Still in shock

[KayEngel]

Is it just me? I still can't quite believe what has happened and is still going to happen for the foreseeable. I've stopped going out, not because I'm worried about getting Covid, but because the whole face mask, social distancing, queuing, booking ahead, craziness is just too upsetting.

[thea543]

The trouble with masks is they give people a false sense of security. I went to the shops today and people were getting real close up because they were wearing masks me thinks.

[AnnVar]

Yeah it's hard times..and seems unending to boot..I am pregnant and the first couple of maternity appointments had my anxiety level shoot through the roof..now I just pray and I know Jesus holds my hand wherever I walk and thorough whatever.. I do wear my mask and wash my hands ..I know if there is something that I cannot handle or missed to do..God has me covered ..as He does all of you and your little ones!

[syskywalker]

Shouldn’t booking ahead and distancing from other people while out reduce anxiety. A much more controlled way of going about your business. Surely being more in control should calm you. If it doesn’t stay home.

[labyrinthloafer]

[quote pigoons]@bemusedmoose. Sorry you've had such a rubbish time of it. I know lots of people who've had Covid and none have died and only 1 has been admitted to hospital. Two acquaintances have sadly died recently but this was because of other causes.

My objection to masks is that I know I am much safer towards others without one as I tend to SD better, I don't touch my face constantly to adjust my glasses or mask then touch things and from witnessing others while compliance may look high (i'm in Scotland) - the reality is people are taking them on and off, reusing without washing, getting too close etc. I do think it should be a choice.[/quote]
I do feel people need to try to do better with masks, you can choose to social distance properly when wearing one.

When I learnt to drive I learnt all sorts of new things, mirror signal manoeuvre etc. We just need to try.

They can't be a choice, because the people choosing not to wear them are harming everyone's interests.

[pigoons]

@bemusedmoose. Sorry you've had such a rubbish time of it. I know lots of people who've had Covid and none have died and only 1 has been admitted to hospital. Two acquaintances have sadly died recently but this was because of other causes.

My objection to masks is that I know I am much safer towards others without one as I tend to SD better, I don't touch my face constantly to adjust my glasses or mask then touch things and from witnessing others while compliance may look high (i'm in Scotland) - the reality is people are taking them on and off, reusing without washing, getting too close etc. I do think it should be a choice.

[bemusedmoose]

all these anxieties people are having about queing, wearing a face masking, waiting .... when it's that or possible death is it really worth the worry? Just seems that people are focusing so much on a few little changes and getting anxiety about those yet not going to worry about dying a horrible death? Take it from me - ive had it and although i wasnt admitted to hospital (it was full!) i was cared for remotely by a covid team at home and it was terrifying! Just me and my 2 kids and i'm drowning in my own lungs, coughing up cups of fluid between gasped breaths wondering if my kids will find me dead in the morning. I got it before lockdown - 3 weeks sick, 2 more weeks sick but in recovery and since then i still get relapses (nearly 5 months after catching it). I have no underlying heath issues and until now never got sick.

I seem to be one of the few people who is completely un-phased by the new ways (though trying to work out what the hell they are is a mine field! One news bulletin a government official says face masks wont ever be compulsory, less than an hour later and different offical says manditory in a few weeks! Im not sure the government knows it's arse from it's elbow to be honest. As for being compulsory - why in a few weeks? Surely if they are needed to be worn by everyone then it needs to be done asap (frankly should have been before lockdown but hey they like to do it all backwards!) what the hell is the point in letting everyone not wear them for the next few weeks knowing that they are going to need to? If you need it in a few weeks you need it now.

The area i'm in is pretty hard hit. We've had cases going on since December (though all unrecorded) we have 1000s of actually recorded cases and the cases are rising again pretty fast so i can see us being in local lockdown at least pretty soon.

I find it pretty calming to be honest - all these anxieties people are getting about small things like waiting in line and wearing a mask or not being allowed to 'have fun' - that's how people with medically diagnosed anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, autism... feel every day of what was 'normal'. The crowds, the pushing, the way too fast pace of modern life - there are people that cant handle that and have been dealing with it for years without complaining, a tiny change to protect the masses and everyone it moaning about how devastating it is. It's not like it's a war zone.

[tootyfruitypickle]

I’m a bit happier now that masks are mandatory , because i now know the deal, instead of worrying if I should or shouldn’t put one on and if people are too close. I’m going to gradually start going out again, I’ve only been to very local shops so far.

I felt very overwhelmed and shockd about 2 weeks ago and better now. It comes in waves I think.

[Sallycinnamum]

I met s friend yesterday who is a service manager at one of our local big hospitals.

Bearing on mind we're on the fringes of london they've discharged all but two covid patients and are now being overwhelmed with those suffering from mental health issues. She said on 30 years she's never seen anything like it and the wards are now filling up with non surgical patients.

I find this more troubling than covid itself.

[AdoreTheBeach]

In the beginning, I used to just cry when I went food shopping I was just so anxious and terrified. But I went. I still wear a mask. I practiced so I didn’t feel claustrophobic or that I couldn’t breath (yes, you breath, doesn’t interfere with breathing, your mind makes you think that). I had to work on the anxiety following self soothing techniques my therapist taught me for my anxiety (last year). I have a selection of masks, detail wipes in my car (Wiping my handles, steering wheel, gear stick, screen, wipers, knobs etc) and many small hand gels so I’m gelling all the time. Completely wash my food etc.

If you try to be positive and work towards being positive attitude, you can safely go out and do some things. Just be alert to your surroundings for covidiots, don’t forget and touch surfaces/your face.

My DH is a nose picker. I try not to allow him out without me because he doesn’t think, touches surfaces and then will pick his nose.

[chaoticisatroll55]

The only affect upon me is that I'm a little bored. I honestly don't feel that disturbed or shocked. Perhaps it's just given me a grand excuse to be antisocial.

[fhc27]

I live it Hong Kong and we’ve been wearing masks in public since January. In fact since SARS in 2003 most people wear them when sick (pre corona). Now that it’s summer and 34 degrees it’s so unpleasant. And wearing sunglasses as well as masks means you can’t read anyone’s faces. No point at smiling at people in the street as you can’t see their mouths or their eyes! It’s a dilemma when someone in a car lets you cross the road. You can’t smile or mouth ‘thank you!’ And if you’re carrying shopping you can’t do a little wave! Very stressful!

[SeaSandandSun]

Hands up I haven’t read the full thread.

I live in the Middle East: I visited the UK in March and arrived back within 24 hours of then closing our border. I went into 14 day quarantine at home. I had the COVID test at the airport - negative.
Masks were necessary in public places at this point and still are!
I then went into movement restrictions - no one out between 10pm and 6am.
We then went into needing to apply to leave our home. I had to wear a mask and gloves to go to the supermarket. Only 2 permits per week.
We then went to the curfew again with masks and gloves.
Now there is no curfew, but we need masks everywhere. Most things open but restricted.
I hate masks but I have got used to it.
It’s not the end of the world.
It feels weird but it’s what I have to do.
The first time I wore a mask I cried. I felt I was suffocating. I can now go out for a run in 46 degree heat wearing one. It’s not a big deal.

[pinkstripeycat]

What an amazing, supportive thread this is. So glad there are people like me who can’t get their head around it all. It’s just damn strange.

I work in close contact with the public and have to antibac my work area, antibac my hands constantly, spray the air after every customer, wear a mask all the time and change it between every customer. It’s surreal all day long but as I move about the town I am seeing more and more people wearing a mask.

Scared about going to work but have no money coming in if I don’t go. Annoyed at those who no longer bother to distance why I’m trying so hard to keep safe.

[winniestone37]

Yes I agree- I’ve felt low about it today. I have renewed fear of myself and love one’s getting ill.

[Joeblack066]

I think the main thing to remember is it is affecting people very differently, and those who aren’t able to be as positive, to accept it, to just get on with it, well their feelings are just as valid as those who are able.
Big virtual hug to everyone!

[Ken1976]

I’ve not been watching the news or the government updates. I can also avoid visiting the shops, hairdressers etc so can pretend to myself that Covid isn’t out there and I can sleep well.

[labyrinthloafer]

I am really really hating it today too @Joeblack066

[Joeblack066]

I hate it. I hate the phrase new normal. In the same County 1 grand daughter has been allowed back to school (really happy for her) whilst the other 2 are not. Seeing my 9yo GD wither into a miserable lonely wreck. Parents all doing their best, but so conscious they’ll be paying for this for ever. My DD has just ‘graduated’- no graduation, no jobs, no hope, and she has clinical depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic asthma, so cannot wear a mask but is now even more terrified of going out. Terrified of people assaulting her for not wearing a mask. Hating how we’re all supposed to treat each other like a contagion. I’ve been poor all my life, raised my kids as a single mum after 1 deserting husband and 1 DV. Clawed my way up to a decent salary. Was hoping to spend the last 9 years till retirement having some fun. Looks like that’s out the window. As I say, I hate it. All.

[cherish123]

I find the whole mask thing quite uncomfortable. I really think it makes shopping an utterly joyless experience.

[MsMeNz]

Yeah i.do that in the morning wake and like ugh yeah covid is eel and I'm living during a Pandemic but then I think bout how lucky I am that it not.like mers or plauge and modern tech comfortable house etc and really what we are being asked to.do.is nothing compared to world war times bar those on the front lines of course. And then I just get on with it. Bar those few thoughts in morning I've mostly adapted now. Just missing swimming tbh.

[Singlenotsingle]

Not really too bothered. I lived as normally as possible during lockdown, went out as usual except nothing was open. Now the rules change daily even though no one really knows what's best, so I think I know as much as anyone else. The only rules I follow are social distancing - is it 1 metre or two? And I wear a mask if I have to. No worries.

[Cloudspotter]

I'm.glad you posted this. I've been feeling a horrible sense of fatigue and despair creeping in.

I'm absolutely determined to make the best if it, focus on the positives etc. (In my case, seeing more of my daughters, life being calmer and less stressful etc).

But often I sit down with my own thoughts and feel very sad about what's happening, how everything has changed and what the future holds. Everything is a compromise now.

I hope that there is some more positive news at some point, because this week has been a cascade of bad news from the scientists (immunity, vaccines, long term effects etc)

[Mesoavocado]

Weird isn’t it. I’ve been going to work as normal and my weekly shop on a Saturday (with a mask). So I guess u haven’t felt it being that strange

Have cancelled lunch next week as in Scotland max three households indoors and we were a four. Not a big issue we will see each other when we can

[FelicisNox]

I've no issue with it.... it's better than the alternative and as we get into winter pressures who knows how the virus will behave when it interacts with other illness such as Influenza and Norovirus.

Better masks than the alternative.

[nicegirl73]

Kay yes same I’m just crying. And no one to tell me it’ll be ok. I can’t wear a face mask. I can’t see everyone around me wear face masks I ju at can’t deal with this being my world.
I am so sad that everyone seems to just accept this.