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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:
Confiscatedpopit · 18/12/2021 20:05

DO IT!! I agree with the other posters who said to keep yourself safe in the dark too.

MovedByFanciesThatAreCurled · 18/12/2021 20:09

@DemBonesDemBones

I couldn't do it, no.
I’m sorry but this is so ridiculous. The OP is not asking what you would do, but what you would do if you were her. The risk of passing Covid on to anyone whilst being outside, at 11pm, whilst actively avoiding people is minuscule. The risk to oneself when experiencing suicidal thoughts is acuteZ
Tillyvonpantsalo · 18/12/2021 20:11

@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.
I think your sons schools safeguarding team would be interested to know this. Do share with them as you consider it so acceptable. I sincerely hope you are being flippant.

OP, go for your walk early in the morning. Mask on, and just keep away from people.

TheCatWearsPrada · 18/12/2021 20:12

I wouldn't do it there are loads of us struggling with mental health and if we all just popped out for a quick walk there would be no point in isolating.

SpanielsAreMyLife · 18/12/2021 20:15

I am exactly 1 week in too OP. And going slowly mad. The pain in my legs was horrendous the 1st few days and I just wanted to walk it off.

I did a lateral flow every day, and when it finally went negative yesterday, I took the dogs out just as it was getting dark. We followed a farm track with a torch, one that has no stiles or gates and I wore a snood/gloves.

It's madness isolating for 10 days when you feel well.

queencrunch · 18/12/2021 20:15

Please don't go too late I'm now more worried about your safety. 😳

CharSiu · 18/12/2021 20:23

Ima also a by the rule book but your r back story is very difficult and worrying so go for that walk. As it winter just wear some gloves, if you need to touch a communal door handle you are gloved. That’s more so you don’t worry or feel guilty as much as anything else.

Landof · 18/12/2021 20:28

Please do it. I found 8 days hell when I'd been a contact back in the summer, I live alone and do have anxiety so for someone like you with MH and history of suicide, I'd definitely go for that walk. Also, not long to go, you can do this Flowers

EmmaWoodhousestreehouse · 18/12/2021 20:31

Don’t do it. It’s not easy in isolation but your reasons don’t negate your responsibility to keep yourself away from others. You’ve no idea whether you’ll come into contact with others, or whether something will happen that will put you in contact with others if you go out.

I can’t believe people are advising you to go out on your own late at night either. Unsafe.

LosingTheWill2 · 18/12/2021 20:33

If you take all necessary precautions, I don’t see why not, given what you have written. I definitely would if I were in your shoes. I hope you enjoy your walk 💐

TheFormidableMrsC · 18/12/2021 20:41

@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.
You are fucking joking? You did that to your child???
TheFormidableMrsC · 18/12/2021 20:46

[quote Lacedwithgrace]@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![/quote]
Many people pulled you up on your comment yet you chose to pick on mine. I am currently very much in the midst of the horrors of a mental health crisis with my eldest child and quite frankly if she needed to go for a walk with Covid, I'd make sure she did as safely as possible. You are despicable.

Notsomerryandbright · 18/12/2021 20:46

I'd do it in those circumstances op. Can you use stairs instead of a lift if there is one?
Any windows in communal area to open as you go past? Wash your hands before you go and don't touch your face.

Don't leave it too late though, you don't want to be putting yourself at risk.

Moonbabysmum · 18/12/2021 20:51

Given youve made it to day 7, I think it's better to try and stick it out for the very last bit. You are nearly there now.

Od130990 · 18/12/2021 20:52

Do it op
I started having panic attacks & don't bother with the mask, I had to wear one in a taxi last week & had the worst panic attack I've had in years and another 5 that same day! I've never had more than 3 in a day previously.

FortniteBoysMum · 18/12/2021 20:54

I would go for a walk. You clearly need it.

Spikeyball · 18/12/2021 21:06

You are allowed to leave self isolation to escape a risk of harm and the guidance acknowledges that mental illness can mean that guidelines are sometimes not able to followed.

Bibbetybobbity · 18/12/2021 21:06

100% go. Don’t waste anymore time worrying about whether it’s ok. Go.

123walrus · 18/12/2021 21:20

I would do this, yes. Covid kills, but so does mental illness. As lots of others have said, mask on, wash hands, go quickly out the block of flats without touching anything and then stay away from others.

CactusLemonSpice · 18/12/2021 21:26

Not unreasonable at all to do this. I really hope things feel better for you soon.

thewhatsit · 18/12/2021 21:30

I hope a time comes soon when self isolation literally just means isolating from those outside your household. Going on a solo walk is still isolating, or it should be.

I would absolutely not judge you for a second, OP.

thewhatsit · 18/12/2021 21:33

But yes as per PP, maybe earlier (sunrise might be nice?) would be better just from a safety perspective. Nothing to do with Covid.

BBCONEANDTWO · 18/12/2021 21:35

Yes but don't go out as late for your own safety. Just avoid people.

BananaPant · 18/12/2021 22:15

@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

Bless you lovely . I do hope the covid hasn't left you feeling too unwell.
You have my sympathies . I too have mental health issues and in your situation absolutely I would don a mask and go for a walk.
However, I don't think you should be going out at 11pm. I would suggest early evening purely from a safety perspective.

Please do keep trying to call the doctors. My gp calls me weekly about my mental health and I am on the TLC list .

Keep talking on here op and huge hugs from me to you.

BananaPant · 18/12/2021 22:19

@TheCatWearsPrada

I wouldn't do it there are loads of us struggling with mental health and if we all just popped out for a quick walk there would be no point in isolating.

We may be in the same storm but all
of us with mental health issues are in very different boats unfortunately.

I say that as someone with severe mental health issues. I can't work due to mine.