Sometimes worry that things will never be ‘normal’

[Sunnyautumn234]

Anyone else?
Admittedly I’m one of those who would have had us locked down earlier and for longer as more chance then of eventually getting back to normal.
I’m pretty paranoid re the virus and am having moments of panic that we’ll never be back to ‘normal’ again.

Can't see us ever having ”normal” again.
I'm starting to wonder if we should just say fuck it and go back to normal life instead of living a half-life of very little socialising and not going out because of the huge impact it has on mental health. Humans need social interaction.

The majority of people who get it will be ill for a couple of weeks. Like a cold, or flu. Yes, there are vulnerable people with underlying health conditions - of which I am one - for whom the risk is greater but surely it's better to live your life and actually enjoy it not be almost locked away in private?

The new tier system is a bit confusing. If I walk home after 10pm from my support bubble does that mean I'll get slapped with a £200 fine? I left at 9.45pm tonight and felt decidedly nervous as it's a 35 minute walk, obviously it's ingrained into my psyche already.

Most people who get it won't get it badly but I've said to any older relatives if they have difficulty breathing 999, pronto.

I did wonder if the younger generation will grow older being absolutely assiduous about hygiene.

One thing I find impossible is not touching your face because you do it without thinking, to rub your eyes or flick away a hair or whatever.

@Frownette

The new tier system is a bit confusing. If I walk home after 10pm from my support bubble does that mean I'll get slapped with a £200 fine? I left at 9.45pm tonight and felt decidedly nervous as it's a 35 minute walk, obviously it's ingrained into my psyche already.

Most people who get it won't get it badly but I've said to any older relatives if they have difficulty breathing 999, pronto.

I did wonder if the younger generation will grow older being absolutely assiduous about hygiene.

One thing I find impossible is not touching your face because you do it without thinking, to rub your eyes or flick away a hair or whatever.

It's a pub curfew, not a human curfew

Frownette... I totally get you re the touching face thing... it’s so automatic. I’ve become quite OCD re hygiene and I didn’t tend to be like that before
I wonder... if and when... the virus is eliminated-obviously a long time to go-if I’ll ever get out of these habits.

I think we'll be approaching getting back to normal by this time next year. History tells us these things don't hang around forever, and I can't see this pandemic being any different.

I have to believe that or I'd go nuts. Meanwhile I'm carrying on as normal as I can.

I agree OP
The cinemas are collapsing financially, the theatres can't be far behind. I wonder if they'll ever reopen and if my children will ever experience live performances like that.
I'd they'll grow up with hangups about being touched.
What impact repeated breaks in their education will cause
What impact repeated lockdowns and isolating will have on their mental health.
I just can't imagine a world where we aren't living at least like this

DramaAlpaca- That gives me some reassurance- things like this don’t last forever.
I wish more people would comply with distancing etc as we would be out of this sooner.
Of my friends, the ones who are the most lax about things are the same ones that complain about lockdowns etc but they don’t seem to realise that if more people complied, the need for lockdowns etc would lessen.

I don't know if it's ever going to go away. Isn't it the same sort of virus as the common cold? That doesn't go away. They don't even seem sure a vaccine will be available. If it is at some point, will we need it every year like the flu? Who knows.

I also don't think people sticking to the rules will make any difference long term. As soon as they relax the rules it's going to take hold again, at least until they have a vaccine. Even then I've read only 50% of the population will be vaccinated, so it'll surely still spread. I imagine they'll only vaccinate those most at risk. So maybe not so many people will die, but it'll still be around. Just speculating here obviously ....