Fighting the unknown

Hello everyone,

The gloomy reality of dealing with the Covid-19 Coronavirus is really beginning to bite now and there are more and more of us being drawn into its sphere, and it's inevitable that more of us who haven't been, soon will be. There's not very much to look forward to, or to make us cheerful right now.

At the beginning of the crisis it was completely understandable that, probably to help cover the fear of the unknown, jokes began to arise, many of them posted online, about the virus, and some much funnier than others. But as more and more people face some horrible consequences, do we want any more of them?

For me that particular topic is wearing a bit too thin as a source of humour. There are only so many ways in which you can be funny about it anyway, and then, when you know others are suffering, it's all completely unfunny.

I'm aware that some of you are now facing real worries for yourselves and those you love and care for. So this weekend I'm just sending solidarity to you all, and please feel free to offload your worries here on the forum if you need to. We might not be able to offer much in the way of help or advice as we are all feeling our way through this together, but we can be here for each other, when needed.

Please stay as safe as you possibly can, and very best wishes to you all.

[sassy59]

Thank you Callendersgal this is getting very scary now. There is an atmosphere of change taking place.

Pete and I had a meltdown after the PM’s speech the other day. We’re ok now but scared to go out.

Our daughter will help us out as much as possible and I’m making sure Pete has his drug’s up to date.

I ignore any so-called jokes as can’t see any humour in this crisis.

Wishing you and everyone well. Stay safe. Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Hi sassy59,

I too was a bit astounded with the PM’s chosen words on the epidemic. I’m not sure they were helpful or what the desired effect was, unless it was designed to spread panic! I guess we can always rely on any high profile politician to manage to make a bad situations worse!

It sounds as if you have good help in place with your daughter whenever the need arises, and I think that if you both feel safer at home then that’s the best place to be. None of us can guarantee what’s going to happen, but we can help with our own common sense and willingness to follow any official restrictions on staying safer. Hoping you both continue to stay safe and well. X

[secrets22]

Oh gosh Callendersgal…...I hear you,its becoming very concerning and I am almost in isolation,and only made a quick trip to the supermarket,and on Wednesday my friend Lyn called in and stayed 3 hours and she had the most dreadful cold,and now I seem to have a cold,i know she means well but I wish she had stayed away.

And what with dealing with my David's estate and solicitors etc,my anxiety is off the richter scale....and its reported that the coronavirus wont peak for many months and by then I will be crawling up the wall with a bottle of Vodka in my hand.

However,all joking aside I wish everyone well and to stay safe.

[Hidden in reply to secrets22]

Hi secrets22,

I smiled at your reply, particularly with regard to the possible occasional use of vodka to self medicate!

I think it's really important to keep a sense of perspective. For instance our PM might equally have warned us to stay indoors because we are susceptible to injury and death on our roads, through either the use of motor cars or even walking (and with the possibility of the odd lethal mobility scooter thrown in as well). And it's a substantial risk too, if you look at road traffic accident statistics.

Life is always risky but we don't stop much to consider that, as often we might. This is a new worry, and so is attracting lots of attention, and it's true that older people are at increased risk of serious complications, but unless we are actually infected, or extra vulnerable through pre-existing health issues, and until we are officially warned not to do so, we shouldn't become too afraid to ever go out in public. After all children are still being sent out to school, and millions are still required to turn up at work. So I'd say, be wary, take all recommended hygiene precautions, but try to live as normal a life as is permitted. I think that's important for you too secrets22. You have had quite a recent bereavement and you need some normality and company to help you through what is also a difficult and demanding process of grief.

So, perhaps not go into crowded conditions, but not to shut yourself off too much, unless you have pressing medical need to do that.

Very best wishes and I hope you stay safe and well.

[Lynd in reply to secrets22]

Hi Secrets

I feel for you so much. I don't think any of us know what to do for the best. Hope your cold goes away soon. Big hugs.