Topic Tuesday // Comfort in chaos: Looking after yourself and others during challenging times // Tues 30th June, 7-8.30pm AEST

[Adge]

Most challenging @Jupiter 

*Less access to usual supports, social isolation, especially during these restictions - Yoga classes & my MH Social Lunch (not a Discussion Group) were shut down.

Apart from work, these are my only Social interactions (social exchanges) - loss of my job/work has greatly increased my social isolation.

Telephone contact was not an option (in most cases) - I have no phone contact or phone numbers for my MH Social Lunch people, or for other Yoga class participants.

Adge

[Snowie]

@Jupiter 

Most challenging was not being able to see my psychologist. Going from weekly appointments to nothing, and only seeing my pdoc via zoom too. My outreach worker also had to stop seeing me.

Not having my usual supports in place has really impacted me.

[frog]

Yes @jem80 it's a work in progress for me too. I am doing my best to be flexible and go with what is, instead of grasping for things as I'd like them to be. Not easy.

[Maggie]

I think the relentless of suffering. Bushfires, pandemic, racism. Not getting over one wave, when another hits, then another. Always on the lookout for what next.

Lack of freedom to just do simple things.

[Adge]

Yes @Jupiter My Profile picture is a Red-Faced Parrot-Finch - only found on the island of New Caledonia.

My favourite Finch - I have one Red-Faced Parrot-Finch in my Aviary (at the moment).

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[NatureLover]

I like lockdown, but my agoraphobia and germophobia have definitely got worse. It will be a real challenge getting back to my usual activities...am concerned about how I'll cope. 

[Jupiter]

For sure @jem80 social isolation is so tough. Humans are social creatures, we rely on interaction and company to thrive. 

On this note, for me the most challenging thing has been working from home. I live alone and I really miss the incidental chats with colleagues and that lunch room banter. I now need to be a lot more proactive about socialising and connecting with others than I was before.

I feel for you @frog, routine is super important in combatting uncertainty and anxiety, and when that is taken away it makes things much harder to manage. I hear a lot of compassion for others in your words too. It's beautiful that, amidst your own challenges and grief, you feel such conern for others. A great sense of solidarity...

I also feel worried about those in our community who are more vulnerable @jem80 

Yeah @Judi9877 the restrictions are so tough when they take away access to places that are important to us, even though we understand why they are needed...

[frog]

@Maggietotally agree re how relentless it's been. It's hard to deal with such sustained stress. Also re missing simple things. I dk if, or how long before, I'll adjust. Also don't really want to adjust to the lack of freedom.

[Jupiter]

Hard for you @Shaz51 looking out for both yourself and your husband... 

Weekly appointments to nothing - wow @Snowie that's a huge change in support 

Yes @Maggie I keep thinking that's the last of it but it feels like something else comes up...

Interesting you say you like lockdown @NatureLover. I have spoken to some people who like it too, as staying home feels familiar and safe 

[Jupiter]

It seems like there is a lot we CAN'T do at the moment. Maybe we can talk about things we CAN do?

When there is a lot of chaos happening in the world it can leave us with a sense that things are out of control. This can be hugely anxiety provoking. I wonder, what are some small things that help you regain a sense of control or feeling of comfort?