Predictions of how long this BS will last?

[BlueMoon1103]

I really need some lights the end of the tunnel. I know no one knows for sure but how long do people predict this social distancing bullshit is going to go on for? My depression has already crept back in and I’m worried about how bad it’ll get if this goes on with no end in sight.

Please only nice posters, no snarky, snipey comments or people being mean.

Depends on how people comply and how effective the measures are at stopping the spread. 6 weeks at least, likely longer.

social distancing bullshit

You mean the measures that are essential to reduce the numbers of deaths of elderly people and NHS staff?

It may be helpful to reframe your perspective.

In terms of your depression, what are the things that have helped shift it in the past?

I'm in the same boat, OP.
Please don't try to look too far ahead. One day at a time.
It's possible that they'll be effective treatments found fairly soon that will change everything. Or a test that will tell you if you had it. But nobody knows yet.

Sadly I think we are definitely looking at 12 weeks or so minimum of this and then lessening afterwards but still with restrictions (assuming it’s working!)
DH business will not survive being closed for much longer so desperately hoping that things miraculously start slowing down or perhaps more likely, that an effective treatment is found and introduced.

@Tableclothing exactly the kind of response I didn’t want so thank you

Going out and spending time with my mum friends is what shifts it. So not helpful to me.

Can you arrange to Face Time your friends? How old are your DC?

@HonestlyItsFine I have to look ahead as ‘one day at a time’ makes me more anxious.

It’s think we will still be semi locked down beyond Xmas. It will come in waves

@RandomMess my DS is only 1. I just cry if I video call people as it’s not the same and just makes me feel worse.

Hi OP I feel the same. I think if people stick to the guidelines six weeks then some restrictions lifted. I'm hopeful that a test will be available soon to determine if people have had it and that will be a game changer. Things are changing day by day.

Also getting out the house is my coping mechanism, being inside makes everything worse, hence wanting to see what other people thought time scale wise.

Video call friends and family.

Go for walks, staying a safe distance.

Find activities which you find meaningful which you can engage in safely.

Join local mutual support group in your area, offer to deliver necessities to those who can’t go out.

If they, say, the manage to sort the antibody test within two weeks and then get a lot of people tested quickly (so a couple of big ifs in there) then 4-6 weeks. If all that happens more slowly or the antibody test is a washout then it's possible things will start to get more normal (slowly) by the start of June.

Hang in there. In two years this will be something you look back on with a bit of disbelief. Is there anything you could do for yourself, something you've been putting off for a while? Is there a skill you'd like to develop or would you like to paint a room in your house?

You can go out, btw. Just keep your distance from other people.

5-6 months.

You need to start thinking of things to help you become more resilient. It’s going to be very tough.

Ok so at the moment you cry but carry on and you'll get over that. You can bundle him in the pushchair and go for walks. You could "meet up" outside with friends so long as you stay 2 metres apart unless you currently have symptoms.

Is it worth trying a different medication?

For everyone saying to learn a skill etc, I don’t have time for that, I’m a keyworker so still having to work and also a single mum so literally no time to learn stuff or find a hobby, I seem to spend all my time at work or trying to stop my son getting bored.

There are lots of ways to be so jam while practicing spatial distancing (I find it helpful not to think about it as social distancing)

My neighbor and I enjoy a glass of wine, each in our folding chairs on either side of our 6 foot fence - we are about 10 foot a apart but can still chat - it’s weirdly intimate when you know they are there but you can’t see them. You could do the same without the fence.

There is a lot to be said for google hang outs - free and visual. Use the opportunity to connect via video link.

Phone someone. A dying art. You don’t need to be physically touching someone to be close and have a real conversation. Phone some of your friends who have helped in the past.

Have a routine and stick to it. Set an alarm. Get up. Shower. Get dressed. Have breakfast.

Start or continue a hobby (I’ve started painting - I’m crap at it but I don’t care - it takes 10000 hour to be good at something - I’m 50 hours so I figure crap is ok for now)

Email someone. Start a daily thread of here for those coping with depression. Help another person cope with what you have (great way to help yourself)

Go for a walk.

Massive sympathy op.

The truth is no one knows. Personally I think they’ll send kids back to school next half term for 2/3 weeks. Then 2/3 in last half term. Will it crush you to tell yourself a similar narrative? Would you go down hill if it changed at the end of that period?

OP I have a child the same age and share the same anxiety as you. They are too young to entertain themselves and it's horrific being cooped up indoors with no social contact.

We need to develop some kind of routine to help structure the days.

Can you go for walks, places where you might be able to feed the ducks or something like that? Sorry I don't have too much to offer I feel the same. I'm just hoping the government will lift things after six weeks as I can't see people coping any longer than that.

It is BS, don't worry about offending anyone, we are allowed to feel depressed over this. Our freedom has been taken from us and when you have a 1 year old, being out and about and meeting with friends is what helps to keep you sane. Just try and focus on the fact that at one year old your DS won't remember any of this and you will be able to take him to the farm, park, beach and meet with friends again. This won't be forever.

You can get out for a walk. Just stay away from people. As far away as possible. Wear gloves to open gates etc.

You may find that you come up with a successful coping strategy yourself and come out of it the strongest you have ever been. It’s entirely possible.

We all have our challenges and we can get through this. Just keep telling yourself this.

You are not alone. We are all in this shit together and we will get through if all households follow the rules that are there for our safety.

Ok you’ve got a one year old ... can you video some mums with one year olds ? Start a group ? No one cares if you cry by the way. We are too self conscious about tears. They serve a purpose. Let the tears come. And then let them go.

Unfortunately, I think at least a year. Probably longer.