CC By 2.0
I thought it might be helpful to start a discussion forum in which we could lend support to one another during this stressful time. We could post experiences, observations, encouragement, and comfort.
I’ll start with the story of one of my neighbors going around with her ancient dog in a baby carriage and a giant garbage bag full of toilet paper to see if anyone needed that vital supply that has vanished from the shelves.
Then another neighbor came out and asked if anyone wanted a brand-new crockpot. (She was too stressed out to return it). So the toilet paper angel got a new crockpot, still in its original box.
10 thoughts on “Coronavirus Support Discussion”
My mother lives In Haiti so I live my guardians my great aunt and my great uncle. They are 80+ years old. So my family decided that I should take time off from work and stay inside. The only problem is I get very anxious. Being in the house, an only-child with my anxiety is not easy. I am trying to keep myself busy but it’s not working I just get distracted and even more anxious. My amazing friends take a turn calling me and keeping me company. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.
section 0505[11615]
Hi Patricia!
Stay strong! Anxiety is no joke and this is a hard time. Something that helps me to cope with my anxiety is writing, coloring and even doing a few jumping jacks. Just different ways of coping, but in a time like this distractions are also very necessary!
This moment in time won’t last forever even if it feels that way.
I have moments of fear, more for my friends and family who struggle with a lack of social interaction. I also was worried about getting sick as well or possibly getting older members of my family sick as well, so I’ve been trying to follow the rules with all of that stuff. But overall am ironically excited because I am using this time to catch up with myself, implement new routines/habits that I’ve been putting off, and also talking more to friends and family (over the phone). I work at an afterschool so I’m not working until April 20th, meaning I have a lot more free time and I definitely will try my best not to let it go to waste.
I’m really glad to that this moment in time is allowing so many people to come together like our global leaders, because no one is exempt from getting sick. And also whenever I hear Andrew Cuomo talk about this I always feel better because I prefer to get my information from the main source and not from idiots spreading fake news.
That is definitely one thing I’ve really disliked about this time, people’s naiveness and inability to fact check. It at times contributes to people’s stress and anxiety. We d not want people physically ill, but we also should not want people’s sanity to suffer.
Samantha, I really appreciate your positive outlook on this, finding the hidden good things, such as having more time for yourself and caring about others. It’s true that a lot of people are not good at being alone, and it’s nice that you can have this empathy. I also think it’s wonderful that you seek out facts and primary sources, such as the Governor himself, and don’t get your news and information from Facebook and other unvetted sources. Long live the truth.
The past few years have been especially challenging for me. From abusive relationships, to moving 2+ times in a single year, to moving home to get a fresh start, I feel like I fell behind on life because I had other priorities that were causing me drama and weighing me down. February 5th I moved into my apartment in Brooklyn, and on February 10th, I flew to California with the intention to return to my new home that I worked so hard for over the past couple years. Even though I am happy to bee with my family during this crisis, COVID-19 has just added to the mountain of anxiety and stress I have been carrying with me for quite some time. The past few days have been extremely emotional for me… waking up from nightmares, experiencing forms of mini-panic/anxiety attacks, uncontrollable crying (and it doesn’t help that I already have a hormone imbalance that I am trying to correct).
I feel as if this just adds to the feelings of wanting to sell everything I own and jet off somewhere remote. I can’t concentrate on the simplest of tasks and the isolation is beginning to enhance an overwhelming amount of depression…
Sorry if this was very negative but unfortunately this is my reality at the moment. Most of this I am aware can be coped with through therapy, but I cannot use my insurance while I am in California, as it is specifically for NY state. Just feeling very alone and lost with all of this madness, and I am hoping things lighten up soon. I miss my apartment and I miss the beginning of a new lifestyle I was creating for myself in New York. This isolation makes me feel like I am falling back into toxic habits and mindsets.