Encouragement

[Pokermon]

Sorry to keep moaning but can't stop being scarred to go back to college. Mum says it's for the best as I can't hide away for the outside world. Just wondered how other people have got on going back to work after sheilfing.

[Patsy164]

Hi Pokermon, I don’t work or go to college. I totally get where your coming from your apprehension for going back to college. I had a couple of appointments which I was really worried about but basically I started by going for a long drive with my husband, this kind of reassured me that life goes on even though we have been locked up for months. Then I went in families gardens and socially distanced. Then it was the big wide world and my appointments came up but I was worried about wearing a face covering but that was ok I managed to cope because the weather was cooler. I also went to the chemist. So what I am saying is everything is very organized and precautions are in place to protect you and them. The best masks I have read are the N95 masks followed by the surgical masks. I think its as they say just be careful wash your hands and keep safe. I would get a little gadget to open doors so you are not touching them.

Good luck and keep safe Pokermon 🌈😷😊

[Pokermon in reply to Patsy164]

Thanks being in wheelchair usually get doors opened. Lol glad you coped when going out.

[Patsy164 in reply to Pokermon]

I think it would help to go out a little first before going back to college. All the things I did help me get some confidence. I wouldn’t go in a restaurant or coffee shop yet I am still worried about large crowds. Good luck

[judes]

Hi Hon, remember Mum knows best and is always right, at least that’s what I tell my son. His reply is heavy censored!

Seriously tho I can understand how you feel about college.

As Patsy164 says gradually go out on little trips and build up from there hopefully that will make you feel less anxious.

With face masks, I don’t like wearing them but wouldn’t go out without them. I wore them at home for 10 mins at a time and built it up from there til I was wearing a mask for a couple of hours.

I sincerely hope you go back to college, education is so so important. I messed about at school, far to busy socialising and enjoying myself!

I went back to education as a mature student it was a lot more difficult than when I was younger.

Love and hugs

J

[cofdrop-UK]

I can totally understand why you feel this way sweetheart. Wonder if you have managed to speak to the facilitator for disabled students yet. It might be an idea to talk things through with them. Perhaps you could speak to your tutors too. It is true it will be good for your quality of life to get back to college and for your mental health. You know the right things to do but it can be tiresome taking charge when others are forgetting about distancing etc.

Wishing you the very best Pokerman.

Love cx

[Spacecat1]

I dont work but anxiety levels havent been good at moment got as far as getting to a car to a shop which I need to go to but we went early this morning checking on line their quietest time. Poor hubby got the wheelchair out ready for me but I ended up panicking so he just said no problem we will try again tomorrow if not comfortable said we will go home. So for me small steps the doctor has given me some orimorph to take before going out so will try that tomorrow. I am determined ed to go out. Just so we can go and do some shopping for me dont think a dress will suit hubby somehow. ( lol) and just to get out of house I will make sure take my niv mask and extra mask and plenty of hand gel. Like cofdrop says speak to your college they will understand and maybe speak to your doctor and your mum. Take care

[Kristicats]

Hi there, moan away we’ve been doing exactly the same whilst pondering our return into the real world. Do you have a disability lead person who supports you at college ? Could you voice your fears/ concerns with them? Perhaps there is something they can do to make things feel safer for you or make suggestions. It’s worth talking to someone there before you go back to help your confidence.Is there a student support body for shielded? Worth checking out?Just a thought. Cx

[mixmix]

hey Pokermon,

Listen dont let anyone force you into something your not comfortable with. Im not returning to work until maybe next year and thats due to being scared of covid. Most people dont understand it as they are not deemed high risk and sometimes can try to make us feel as if we are overreacting when in fact our fear is warranted. Im sure if you contacted your college they could do it virtually or send work home to you.

your health is priceless as well as mental health so do what is best for you.

Im sure your mum has your interests at heart- HOWEVER you must do what feels right for you.

this is scary times.

xxx

[skischool]

Pokermom,you know your mum dotes on you don't you and she would never advise you to go back to college if she thought you would come to harm or indeed if she thought you would endanger your family by doing so.Why not adopt a halfway measure,in agreement with your college and start back on a slightly casual basis,perhaps a couple of days a week if that can be agreed with your tutours,just to get used to the enviroment again and if it all feels too uncomfortable you can always bail out,that way at least you have given it a go and your mum will be happy that you tried.

Best wishes whatever happens.

Ski's and Scruff's

[Corin1950]

It’s so easy to lose your confidence after months of lockdown even for people without serious health issues like me. Just old age and shielding because my husband is vulnerable. Just take all the advice you’ve been offered above to stay safe while resuming your studies and seeing your friends again. Wishing you all the best and let us know how you get on.

X

[Ergendl]

Friends who are studying at Keele near me, are only having a few hours in the college each week: the rest will be virtual lectures and studying. It is worth finding out how your course will be taught this year. All the best for you, whatever your decision.

[Ladyindistress79]

Telephone your college and find out what the situation is and how you will be taught. The staff will not be going back if they think it is unsafe to do so.

[Eastend555]

Hi there dont worry luv what will be will be worry or not .

You gotta get out there have fun and remember this famous saying by Del Boy

HE WHO DARES WINS it makes sense

I wish you all the luck but at the end of the day its up to you

[peege]

I'm sure it's totally understandable to be worried, anxious and scared about going to college after shielding. It's only natural after being shut away - even for rarely anxious people like me!

Great ideas from Patsy above about practicing going out and about to lessen the fear.

Colleges will be taking all precautions and you won't be there full time, they have to organise lots of on line stuff so it won't be full exposure.

I think if I were in a wheelchair I'd want to wear a full face visor, carry my own hand sanitiser, wash hands & remove all outer clothing on returning home followed by a shower- you'll be so squeaky clean. It'll be so good to see people again even while safe distancing. Wish you lots luck - you certainly won't be alone in your worries.

P xx

[watergazer]

Hi there- as others have said - small steps into the world outside. I'm sure there's someone at college you can discuss this with . If you can maybe wear a face visor ?mask ? And carry hand sanitiser and wipes with you all the time. x

[GeorgeI]

I would also check if there are any way to work remotely as well. If you have a friend who goes perhaps they could record the lectures for you or stream live on their phone if the collage hasn't put anything like that in for you.

If you do have to go in wear a mask and a visor. If the n95 are too tricky to breath in the surgical masks are not bad at all, combine with a visor. Social distance as much as possible and if there are windows to the outside world i would sit next to one and have it open if not too cold for your lungs. Good for ventilation and to disperse any virus in the air, but don't give yourself a cold. I find the cooler the air the easier it can be to keep the face masks on. But a tricky balancing act.

The problem with people at the moment is that the college age folk are now mostly acting as if the virus no longer exists, not so bad outside but inside a recipe for disaster this September.

I had covid in march and it is nasty. I will be going back to hiding in September in case my immune system has lost any level of potential protection. My breathing is still not back to 100 percent. I cannot afford to get it again.

[Jaybird19]

I know the feeling . It is easier to stay in and i know it gets harder the longer you leave it but it does take some bravery. You are young i was brave to the point of being foolhardy when i was young. Now i am old and no longer brave.

Good luck