I have been trying to cope with self isolation but given the systematic closure of non essential shops this action has impacted on me on a personal front
I understand why people suffer from OCD and my head was spinning with panic until I asked for the organisation’s closure to be put in writing as a result of the Governments decision to close non essential shops
I really think the Lock down is absolutely necessary but it will take its toil on those who struggle with mental health issues
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Hi Roukaya,
Sorry you are finding the latest restrictions weighing heavily on you. It’s not going to be easy for anyone, but maybe if you can try to concentrate less on what we’ll be missing, and a bit more on how it might save our own and others’ lives, perhaps it might be a little easier to bear.
It’s also good to find yourself some distractions so that when the darker thoughts come, you have something to hand to keep yourself busy.
Don’t forget to include some cheerful and favourite music too, as that can change your mood on a pinhead.
And also remember that although you seem to be alone, the country is filled from end to end with people going through similar feelings to you.
It is going to be long and stressful but there are no alternatives. This crisis is a life and death one so we only have this one chance to stay safe.
But I really do feel for you and send all my best hopes that you will feel better about it all soon. Take care and stay safe!
Thank you for your kind words
I will try to understand and accept that the social isolation and Lockdown is in place for the preservation of human life
I will remember this and thank you
That’s really good Roukaya, but remember we are also all entitled to the occasional wobble with our feelings! Take care
Dear Jerry
Thank you for your very useful link to OCD
This has given me a greater insight into managing this condition
I wish you well and stay safe
I am sorry you are finding it very difficult. There is very much meaning and thought behind it. We don't like it, it is very strange and unfamiliar, it makes us feel uncomfortable and takes us away from our safe zone. We are not sure how long it might go on for. We can be sure it won't last and the shops will start to open again and restrictions will be lifted. It is a temporary moment in the scheme of things, so hang on in there, keep yourself occupied and your mind busy. x
Hi bobbybob, that's absolutely true. People hate change and more, they hate imposed restriction, so this is the perfect storm. But sooner or later it will become our new norm, if not a pleasant one. But as you say, it will pass, trying though it is....
I agree a crisis has come without any warning
Someone one told me we should learn to accept and adapt to our circumstances which change
Life never stays the same otherwise in my own words we wil stagnate
In our religion we are taught
If you have experienced poverty can we value wealth
Only of we have ill health can we value good health
These words come our Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him
Acceptance of the situation is the hardest thing.... but once we can grasp that acceptance... that is the thread we hold onto.
From there...move along that thread...holding tight and beginning to see and look for the good things; initially the lives that will be saved...then the friendships and support that we are all sharing, and so on.
Begin then to do practical things to help move forward... make a plan, a schedule of how you are going to proceed.
Things you need to do... things that have to be done and the things you want to do
In my 12 weeks ( just under now) of isolation...husband is 75 I am 69... I have a schedule of activities... from reading and painting, ( trying to paint). my watercolours.. to setting new seeds to grow.. to clearing all the grotty jobs that I have put off.
My running( indoors and around the garden for me now) plays a big part as does my daily exercise routine.
I love to write, to get my thoughts out there and to create new pieces of writing too.
I used to be a panciker and to have panic attacks... as I have got older that has changed a lot... although there are times!
Try to make a start to fill your time...but give yourself time to sit and think too... think of what is making you panic...let the thoughts come, but go with them, image than floating through your mind and fading away behind you...
Keep posting too, there is so much great support here...x
Thank you
Before as I live on my own, I coukd resort to simple distractions
Given the imposition of the Lockdown, I am forced to make the best of a very isolating life
It is done for our own protection but acceptance in dealing with the unknown and not giving in to my own mental health issues
I can value what matters to me the most and having gratitude and patience to deal with a very uncertain times
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Feeling good about yourself
feeling ashamed of America venting