Anyone else just stopped bothering to go out at all?

[milkcartoncat]

I was going for a 2 mile walk across the fields with my two dc every day but the last few days I can’t see the point. We’ve just sat in the house.
It seems futile. We aren’t even going in the garden. None of us even want to go out anymore, it’s frightening out there. We are just staying in the house, not getting dressed, not bothering to do anything. It’s crazy that a month ago we were out every day and now it feels as likely as going to the moon.

We’ve not gone for any walls, we use the garden every day but since my partner is still having to work outside of the home and my older son is still going to his dads who is also working outside of his home I feel like the risk is high enough without taking the kids out for walks

Walks, not walls!

What do you mean, it all seems futile? What you’re saying sounds a bit worrying.

I think for everyone’s mental state, you need to force yourselves to get dressed and get outside in the sunshine.

I make myself get dressed and go in the garden everyday otherwise my mental health will get worse than it is

I’m still going out most day, usually walking or occasionally shopping. I prefer exercise when it’s quiet so typically go out once the sun has set though.

Before lockdown I would spend most of my time being out of the house at work/socialising/travelling so staying home 24/7 is difficult for me

Same here. Can't be arsed.

Do you suffer with depression/anxiety? How old are your DC?

I know it seems scary but it's important for children to get fresh air and vitamin D. Even if it's just going and playing in the garden.

We have no garden so I'm taking my 6yo for a daily walk, it's good for mental health to get out and about for a bit.

We are playing in the garden or on the drive, but not so many walks as it is so busy out there.

It doesn't sound like you are coping well, can you put in a routine? Some basic self care and activities to do each day?

This isn't all futile, life will continue and we just have to get through this.

I don't go for walks as I don't want to, I don't see the point also don't use the garden much as my neighbours are way too loud and annoying

This is sad to read and will drag the whole mood of your household down. What seems futile exactly? We have beautiful weather at present and even just going out in the sun and seeing a bit of nature seems life enhancing to me. How old are your children?

I can’t see an end to it, I’m not particularly scared about catching covid, it’s more the whole world feels weird now.
I’m shattered all the time, not sleeping or eating and now it’s just easier to stay in. If not for dc I wouldn’t get up at all.
I know it could be worse, I’m lucky I don’t have to go out to work.

I make the effort to get ready and me and the kids have been going in the garden rather than going for a walk

This sounds like you’re slipping into depression. I’d consider calling your gp for a phone consultation.

If this is a passing mood, or a bad day, then I hear you, this is hard - but if this is setting in then this is bad for your own and your dc mental state - you need to act. Yes it's scary and tough, some people will die. But for most of us life will go on, with some things changed and some things back to normal. In the meantime your job is to eat well, to exercise every day, to get some fresh air and sunshine every day, to wash shower or bath every day and to do enjoyable things on your own and with each other. To help each other and other people where you can. And as a parent to make sure these elements are in your dc routine and to model a positive constructive response and I know it's hard but you must teach them that the outside world is safe, they just need to stick within advice. And that most people will get a mild or unnoticeable illness.

Are you a single parent ? Could their dad take them out for fresh air ?

I think you sound a bit depressed and unfortunately may have dragged down your children’s mood too. They will mirror your actions so if you can’t be bothered to get dressed or even step foot in the garden neither will they, your routine will become their routine.

No one knows when this will end exactly yes, but we know it won’t be like this forever. Normal life will resume. China has already come out of lockdown.

Can you make a routine so you start eating and sleeping better, OP?

What you describe sounds like depression, or certainly poor/declining mental health. It can really help to get out every day, even for just 15 minutes.

Posters can help you plan and give ideas if you like? :)

I’m in the opposite state of mind. I have very bad anxiety, and lockdown has removed much of what usually make me anxious, so I feel much better than usual.

I am somewhat concerned that I am losing all the skills required to leave the house when this is all over.

I think I’m just worn out, I need time to recharge and the children are up at 7am and not asleep until gone 10pm. I’m just finding it relentless. I need some space, it’s the same for lots of people I know. It’s pointless to say I will read or watch something I’d like or even have a bath because I don’t get the chance.
They are 4 and 11.

What I would suggest is not going for the 2 mile walk immediately, but ease yourself back into it by getting everyone dressed and going in the garden for a few minutes. There's nothing wrong with having a few days off over the Easter weekend, but it's really worth making the effort to get dressed generally.
Set yourself the smallest possible goal and achieve that then the next one will seem easier xxx

You really must try for the sake of your children. This will go on for weeks.

My outings are only as far the end of the garden, not been anywhere for over three weeks even after we self isolated for 14 days

I can't see any point in anything, I'm not eating or sleeping. Life is pointless at the minute

I am the same, though I know I’ve sank into a deep depression. It’ll possibly lift eventually but right now I don’t care. It’s hard to move, it’s hard to talk and sleep is elusive. Laying on the sofa is all I can manage anymore

Exactly auntie and I’m done with it.
I understand why it has to happen, I’m not choosing to feel like this, but another however many months of it just makes me feel like giving up now. And then only to maybe catch it as soon as lockdown finishes and I’m in a vulnerable group so quite likely to die - this could be my last few months. Sat in the house.