Covid-19 Community Support and Mental Wellness Thread

Per request, my gee-tar:

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a reply to: Hefficide

My Post Transplant Center sent out absolute crap advice today, totally ignoring the fact that this virus remains viable in the air for three hours and AS IF you could maintain social distancing anywhere in the medical facility. I am convinced that they don't care if its patients live or die. I have multiple instances to support this conclusion. They are going to have a lot of transplant recipient deaths on their hands because of the crap advice they are giving out and their attitude of "Meh. Whatever happens to you, happens." It has gone SO downhill in the last 5 - 10 years.

I won't be seeking a third transplant if I should live long enough to need one. I can't get to another transplant center and, at this point, I wouldn't trust them to remove a hangnail, let alone do another transplant. They nearly killed me with the last one, so no. It will be dialysis or hospice.

I might get dropped from their patient roster anyway. I called to tell them their advice sucked swampwater and ended the call by telling them that I hope they enjoyed the deaths. I am So. Angry.

a reply to: Hefficide

Don't feel bad. I am the same way with The Witcher series. I see everywhere how awesome it is, and I always end up feeling like a total failure because I just can't make myself hit that magic moment you describe with it. I just can't make myself want to "be" Geralt enough to get immersed enough to learn it and play.

a reply to: Hefficide

I don't know if anyone is interested in combat breathing, a technique to get control of emotions.

Breathe in for four seconds.
Hold air in your lungs for four seconds.
Exhale for four seconds.
Hold your breath, lungs emptied, for four seconds.

This article makes like it's just a SEAL thing, but it isn't. My husband learned it in the AF.

getpocket.com...

a reply to: 0zzymand0s

Sick artwork

Depression, is gonna start kicking in folks, stay positive, take walks if you’re not working, build a garden, do lawn work etc. write down a list of goals each day to achieve, start small to medium goals to long term goals. Use the power of affirmations. We also might want to not watch the news for awhile.

Take care everyone .

originally posted by: Hefficide
Funny bit of irony,

A friend texted me basically asking if I had any advice for dealing with the enhanced anxiety and depression levels that he's feeling due to current world situations.

My advice to him was that I do all I can to distract myself when things get bad. Watch something on streaming ( YouTube, movies or binge watch shows ), read a book, play video games, write, take apart my computers, clean and rebuild them - whatever works at any given time.

Now I feel a bit hypocritical for that advice because I've done all the things on my list today - several times over and for about 5 or 10 minutes each try. Every attempt at distractions fails almost immediately. I can't get my mind to focus on any of it.

I'm not fixated on what's going on. I'm not afraid. I'm just so subconsciously keyed up that my mind is unable to lock on any single thing.

This is the aspect of PTSD that''s so difficult to explain to others. It's not the surface level anxiety or fear that's hard - the sort of feeling most people think of and have experienced. It's the anxiety that's deep down in the dark waters that has no discernible shape or form that's the real hassle.

Perfect explanation! This is exactly what I go through! The deep subconscious anxiety that won't allow me to focus on anything. This is so hard to articulate and explain to people. And, worst of all, it's almost impossible to overcome when I get in this state.

Everyone needs a golden retriever. I have one. He is very red. But, I'm sorry to say, not as smart as this guy.
www.cbsnews.com...

I think Tucker might accidentally eat the groceries.

a reply to: Phage

OMG GOOD BOY!!!

I have a Brody dog. He's about what you'd expect from a mutt with a little pit, a little black lab, and a little Australian shepherd; wiry, tough, high strung and extremely cuddly. He will stand there bitchin' at me until I finish getting my shoes on to take him for a walk.

He would give her lots of love, but there is no way he'd deliver the groceries. He's woof them down in two or three big bites, bag and all.

I’m retired for good from the workforce, and am 55 years old. I’m an introverted homebody for the most part. What makes this more difficult for me and my mental health is the fact that my husband of 27 years had a stroke on February 8. He spent five days in the hospital where they did a number of tests. He couldn’t move anything on his right side, and had a lot of confusion and aphasia. On February 14, he was admitted to a nursing home for rehab. I had hopes he would recover and come back home.

But in his first couple of weeks at the nursing home, he actually got a little worse. He couldn’t remember who my parents were, nor his date of birth, or the names of his children or grandchildren. The doctor thinks he had more TIA’s (small strokes). But sending him back to the hospital for more invasive testing would not be a good thing and the doctor didn’t recommend that. I agreed with the doctor. A little later, I had a care conference with the heads at the nursing home. They stated, very nicely and gently to me, that they did not think my husband would recover well enough to come home. He requires 24 hour around the clock care and cannot do much for himself. The nursing home is taking very good care of him.

Per a Wisconsin state mandate by the governor, all nursing homes were closed to visitors effective March 12. I have not seen my husband since then, but try and call him 2-3 times a day. He is 67 years old and has multiple things like heart disease, obesity, type II diabetes and chronic lung disease. I’m terrified he will get COVID-19 and die. I feel like I’m losing my mind some days. I feel disconnected and isolated. I try and get outside to take walks. Fortunately I live in a medium town of 25,000 people, and I don’t run into too many other people. I get bouts of depression and crying jags. My panic attacks, which all but disappeared once I retired, are back big time. I worry about having one in public. The last time I went grocery shopping, I thought I was going to start screaming.

I know lots of people are worried about COVID-19. I am very worried I will get sick. But I’m terrified for my husband. I’m trying to be “strong” but I am really sucking at that. I called and talked to my Mom today. I was a mess, crying and felt terrible. I don’t want to stress the rest of my family with this. But I felt better after our phone call.

I just keep telling myself “this too shall pass.” After this COVID-19 thing fades off, I will look for a therapist to talk to or a support group. Thanks for listening.

Watching my family and friends on Facebook, it sounds like Americans are really worked into a big FEAR about this coronavirus thing.... do you guys percieve that?
I mean, besides feeling irritated with the current situation, I get the idea that maybe the media has worked up a big terror feeling in people!

I'm not there, I don't get that influence, but if the media over there is doing it's usual terrorism thing, it might be better not to watch the news too much?

I actually had my sister contact me in a panic this morning (people only contact me when in distress - they know I'll be supportive and listen, then they don't want to see me again until six years later when they are in another crisis..).
She's pancking because her adult son apparently is sick and has the symptoms of coronavirus.

But he's a young man in good health otherwise. Her fear seems exaggerated! I probably had this, some of my co-workers probably did, and many people I know have it right now... and none of them died or even needed to be hospitalized! Not to say this isn't dangerous for vulnerable people, (that's why we're isolating- to protet them).

I don't know... feeling sad for people who not only have to deal with the hardship of social isolation, but being scared to death by the media as well...

Hope you all have an okay day. Each time I start to have a meltdown (liek yesterday) I go to bed telling myself tomorrow I will fight the depression actively. I'm up at 5AM,went to bed early, and am about to do some yoga and housecleaning before I start working on the computer again. We can do this! Sending love and light to all.

Thank you Heff, my name is Oliver. I have so much appreciation for this thread and everyone willing to contribute. I am finding this whole paradigm shift unsettling as well. Never had panic or anxiety attacks (once chemically induced) but since the middle of February, I’ve been experiencing waves of grief, loss, uncontrollable anxiety, and a new wave of depression. In some ways this feels like 9/11 all over again and I think it’s triggered an adverse response in me. Of great magnitude.
Preparing to lose my grandfather to this as he’s in a home is a real and present threat I’m not ready for. The sheer risk and danger to our Drs, Nurses, and healthcare workers is too staggering to comprehend for me. Let alone the economic impact and the social implications for out time..

I always have an uneasy feeling I’d be alive to see great waste and vast suffering without wanting/willing it to happen. Plenty of doom porn out there. No need to feed it. It’s just been a feeling. And now this....

For the first time in my life I almost appreciate not being married or having children. Almost. But the crushing loneliness and nursing a wounded heart are crippling. Trying to quit smoking during this stressful time is proving tough. But it must be done.

I am wishing us all the best in these unprecedented and unfortunate times. Uncharted territory for sure. So the most genuine and warm healing thoughts, good vibes, and all the LOVE my soul can muster to all of you. To everyone everywhere.

If anyone wants to chat please don’t hesitate to DM me,
I just joined Instagram during this time, not sure that the timing is great. But without being a government spy or having my own family (no need for cover), just know I’m here if anyone needs to reach out and wants a comforting ear. I’ll try to keep it together for both our sakes. I’m also on Xbox 1, for the gamers out there. Same SN across the board. Call me Slate or Oli. Lol You and Yours Be well ATS

Here’s a Metta mediation for you. It’s all I got besides the earnest tears streaming down my face, and the hope someday this will all be okay. Truly....

May you all dwell in safety
May your hearts be happy and healthy
May your breath be free
May your minds be clear and grounded
May you all be free from affliction
May you all be at peace

a reply to: Finspiracy

Call your mom!

originally posted by: 0zzymand0s


He would give her lots of love, but there is no way he'd deliver the groceries. He's woof them down in two or three big bites, bag and all.

LOL!

originally posted by: ChiefD
I’m retired for good from the workforce, and am 55 years old. I’m an introverted homebody for the most part. What makes this more difficult for me and my mental health is the fact that my husband of 27 years had a stroke on February 8. He spent five days in the hospital where they did a number of tests. He couldn’t move anything on his right side, and had a lot of confusion and aphasia. On February 14, he was admitted to a nursing home for rehab. I had hopes he would recover and come back home.

But in his first couple of weeks at the nursing home, he actually got a little worse. He couldn’t remember who my parents were, nor his date of birth, or the names of his children or grandchildren. The doctor thinks he had more TIA’s (small strokes). But sending him back to the hospital for more invasive testing would not be a good thing and the doctor didn’t recommend that. I agreed with the doctor. A little later, I had a care conference with the heads at the nursing home. They stated, very nicely and gently to me, that they did not think my husband would recover well enough to come home. He requires 24 hour around the clock care and cannot do much for himself. The nursing home is taking very good care of him.

Per a Wisconsin state mandate by the governor, all nursing homes were closed to visitors effective March 12. I have not seen my husband since then, but try and call him 2-3 times a day. He is 67 years old and has multiple things like heart disease, obesity, type II diabetes and chronic lung disease. I’m terrified he will get COVID-19 and die. I feel like I’m losing my mind some days. I feel disconnected and isolated. I try and get outside to take walks. Fortunately I live in a medium town of 25,000 people, and I don’t run into too many other people. I get bouts of depression and crying jags. My panic attacks, which all but disappeared once I retired, are back big time. I worry about having one in public. The last time I went grocery shopping, I thought I was going to start screaming.

I know lots of people are worried about COVID-19. I am very worried I will get sick. But I’m terrified for my husband. I’m trying to be “strong” but I am really sucking at that. I called and talked to my Mom today. I was a mess, crying and felt terrible. I don’t want to stress the rest of my family with this. But I felt better after our phone call.

I just keep telling myself “this too shall pass.” After this COVID-19 thing fades off, I will look for a therapist to talk to or a support group. Thanks for listening.

Man, my heart goes out to you. My husband is the same age. I don't know how anyone could be "strong" through this other than keep putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. It is very hard that the stroke happened when it did.

Is there any way you could get groceries delivered or do curbside pickup? It would address two issues: (1) no need to worry about having a panic attack in the middle of some aisle and (2) less exposure to others.

I wish I knew how to comfort you best. USN is family.

originally posted by: Phage
Everyone needs a golden retriever. I have one. He is very red. But, I'm sorry to say, not as smart as this guy.
www.cbsnews.com...

I think Tucker might accidentally eat the groceries.

You're so lucky to have a golden. We used to have German Shepherd Dogs, including two Schutzhund. Now, it's only neurotic cats who would think Godzilla moved in if we brought one into the home. Not that cat affection isn't intense and real--it is--but there is something very special about the love of a dog. Please give Tucker some affection for me.

Have you ever looked into clicker training? It's amazing what can be done with it, and it is so much fun. Karen Pryor's work would be the place to start. Tucker might surprise you.

originally posted by: slatesteam
Thank you Heff, my name is Oliver. I have so much appreciation for this thread and everyone willing to contribute. I am finding this whole paradigm shift unsettling as well. Never had panic or anxiety attacks (once chemically induced) but since the middle of February, I’ve been experiencing waves of grief, loss, uncontrollable anxiety, and a new wave of depression. In some ways this feels like 9/11 all over again and I think it’s triggered an adverse response in me. Of great magnitude.
Preparing to lose my grandfather to this as he’s in a home is a real and present threat I’m not ready for. The sheer risk and danger to our Drs, Nurses, and healthcare workers is too staggering to comprehend for me. Let alone the economic impact and the social implications for out time..

I always have an uneasy feeling I’d be alive to see great waste and vast suffering without wanting/willing it to happen. Plenty of doom porn out there. No need to feed it. It’s just been a feeling. And now this....

For the first time in my life I almost appreciate not being married or having children. Almost. But the crushing loneliness and nursing a wounded heart are crippling. Trying to quit smoking during this stressful time is proving tough. But it must be done.

I am wishing us all the best in these unprecedented and unfortunate times. Uncharted territory for sure. So the most genuine and warm healing thoughts, good vibes, and all the LOVE my soul can muster to all of you. To everyone everywhere.

If anyone wants to chat please don’t hesitate to DM me,
I just joined Instagram during this time, not sure that the timing is great. But without being a government spy or having my own family (no need for cover), just know I’m here if anyone needs to reach out and wants a comforting ear. I’ll try to keep it together for both our sakes. I’m also on Xbox 1, for the gamers out there. Same SN across the board. Call me Slate or Oli. Lol You and Yours Be well ATS

Here’s a Metta mediation for you. It’s all I got besides the earnest tears streaming down my face, and the hope someday this will all be okay. Truly....

May you all dwell in safety
May your hearts be happy and healthy
May your breath be free
May your minds be clear and grounded
May you all be free from affliction
May you all be at peace

That's a beautiful blessing. Thanks.

I'm a secret fan of yours, Oli. I enjoy your posts across all threads.

Things will go back to normal eventually, but it may be a new normal and it may take awhile. We just have to hang in there. If you ever want to initiate a chat yourself, my virtual door is open. And speaking of virtual doors, what games are you playing on xbox one?

This morning, as I sit in a kind of emotion hangover and look at my arm, I am thinking back to where my self harm started. It might sound funny, but it started when I was first institutionalized at 13. An interesting time for me, for both good and bad reasons. The bad started after I learned to "self medicate" by destructive emotional release. They weren't too happy about it happening in their care, and I paid the price for it. So, here I am staring down 50 with new scars and I wonder if I really changed all that much from when I first started. Sure, lots of experiences, lots of people come and gone but I still find myself alone with this. I guess theres not much point discussing this. Im going to end up here again when things get out of control in my head...and they will. They always do. I never harm to end my life, i want that to be clear. A gun would be a hell of a lot faster. So again, whats the point of saying all this here? IDK. I guess its just a small mark where i can be counted amongst the pile. yay, i am someone today.

a reply to: ChiefD

I know you feel bad for having to do that, but in that is part of what family is for -- shoulder to cry on when you need it.

I'm so sorry to hear about that. I know lots of places are putting that type of protocol into effect because I proof senior complex newsletters, and I've been seeing letters in them about those policies and wanting to enable Skype and Facetime whenever possible for families.

This brings it home how very stressful for some that can be.

I'm so sorry to hear that you're separated from your husband right now with all of this going on.

a reply to: Bluesma

Yes, I very much feel like the press is a big part of where the fear comes from. I live in a county around the KC metro area. We have less than 20 confirmed cases in our county, but we're on lock down as if we're NYC. Our mayor is actively encouraging us to turn each other in just like we live in some kind of dark dystopia when the hardest hit clusters are down in the inner city neighborhoods and hipster gentrified areas that resemble NYC living.

It's like the press only sees the Eastern seaboard cities and assumes that if it's bad there, it will be exactly the same everywhere else and ... well it's not.

They reported on the US Aid ship rolling into the harbor as follows, "It gives everyone in NYC ... and the entire country ... hope." I was thinking that I was certainly glad that it was there because I'm sure people in NYC might need it, but I wasn't sure how it was supposed to inspire hope in me living clear out in the heartland because it hellagone and away from me and did me abso-friggin-lutely no good at all where I am.

Neither of those two ships will make any difference to me one way or the other in this whole situation. I am thoroughly landlocked. So how exactly do they "inspire hope in me" again?

I mean, maybe I'm just being bitter and cynical about this, but I see the rest of country behaving as if we're all NYC, and we're not.