I worry the joy has gone out of life and won't fully return

[MyriamVB]

Firstly a disclaimer. I realise that many many people, including those in the frontline NHS staff, those who lived through and died in the 2 world wars and conflicts since, have and had it far harder. I also realise that the current restrictions are necessary to protect the NHS and save lives. I realise that there were many suffering people in the world and there will continue to be after this.

Obviously very very few people are enjoying life hugely at the minute. I do worry though that amongst all the solitude, strain on relationships, lack of socialising, boredom and listlessness together with the new authoritarian atmosphere around movements, the whole "I saw someone sit on a bench it's a disgrace" thing plus the psychological impact of necessary social distancing that the joy of life won't come back, not properly. It seems all around me people in necessary lockdown are beginning to be significantly affected by it. Even on here, every second thread seems to have descended into name calling and vociferous disagreement and "you're being ridiculous". Is this it now?

"Yes but it's only been 3 weeks."

So far. We're expecting about 3 months in total aren't we, and some people are already suffering.

some people also think that martyring themselves make them more interesting, what can you do.

@notacooldad I don't have a TV because I'm not interested in watching stuff on TV. I listen to Radio 3 and Radio 4 all day. So I rather doubt that I'd be very keen on Netflix, however I could receive it...

Stop watching/reading the news.
Stay off social media, including mumsnet.

There's lots of joy around but the above sucks it out

Totally agree. I went out for the first time after 4 weeks of lockdown and contrary to what I see online, people in the supermarket were polite, friendly, smiley, everyone keeping correct social distance. Shelves were stocked.

Our neighbours have been quietly going about their business too.

I agree with whoever said humans are very adaptable. When COvid-19 ends (as far as any CV ends) then things will go back to normal faster than we can imagine (excluding some industries like aviation).

I get that people are struggling and I don't envy those with kids, but this will pass and it hasn't been that long yet. Most people have probably stayed in this long because it was raining a lot. This is only different because you know you can't just go where you like.

As others have said stop focusing on it and look at something else and it won't seem so overwhelming. Some people are making CV jokes and that's why. It helps make it seem more manageable.

“The first ten million years were the worst," said Marvin, "and the second ten million years, they were the worst too. The third ten million years I didn't enjoy at all. After that I went into a bit of a decline.”
― Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe