ and already have to cocoon.

uli84 · 29-04-2020 10:51pm

Anxiety through the roof for me since all those recent talks about NOT easing the restrictions ðŸ™

freshpopcorn · 30-04-2020 1:08am

I was watching Beat the Chasers Tonight and Britain's got Talent at the weekend and I said to myself when will we ever see a studio audience in a program again
and when these things were filmed nobody really imagined the position we'd be in now!(Not trying to depress people).

LilacNails · 30-04-2020 12:38pm

Feeling a bit....meh...dont want to wallow in it...so I'm going to binge watch The Inbetweeners on the channel 4 app. Spend too much time watching and listening to serious stuff..... Bit of comedy never does much harm!

mr_fegelien · 30-04-2020 10:23pm

They were talking about an increase in suicide during this pandemic. Is that possible?

Tell me how · 30-04-2020 10:32pm

mr_fegelien wrote: »

They were talking about an increase in suicide during this pandemic. Is that possible?

Anything is possible. People are more stressed at this time. They have concerns about health, their livelihood etc. Stress and worry can contribute to depression and anxiety and unfortunately suicide can be a consequence from that.

That doesn't mean that it is guaranteed to increase, there is also some reports that some people are now less stressed because they have realized over the last few weeks just what is really important in life and it isn't spending all time at work or worrying about it when you are not there.

ShineOn7 · 30-04-2020 11:26pm

mr_fegelien wrote: »

They were talking about an increase in suicide during this pandemic. Is that possible?

Of course it is

There was reports of multiple suicides in a city (I forget which one, it was 7 weeks ago) when all this started. If I remember right a good few were businessmen who saw the severity of what was coming

never_mind · 01-05-2020 10:17am

sc9736 wrote: »

Hi All,

Just reading through the thread, a lot of us are struggling.

I won't go into circumstances, put I am abroad (usually get back every 2 weeks) and alone in my big new house. I'm recently separated and was due to have my kids over all of Easter and hopefully whole of summer. I haven't seen them in 7 weeks.

I've hit very dark times, I had a major panic attack last week during a presentation which is something I have never had before. I am lucky that I can work from home and have an amazing team plus very busy but the whole uncertainly and being alone is a huge thing to deal with.

I am usually a very active person who has run numerous marathons but I just can't be bothered training now. My sleep and eating patterns are stupid. Luckily where I am living has not been as bad as other countries and we are easing a lot of restrictions but I don't know when I can leave.

It's probably one of the hardest stages in our lives and even though the dark dog comes, I try to find a way out and keep saying this can't last forever.

Chins up all.

Really sorry to hear you are going through a tough time. I am also a runner and I slacked off at the start of this because I felt there was no point. Can I just suggest you go for it and get back into running? Even do two easy runs a week... I promise you it makes you feel 10000% times better!

uli84 · 01-05-2020 1:46pm

mr_fegelien wrote: »

They were talking about an increase in suicide during this pandemic. Is that possible?

I unfortunately personally know 1 person who took her life, few weeks earlier posted a comment on Facebook group that suicide numbers will increase due to covid-19

fin12 · 01-05-2020 9:07pm

uli84 wrote: »

I unfortunately personally know 1 person who took her life, few weeks earlier posted a comment on Facebook group that suicide numbers will increase due to covid-19

Sorry to hear that.

fin12 · 01-05-2020 9:57pm

I was thinking if people post some things that have been positive or they feel positive about the lockdown.

For me it’s been very good for my dog who is getting a lot more attention and exercise.

Nice not been stressed in the morning trying to get to work.

uli84 · 02-05-2020 1:39am

Ugh can’t sleep, this evening news were not good news...

ShineOn7 · 02-05-2020 2:26am

uli84 wrote: »

Ugh can’t sleep, this evening news were not good news...

Why? It was very positive news actually

uli84 · 02-05-2020 2:35am

Well not for me, restrictions affecting me will not be lifted until August and that’s not even for sure, not sure how I’m gonna cope another 3 months. Also working from home with a kid is becoming impossible for me, bringing a lot of stress and anxiety to the point I cry nearly every day.

ShineOn7 · 02-05-2020 2:43am

Did you really expect restrictions that were introduced layer by layer not to be lifted in the same way?

That's not how this works. Have a good read of this please and know it's very much for the best https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0501/1136167-road-map-details/?fbclid=IwAR0oDmIvWJX8XgFEC2qNFgNWfOebioUr0pmFbzrfKkmNZ0TN6L61xOgVMa4

uli84 · 02-05-2020 3:05am

ShineOn7 wrote: »

Did you really expect restrictions that were introduced layer by layer not to be lifted in the same way?

That's not how this works. Have a good read of this please and know it's very much for the best https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0501/1136167-road-map-details/?fbclid=IwAR0oDmIvWJX8XgFEC2qNFgNWfOebioUr0pmFbzrfKkmNZ0TN6L61xOgVMa4

I read that, and I don’t want to argue but no other country in Europe is this strict. can you tell me when cancer and diabetes complications screenings are restarting according to this document? Because it’s a big concern for me..

robbiezero · 02-05-2020 11:43pm

ShineOn7 wrote: »

Why? It was very positive news actually

For those with family outside of their region it was hardly good news. Nearly 12 weeks before they can visit them.

ShineOn7 · 03-05-2020 12:02am

robbiezero wrote: »

For those with family outside of their region it was hardly good news. Nearly 12 weeks before they can visit them.

It's staggering how stupid some people are at this stage of the "lockdown" (it's a very light lockdown compared to some countries).

Would you rather that you or the family outside the region were dead? It'll be a lot fcuking longer than 12 weeks before you seen them then that's for sure

robbiezero · 03-05-2020 12:16am

ShineOn7 wrote: »

It's staggering how stupid some people are at this stage of the "lockdown" (it's a very light lockdown compared to some countries).

Would you rather that you or the family outside the region were dead? It'll be a lot fcuking longer than 12 weeks before you seem them then that's for sure

Given the thread that's in it, I'm just not going to bother responding to that rant.

ShineOn7 · 03-05-2020 12:24am

robbiezero wrote: »

Given the thread that's in it, I'm just not going to bother responding to that rant.

Agreed. Take your "woe is me, I can't see family because the government is trying to keep me and them alive. How dare they" nonsense to the many Restrictions threads elsewhere

robbiezero · 03-05-2020 12:30am

ShineOn7 wrote: »

Agreed. Take your "woe is me, I can't see family because the government is trying to keep me and them alive. How dare they" nonsense to the many Restrictions threads elsewhere

Who exactly are you quoting there and link to the post please?

NegativeCreep · 03-05-2020 12:38am

ShineOn7 wrote: »

Agreed. Take your "woe is me, I can't see family because the government is trying to keep me and them alive. How dare they" nonsense to the many Restrictions threads elsewhere

Bet it makes you feel great to pick on someone having a hard time dealing with the restrictions in a thread about mental health.

Plumbthedepths · 03-05-2020 12:41am

ShineOn7 wrote: »

Agreed. Take your "woe is me, I can't see family because the government is trying to keep me and them alive. How dare they" nonsense to the many Restrictions threads elsewhere

I suggest you acquaint yourself with the thread title and try to be less obnoxious.

Mental health and CoVid-19

Comments