Shielding- it’s okay not to be okay?

[TheJBird]

Is anybody else finding that shielding is more difficult as time goes on?

It’s really taking a toll on my mental health now. Been feeling very down and tearful this week. I’ve written more about it in my blog:

animpatientpatient.com/shie...

Feel free to have a read and let me know if you’re feeling similarly.

Sending a big virtual hug to all those going through this. It’s not easy!

[happytulip]

You've put my feelings into words perfectly.

[TheJBird in reply to happytulip]

Hi happy tulip,

It’s nice to know I’m not alone although sad that lots of us are struggling. It’s such a strange and unprecedented time!

[RachelD1972]

Yes, totally get this. Shielding in a 3rd floor flat on my own with minimal support. I have started going for early morning walks. Feel like I now need to consider the mental health side of things alongside the physical. We all have different different situations to deal with but I am going to try and spend more time outdoors this week.

[svfarmer]

Have just read your blog and totally get everything you say - I too feel that everyone is moving forward and leaving us all behind. I spoke with one of my very good friends yesterday who is shielding as she has a heart condition and she told me she had been crying this week , she feels so down . The only thing that has kept me going in lockdown is my dog had puppies, so it’s been a very welcome distraction- sending hugs 🤗 to you xx

[TheJBird in reply to svfarmer]

Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words. I really do feel left behind which isn’t helping but I guess it’s totally natural! Puppies sound like a wonderful distraction! Xx

[Prunes]

I was coping well until that unexpected announcement saying that we could go out for a walk once a day. That's just thrown me because I realise that I am scared to go out even though I had been longing for the day that we would be able to.

I've been out three times in the car now but haven't actually got out. I'm trying to convince myself that it would be fine to go for a walk somewhere that is not busy.

Waiting like the rest of us to see what further announcements are made this week.

[TheJBird in reply to Prunes]

Hi Prunes,

I think the fact it was so sudden put a lot of us on edge!

I’m eagerly awaiting updates although I know they’re likely to set me back. It’s such a rough time isn’t it.

Take care x

[happytulip in reply to TheJBird]

And how it was delivered.

[Chin-up]

Hi JBird 🙂

I feel the same way. Ive kept positive for a long time but just after the gov announced we could go outside for exercise I received a letter from the hospital advising I stay home for another 12 weeks and be strict about staying indoors. As an active person in my 30s I'm finding it difficult to watch others going back to normality - family days out, going shopping etc when I cant simply go for a walk.

I know having lupus make me different but I definately agree with the feeling of being left behind. It would be lovely to experience a little taste of freedom others have now instead of watching from the windows!

I hope that the feeling you're not alone in this helps in some way. The main aim is to keep us safe so if we dont lose sight of that it should keep us plodding on 🙂

Try and keep busy. I'm working from home so my days are full which does help. 1000 piece jigsaws are helping too 🌈

[TheJBird in reply to Chin-up]

Hi chin up,

You sound similar to me! I’m in my 20s and a very social person so finding it very hard. As much as I’m pleased for family and friends having some normality back it’s hard to not feel left behind.

It’s nice to know I’m not alone even though it’s sad so many of us are affected by this!

I’m working from time too which has been my saving grace in all this!

Stay safe x

[TheJBird]

Hi newby,

You are right. We’re still here and virus free. I try and remember that when I’m feeling sad. It’s just so unknown for us all isn’t it!

Take care