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AIBU?

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Original poster

To break self isolation (back story please read)

163 replies

scared2postthis · 18/12/2021 12:48

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

OP posts:
blackcurrantjam · 18/12/2021 19:14

Absolutely do it OP!! Flowers

penniesdimesapplespears · 18/12/2021 19:15

Yes do go for a walk.

Rosesarere · 18/12/2021 19:17

I hope your OK, go for the walk

VaguelyInteresting · 18/12/2021 19:20

Do it. 10000%. I’d go early morning rather than late though. Partly because safer, and partly because I think it will “set you up for the day” better IYSWIM (you’ll feel the benefit all day, rather than sleeping your lovely, hopefully more “relaxed” feelings away).

I hope you feel better soon.

Olliesocks · 18/12/2021 19:21

In your situation I would go.

However, please, please, please keep yourself safe if you’re going out in quiet areas at unusual times. I would tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be. Give them a ring when you get home.

Wrenna · 18/12/2021 19:22

Double mask up and go.

Lacedwithgrace · 18/12/2021 19:22

@TheFormidableMrsC I don't need a degree or mental breakdown to know what normal humans should and shouldn't do. It might benefit you though!

Booklover3 · 18/12/2021 19:24

Off you go OP. Stay away from people and go for a walk but keep safe

Confrontayshunme · 18/12/2021 19:26

If my 9 year old can stay alone in a room for 10 days, I wouldn't have much patience for adults thinking their comfort is more important than others' safety. That said, if you can actually avoid people and touching any shared surface, I think you can go for a walk. However, I am assuming you don't live in a busy town.

VaguelyInteresting · 18/12/2021 19:32

@Confrontayshunme

No nine year old should be alone in a room for 10 days. Covid or no covid.

emmetgirl · 18/12/2021 19:33

You should definitely do it.

OnwardsAndSideways1 · 18/12/2021 19:36

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10323663/Professor-Lockdown-says-10-day-quarantine-cut-seven-days.html

Sorry for the Mail link, but it's very likely that the 10 day isolation period will be cut to seven days anyway very shortly.

It doesn't make sense once people are better and once the most infectious period has passed for them to isolate.

Definitely go for walks, put on a decent mask (the FFP2 masks are good and available on Amazon but you can double-mask for now) and go out and get exercise. I took my children out in the back end of their isolation for walks for the same reason.

blackcurrantjam · 18/12/2021 19:36

@Confrontayshunme

If my 9 year old can stay alone in a room for 10 days, I wouldn't have much patience for adults thinking their comfort is more important than others' safety. That said, if you can actually avoid people and touching any shared surface, I think you can go for a walk. However, I am assuming you don't live in a busy town.
Christ alive a 9yo alone in a room for 10 days Confused
Terminallysleepdeprived · 18/12/2021 19:40

@Confrontayshunme

If my 9 year old can stay alone in a room for 10 days, I wouldn't have much patience for adults thinking their comfort is more important than others' safety. That said, if you can actually avoid people and touching any shared surface, I think you can go for a walk. However, I am assuming you don't live in a busy town.
Wow. You need a long hard look at your parenting.

No CHILD should be left completely alone for 1 day let alone 10

rookiemere · 18/12/2021 19:41

If DH or I got covid, we'd still walk the dog. Less chance of infecting someone if we went out early morning/late evening, than having someone come to the house to take rookiedog out.
I do wish our rules showed some humanitarian element. Expecting people without covid but just in contact with it to isolate for 10 days, was particularly harsh ( and is still expected in Scotland).

ShinyballsAndChocolateTinsel · 18/12/2021 19:41

@Confrontayshunme

If my 9 year old can stay alone in a room for 10 days, I wouldn't have much patience for adults thinking their comfort is more important than others' safety. That said, if you can actually avoid people and touching any shared surface, I think you can go for a walk. However, I am assuming you don't live in a busy town.
Jesus, It's not about her comfort, it's about her mental health and wellbeing Not the same thing at all 🙄 OP, go and get some sun light on your face, you sound like you will be as cautious as you can
AD80 · 18/12/2021 19:42

@Confrontayshunme

If my 9 year old can stay alone in a room for 10 days, I wouldn't have much patience for adults thinking their comfort is more important than others' safety. That said, if you can actually avoid people and touching any shared surface, I think you can go for a walk. However, I am assuming you don't live in a busy town.
9 year olds should not be left in their room for 10 days. I've read that test and trace are asking parents where their positive children are to ensure they aren't being made to stay in their room alone for days. It feels cruel to me. Both my dc have had covid, I would never dream of making them stay in their room.
strawberriesarenot · 18/12/2021 19:48

Go for a walk, my dd just has for 15mins, day 6 of isolation and going nuts. She met no one- we are rural, just a breath of air and looking at the Christmas lights.

The rules are not properly thought through re. mental health. You are just being sensible and thoughtful. Get well very soon.

WorraLiberty · 18/12/2021 19:49

Weird thread to start and not come back to, considering how much time the OP has on her hands Hmm

blackcurrantjam · 18/12/2021 19:55

Both my older DC had covid - 9 and 11 They most certainly did not spend time alone, in fact the opposite, they were sat right next to me coughing away HmmGrin. I even touched the Xbox controller the older one used to choose a film we could watch Hmm. Younger one quite unwell and was in my bed for a night. I am triple jabbed and did not get it.

One year old spent last two nights coughing into my face and I've come down with something terrible but it's not covid apparently Hmm(neg PCR)

Sorry for hijack OP but can't get over the none year old in their room for ten days - do people actually do this?! What has happened to the world. OP I hope you've had your walk/planning your walk and I hope you're ok Flowers

jupitermars1345 · 18/12/2021 19:56

In your situation I would and I think you need to reassess your living situation. Why haven’t you got a garden? If it’s this bad then you need to move

Are you joking?

Mohbie · 18/12/2021 19:59

Definitely do it. Just put a strong mask on as you walk through communal areas of your flat and thoroughly wash your hands (60 seconds) and you could even double up by sanitising after before you touch anything.

ShinyballsAndChocolateTinsel · 18/12/2021 20:03

@WorraLiberty

Weird thread to start and not come back to, considering how much time the OP has on her hands Hmm
Report it then? 🙄 what a vile response from you, they have no obligation to reply They were asking for advice, that's all Anxiety takes all shapes and forms
Wagamamasforlunch · 18/12/2021 20:04

OP posts about struggling with isolation and her mental health, and so far I've read posters jumping up to say that they left their 9 year old alone in a room for 10 days (wtaf!), and if it's that bad, why don't you just move to somewhere with a garden Hmm. Only on mumsnet.

Go very early or very late OP and enjoy your walk.

Hope you get through to your GP soon. There is also the samaritans and CALM helplines if you thought talking to someone might help?

KeyWorker · 18/12/2021 20:05

I would, but would you feel better going at 6am instead off 11pm? The only people you’ll likely encounter at 6 are dog walkers or runners. Should be easy enough to cross the road/path to avoid them. You absolutely should go for a short walk for the sake of your mental health.

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