To break self isolation (back story please read)

[scared2postthis]

ok so basically I tested positive for Covid on the 11th so one week ago. I live alone in a one bedroom flat with no garden. None of the people in my block of flats know I've got covid so they wouldn't snitch on me. My parents have been bringing me groceries.
Anyway I have a huge history of mental illness which has required hospitalisation on multiple occasions. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, suicide attempts, etc. One of the things that really set me off is feeling trapped, so I get really panicky when there's too many people and I can't move, but also as it turns out when I'm stuck in the same room for nearly a week. My mental health has gone so downhill, I have been having multiple panic attacks a day and it's getting really bad. What I really need is to go out for some fresh air- it has been a week since I tested positive and I can't take this anymore. I've been trying to get through to the doctors but they don't have any appointments.

Would I be totally unreasonable to don a mask and go out for a walk tonight? I would go at around 11pm-midnight where there would be less people around, I would even go at 4am if I had to. I wouldn't go near anyone but my god I just need a quick escape from this hellhole. I can't even be that infectious after a whole week surely?

Please tell me if I'm being a selfish cunt I won't go if that's the case but I don't know what to do I can't take this much longer

Do it! I don't think you're being selfish at all. I bet there are plenty of people who break their self isolation for trivial reasons. I'm NOT saying this is ok normally but in your case, with your mental health history, it could make all the diference to how you feel. Just go at an antisocial hour, perhaps first thing in the morning. Good luck!

Yes, do it for the sake of your mental health, but please be careful out so late on your own.

Another one saying go for it but definitely earlier in the day.

As long as you keep your distance and stay outdoors I'd say there's minimal risk. As it's winter you could wear scarf/snood/mask and gloves to minimise it even more without raising an eyebrow.

I think everyone should be encouraged to do this tbh.

Do it but not late at night. That puts you at risk and is not so great for raising your mood. You need fresh air and natural light for that. Maybe go out early morning just after sunrise? A beautiful time of day and likely to really cheer you up. It's easy to keep distance from people outside and the open air minimises risk.

Enjoy your walk, hope it makes you feel better.

I'm on day 4 here and will be going out first thing tomorrow. We have a nice woodland path where I live so will walk there in the morning

Absolutely do it

Another rule follower under normal circumstances telling you that yes, you absolutely should go for a walk. In the open air when no-one is around, you're risking nobody. It's vital for your mental health and it's unlikely that you're still infectious anyway.

Depending on where you live and how busy it is, go whenever it's quiet. It doesn't have to be in the middle of the night or the early hours. Just keep away from others, and if possible catch a bit of daylight.

All the best. The last week must have been awful for you.

Absolutely go ❤️ wishing you a speedy recovery

I'm only testing if I get significantly ill which is extremely unlikely given for most covid is very mild. Have had covid before and many worse cold. I suspect many are thr same. If you aren't unwell just go for it.

Isolations are more dangerous than covid.

I'd go during the day, the vitamin D will do you good.
Personally I'd feel really anxious going out that late.
Up to you though obviously

Absolutely not. You can stay at home for a couple more days and open a window for fresh air.

Yes. Definitely go for a walk. Sending lots of love x

Go
But go in the daylight . It will do you a power of good

@Lacedwithgrace

Absolutely not. You can stay at home for a couple more days and open a window for fresh air.

Yeah, that's totally the same.

I would. When DS has covid (mid summer) it was ok for him to play in the garden despite neighbours being in theirs.

I did get him to come in before anyone but they said to keep him outside and that they weren't worried.

Please go for a walk. It’s really unlikely you’ll cause anyone harm by doing so. The benefit to you will be huge. You don’t need to wait till 11pm.

OP

What a shit situation for you.

I would go for a walk now, this minute. And then go for another one any time you feel the need - but during the day, not at night or very first thing in the morning. Any time when there will be other people around (because you're not going to spit on them or snog them).

I am amazed you have coped for as long as you have done, because I couldn't and wouldn't.

@Lacedwithgrace

Absolutely not. You can stay at home for a couple more days and open a window for fresh air.

The least helpful response ever.

Absolutely go for the walk, if you suffer a major mental health crisis you'll have to go out to be treated so better you prevent that. As someone who suffers quite badly with my mental health you have my deepest sympathy, I hope a walk lifts you just enough to start you on a better path.

Go for a walk but be careful in the dark. Go during daylight and just stay away from others. Keep safe op.

I would go and I wouldn't have asked here because you'll get the same old dickheads being dickheads.
Enjoy your walk and take care of yourself

@HesterLee

Do it. You are taking the precautions to keep away from other people. But I would also urge you to go out earlier than 11pm. Obviously we don't know the area you live in, but keep yourself safe too.

I came in the say pretty much this, go out for a walk and keep a big distance between you and others, but ease don't go out at these times as you'll potentially be putting yourself in danger

Also, how long are we going to do this for? Surely at some point self isolation has to end no? We cannot isolate for ten days when we catch covid for the rest of time surely??

Also... Ignore all my spelling mistakes 🤦🏻‍♀️

I don't see a problem with this at all.

@scared2postthis absolutely do it. But if I were you I would wear gloves and a mask whilst you are in any communal areas of your flat block.

I hot a positive lft this morning and am now awaiting a pcr result. I have a dog. I will be taking her out at 6am and 11pm and either my lovely neighbour who walks her while I am at work will collect her from the garden during the day or my dad will.