Mental health and COVID-19.

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kingdragonfly

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#268557 25-Mar-2020 19:16

Even though civilization may be ending, I'm not feeling very stressed.

I got to be pretty old. I feel for the young, those that have left home.

Honestly my personal history is so depressing, I'm not even go into the details. It's left me a pessimist by nature. Being a miserable old sod is at least an advantage for now.

I reached out to mental health professionals when things got bad. I'm still on mild antidepressants. Contrary to some people's opinions, doesn't turn you into a zombie.

If life is like a TV's volume control, antidepressants just prevent the TV from being turned up too loud, or muted.

Anyhow I'm in a good "head space." How about you?

If you don't want to post here, but do need help, try a mental health helpline. I did, and even though it changed nothing, I felt a lot better afterwards just talking about it.

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#2446689 25-Mar-2020 21:32

With the pressures of uncertainty surrounding your job security and the possible financial hardships to come I think a lot of people are going to have some form of mental health problems from this which can be a killer in itself without the risks surrounding Covid-19 and we need to stick together through this and help each other by being open and communicating and just regularly checking up on each other.

Leading up to the lockdown a couple guys (within my industry) I had just a passing conversation with both mentioned in jest I hope were “I may have no job after this, the bank may as well put the noose around my neck if no support or relief for mortgages happens” and the other was “if money becomes tight and I have an unfortunate accident at least I know my life insurance will look after my wife and kid”

Those sort of comments really hit home about the realities of what we’re dealing with right now and the real possibilities of our quality of life post-covid19 and the importance of talking to family and friends and seeking help if needed.

Reach out folks and stay in touch with family and friends, we’re all in this together.

jonathan18

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#2447013 26-Mar-2020 11:59

I finally realised yesterday that I have been starting the day incredibly anxious, but this typically subsided significantly over the day; I think the key reason is I typically listen to 1.5-2 hours of podcasts in the morning, and basically all the content is (unsurprisingly) dominated by Covid-19 coverage - if not directly, then at least tangentially. Combine that with the morning catch-up on news sites plus the coverage here on GZ I think it's just too much for my little brain to cope with.

The rest of the day I've had little time to listen and read this stuff - and it's been full of playing with the kids, or helping them with learning tasks, sorting stuff out around the house, and trying to get some work done. Call it distraction or willful ignorance, but engaging less with Covid 19-related content and focusing more on this other stuff will, I believe, make it far easier for me - totally get that YMMV for others...

MikeB4

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#2447240 26-Mar-2020 14:59

I have noticed an increase in pain over the last few days and visual disturbances. This can happen if I have been under increased stress. Getting out used to help with this but I guess I will have to find a new way.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

kingdragonfly

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#2447298 26-Mar-2020 15:55

My suggestion is if you're unemployed, contact your bank ASAP and see what they can do. Generally just going online to your bank website, click, "help" and search for "virus" or "COVID." This will bring up a form that you can fill in.

Also if you're unemployed, contact MSD "Work and Income". There's no need for false pride.

I'm sure also that everyone seen news pieces about expected increases in domestic violence, and worries that people can't escape toxic environments. Definitely there are ways to get out of abusive housing, but you need to talk to someone about it. Again see the mental health helpline; you can talk anonymously.

Being a nerd, when I need to blow off steam, I like violent video games. There's a old game called "Left 4 Dead" for $20 that has a pretty easy "newbie" setting. "Team Fortress 2" is free on-line game, and if you play as a medic, it's an easy start, as you can watch experienced players fight.

If you're looking to fill you time productively, you can write a book (that's what I'll be doing), or create some art out of junk around the place. There's amazing things you can create just with a roll of duct tape, like a wallet. A lot of people on Etsy sell these.

If you want to be more "employable", knowing Excel is always in demand. If you go to Youtube, and search for "Excel basic" or "Excel introduction" you'll find lots of videos.

MikeB4

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#2447307 26-Mar-2020 16:08

Anyone that is feeling anxious, depressed overwhelmed should not read the other Covid-19 thread on this site. It is filling with gloom and doom posts from some folks that seem to be revelling in it. We all know this is serious the future is bleak it doesn't need to be repeated ad nauseam.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Kiwifruta

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#2447321 26-Mar-2020 16:23

Last week I was watching the hour long updates put out by the WHO. I stopped after a few days because it was making me stressed which in turn affected my gut and sleep.

Anyway here is some good news about COVID-19.

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

jonathan18

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#2447364 26-Mar-2020 16:58

MikeB4:
Anyone that is feeling anxious, depressed overwhelmed should not read the other Covid-19 thread on this site. It is filling with gloom and doom posts from some folks that seem to be revelling in it. We all know this is serious the future is bleak it doesn't need to be repeated ad nauseam.

Yeah, I feel that that thread contributed more than anything else to my sense of unease. Glad I'm not the only one who found it too much.

Rikkitic

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#2447385 26-Mar-2020 17:24

Unease is the word I was looking for. I don't feel particularly anxious as far as I can tell, but I do feel a sense of unease, just because the future is so unknown. However I just got off the phone with a good mate who is providing me with support services and I am actually in a pretty good place at this time. Living where I do as a pensioner with someone able to deliver food when needed, I don't have much to worry about unless the currency collapses, and there is lots of land around me for solitary walks. I am keenly aware of my good luck and suitably grateful for it.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Handle9

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#2447428 26-Mar-2020 17:59

MikeB4:
Anyone that is feeling anxious, depressed overwhelmed should not read the other Covid-19 thread on this site. It is filling with gloom and doom posts from some folks that seem to be revelling in it. We all know this is serious the future is bleak it doesn't need to be repeated ad nauseam.

Anyone who's feeling like this needs to be very careful what they read generally. Social media probably isn't where you want to be, especially Facebook.

Connecting with people is vital, reading conspiracy theories or some Karen's reckon on why the gommint hasn't gotten everything perfect isn't. This applies even more so to anything involving talk back or the Hosking family.

neb

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#2447467 26-Mar-2020 18:31

jonathan18:
I finally realised yesterday that I have been starting the day incredibly anxious, but this typically subsided significantly over the day

One thing that's good at burning off an excess of adrenaline and cortisol is any kind of vigorous exercise, which also stimulates the production of endorphins. This isn't just generic "exercise is good for you" advice, it's a very effective way to burn off a current excess of stress hormones. See if even ten minutes on anything you may have available when you start your day helps.

MikeB4

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#2447498 26-Mar-2020 19:07

neb:

One thing that's good at burning off an excess of adrenaline and cortisol is any kind of vigorous exercise, which also stimulates the production of endorphins. This isn't just generic "exercise is good for you" advice, it's a very effective way to burn off a current excess of stress hormones. See if even ten minutes on anything you may
have available when you start your day helps.

Well that means I am screwed.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Mighty Ape

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kingdragonfly

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#2447506 26-Mar-2020 19:15

Coronavirus: Mental Health and Wellness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

UC Davis Health

kingdragonfly

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#2447510 26-Mar-2020 19:24

CBTi coach

An app designed in collaboration with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support veterans having trouble sleeping.

the app will guide users through the process of learning about sleep, developing positive sleep routines, and improving their sleep environments. It provides a structured program that teaches strategies proven to improve sleep and help alleviate symptoms of insomnia.

kingdragonfly

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#2447514 26-Mar-2020 19:31

Sleep Radio

Hello, I'm John Watons (AKA the sandman)

I'm the Founder and Manager of Sleep Radio. We broadcast from Te Aroha which is located in the North Island of New Zealand.

I started this internet radio station up after going through what was probably the worst period in my health, ever!

In 2012 I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety which was bought on by so many factors I think I could fill a truck with them. One of the many symptoms of depression is insomnia, or sleeplessness. I tried many ways of overcoming this and the "zombie-like" days that I suffered the day after but nothing seemed to help.

......This station and helping others get to sleep has become my passion through playing neutral and specially selected music that won't infect people's brains or influence thoughts. Hence, SLEEP RADIO.

We broadcast an uninterrupted, crystal clear, digital stereo stream at 128k per second with no advertising (apart from our annual funding appeal in January each year), no station IDs and no annoying announcers.

You just get pure and soft ambient and new age music 24/7.

You can try here, without downloading the free app

https://www.sleepradio.co.nz/listen

kingdragonfly

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#2447518 26-Mar-2020 19:38

lofi hip hop radio - beats to relax/study to

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