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Original poster

Self isolating is worse than lock down

46 replies

ssd · 01/10/2020 17:16

Dh tested positive last week, we are all self isolating
Can't leave the house, thank god we have a garden to sit in when it's dry
Can't go a walk
It's fucking dementing

During lock down I walked every day for my mental health, but can't when self isolating as per the guidelines.

I'm finding it hard. I can't imagine this with a couple of kids in a flat Sad

OP posts:
PaperMonster · 01/10/2020 17:24

Yes, it’s horrible and I only had to do it for a week.

Heartofstrings · 01/10/2020 17:26

I've done it for 2 weeks with a 2 year old and 3 year old because we had coughs and colds and couldn't get a test. It's not been brilliantly fun and my kids are climbing the walls!

TheDogsMother · 01/10/2020 17:29

I've just done two weeks quarantine and its not even being able to go for a walk that is especially tough. I really feel for those that have been shielding for months.

Cric · 01/10/2020 17:30

We have done between 5 and 6 weeks since March for varies illnesses / waiting for COVID results. I am dreading that we will have to do it again!

Fightthebear · 01/10/2020 17:32

Yup, it’s much worse than lockdown WineBrewCakeDaffodil

Fightthebear · 01/10/2020 17:32

Could you find a project in the garden to have something to focus on?

LindaEllen · 01/10/2020 17:33

It is horrible, and it's even worse because other people seem to just be going on as normal around you. At least in lockdown there was a huge 'we're all in it together' mentality with the Thursday night clapping etc.

Try and do some exercise if you can, even if you find an exercise video on YouTube or put some music on and have a dance around. You might feel a bit silly doing it, but it'll get the blood pumping all the same and you might feel better afterwards.

And remember that it will pass :).

Original poster
ssd · 01/10/2020 17:38

That's 2 really good points, this is what sheilders must have felt like (well a tiny bit of what they must have felt like, not trying to compare at all)
And yes, in lock down we were all together, felt very like we were all doing our bit, this self isolating is very lonely, all of our household are keeping to ourselves and its a real trial.

OP posts:
Muddypuddlesinthewoods · 01/10/2020 17:38

I did it as dc was shielding (as a single parent no adult company was hard). Just came out of shielding then we had to do two more weeks for a hospital admission which actually felt harder than the original isolation. I found routine and going in the garden daily got us through.

Lemons1571 · 01/10/2020 17:40

It’s 14 days from his first symptom, so maybe with the time it takes to get a test and results, you’re at least half way through?

Original poster
ssd · 01/10/2020 17:40

I can't imagine what this does to a lot of peoples mental health

OP posts:
HotToCold · 01/10/2020 17:40

A shielder here!

Been in Since March, Still advised by consultant to Shield.

2 weeks is a VERY short amount of time

In 2 weeks time, its been 7 MONTHS

BlusteryShowers · 01/10/2020 17:40

That sounds hard. I have to say I didn't realise that you weren't even allowed out for a distanced walk if self isolating.

Hollyhead · 01/10/2020 17:42

It’s ridiculous that self isolators aren’t allowed out on a walk, even if there was guidance about it being solitary, for a short amount of time ?20 mins and at times of day when you’re unlikely to meet others - maybe 6-8am and after 6pm or something.

BlackLambAndGreyFalcoln · 01/10/2020 17:44

I did it during lockdown. We had nice weather, a garden and it wasn't too bad as the only things we were missing were the "daily exercise" and the weekly shop as nothing else was open and we weren't allowed to go anywhere else! Now it would be much worse to have to self isolate. At a minimum we'd miss school, extra curricula activities, potential social engagements, even potential holidays as so much more is open and is possible under the current restrictions (assuming no local lockdown/increased restrictions). Obviously of course we would isolate if required, but it would be much harder experience than back on April - especially now that the weather is turning.

NervousInYorkshire · 01/10/2020 17:44

I live in a flat with a shared garden. Using communal hallways and putting the bins out was apparently ok; sitting in an empty garden with no neighbours around (and a 20m distance if they did come out) was vernboten. It was a horrible week.

I shielded before that, and it was ok as I could use the garden throughout (but was advised to get other ppl to do the bins, which meant the recycling didn't go out for three months).

ImSleepingBeauty · 01/10/2020 18:03

Imagine having to do it because you can’t get a test.
And then spending hours and hours trying to get said test.
And then waiting 4 fucking days for a negative result.
When you were pretty certain it wasn’t Covid.
Imagine having to do it with your children. Who are missing yet more school. And nursery. When you have already paid full fees. And swimming lessons, playball, guides etc all paid for. With no school work. While you can’t work. Again.

While the rest of the world gets to continue about their business.
Yeah it’s pretty awful.

AuntieStella · 01/10/2020 18:09

This is why 'shield the vulnerable' is such a crap idea.

They've already done months on isolation rules (including children) yet there are some who would consign them indefinitely to something they find appallingly difficult for 14 days.

It is horrible, and it's even worse because other people seem to just be going on as normal around you

So true, and so horrible also for those who have already shielded and might be asked to do so again.

Crunchymum · 01/10/2020 18:17

@Heartofstrings

I've done it for 2 weeks with a 2 year old and 3 year old because we had coughs and colds and couldn't get a test. It's not been brilliantly fun and my kids are climbing the walls!
we did it with a 7yo, 5yo and 2yo (5yo had a cough and we couldn't get a test!!)

They went back today. Best.day.ever Grin

Parkrunmum · 01/10/2020 18:51

How's your Dh?

Keepdistance · 01/10/2020 19:03

Imsleepingbeuty yes we had that and caught the virus between us so taking longer.
Dc2 missed start of reception and now has no friends.
And im worried thar with 2 kids we will be off for 2w a month

walfordwatcher · 01/10/2020 19:40

That's 2 really good points, this is what sheilders must have felt like (well a tiny bit of what they must have felt like, not trying to compare at all)

I understand what you are going through OP, and wish you and your DH well.

As a family we all shielded to protect my clinically extremely vulnerable husband, and as his consultant advised we are continuing to do that. Therefore we have not been out since March. It was fine during the summer as we could spend much time in the garden, but this past week with the colder and wetter weather it had been so depressing....endless. So I hope for all our sakes the nicer weather returns so that the rest of your self isolating will seem brighter too. Good luck.

lljkk · 01/10/2020 19:52

Shielders it's advisory though, I think?

Shielder can go for a walk if they choose.
Self-isolaters are not legally allowed out, not even a countryside walk at 1am.

It's different.

Original poster
ssd · 01/10/2020 19:54

Thank you for the nice messages, dh is coping but coughing a lot the poor soul.
I so feel for the sheilders, God that's so hard.

OP posts:
PickAChew · 01/10/2020 19:56

It wouod drive me bonkers.

I was scrolling through the M&S Christmas food to order, today and it occurred to me that no way would I risk paying the deposit in case we had to self isolate at that time.