Normal life is back

[ExmoorValley]

I don't know about you but life where I am is pretty much back to normal, masks in shops falling rapidly. People having a good time. Covid barely gets mentioned now. (and yes I know people are still catching it and a tiny proportion will die)

It feels great. So what happened to the 200,000 cases a day doom scenario peddlers on here? They seem rather quiet.......

As they don’t live in fear of cancer, or road traffic accidents, or drowning. Most people mitigate these risks, rather than ignore them. There is a wide range of available mitigations, some give up processed meat due to cancer risk for example. We do not call people who do that 'hysterical', even if we don't do it ourselves.

With covid, any risk mitigation is badged by some as anxiety.

Why is covid provoking such rabid denial of risk? Because many people are struggling to deal with this new risk.

No risk mitigation and too much risk mitigation are just opposite responses to the same emotion - fear.

That’s lovely but blind optimism is as dangerous and indicative of mental health problems as living in fear, both of which are quite apparent on this thread. Don’t put down others who aren’t reacting in the same way as you. Who knows what’s right and if there is even a right, given how quickly things change?

I’m not sure what social class has do with anything. What do you mean? I am definitely enjoying myself now but will watch what happens. If cases rocket, if vaccines fail, if mutations happen, then I reserve the right to change my view.

@lannistunut

As they don’t live in fear of cancer, or road traffic accidents, or drowning. Most people mitigate these risks, rather than ignore them. There is a wide range of available mitigations, some give up processed meat due to cancer risk for example. We do not call people who do that 'hysterical', even if we don't do it ourselves.

With covid, any risk mitigation is badged by some as anxiety.

Why is covid provoking such rabid denial of risk? Because many people are struggling to deal with this new risk.

No risk mitigation and too much risk mitigation are just opposite responses to the same emotion - fear.

You can behave according to your view of your risk as can everyone else.

Personally I choose to go to events / restaurants / visit people inside where others might avoid all that. That’s fine for me and you if you want that.

Finally our risk profiles are not as linked and we get to choose. Some are happier about that than others.

Your idea it’s based on same emotion of fear is not correct though.

Of course people take reasonable precautions.
They don’t drink while they drive.
They put on a bit of sun cream.
But they don’t avoid motorways or stick to 50miles per hour.
And they don’t avoid sunlight.
If people were doing that we’d all say they were being unhealthily cautious.

Most people ARE taking reasonable precautions with Covid. They’ve followed the rules. They’ve had their vaccination. They’re not snogging people who’ve had a positive test and licking the floors of ICU.

But in the current circumstances with the current risks they’re NOT going to follow unreasonable mitigations no matter how much you demand it.
No one is stopping you imposing restrictions on yourself, but don’t expect others to applaud it or say it’s healthy.

It’s not blind optimistic. It’s a realistic perception of risk based on personal circumstances. And about balance in terms of living one’s life to the full.

I wasn’t that afraid of Covid even before I was vaccinated. Because the statistics showed it probably wouldn’t be serious for me (yes small percentage risk it would) . I was give a one in four percentage chance of dying of cancer ten years ago so I really can’t get stressed about tiny percentages. Especially now I’m double vaccinated. I genuinely have more chance of dying in a car. Yet I get in one of those every day.

There are no mitigations against Covid I am prepared to take anymore. Other than those I take against other illnesses. So washing hands, getting vaccinated if recommended and staying a healthy weight, doing exercise.

If you choose to stay in as your perception of risk to Covid is different then so be it.

It is fear that drives those who have strong reactions either way. The fear from some that life may have changed for good is as clear as the health fears of others. It is the fear of covid itself that drives most denialism.

It’s a realistic perception of risk based on personal circumstances It is a reasonable perception of risk based on personal circumstances.

We all view risk imperfectly, plus we none of us know our underlying health status, which changes day by day.

How can you know with such certainty how others are feeling?

You sound like you want it to be the case. What if people are feeling more positive right now? Why does it matter to those who are feeling differently.

@lannistunut

As they don’t live in fear of cancer, or road traffic accidents, or drowning. Most people mitigate these risks, rather than ignore them. There is a wide range of available mitigations, some give up processed meat due to cancer risk for example. We do not call people who do that 'hysterical', even if we don't do it ourselves.

With covid, any risk mitigation is badged by some as anxiety.

Why is covid provoking such rabid denial of risk? Because many people are struggling to deal with this new risk.

No risk mitigation and too much risk mitigation are just opposite responses to the same emotion - fear.

I agree with this.

@Delatron

It’s not blind optimistic. It’s a realistic perception of risk based on personal circumstances. And about balance in terms of living one’s life to the full.

I wasn’t that afraid of Covid even before I was vaccinated. Because the statistics showed it probably wouldn’t be serious for me (yes small percentage risk it would) . I was give a one in four percentage chance of dying of cancer ten years ago so I really can’t get stressed about tiny percentages. Especially now I’m double vaccinated. I genuinely have more chance of dying in a car. Yet I get in one of those every day.

There are no mitigations against Covid I am prepared to take anymore. Other than those I take against other illnesses. So washing hands, getting vaccinated if recommended and staying a healthy weight, doing exercise.

If you choose to stay in as your perception of risk to Covid is different then so be it.

Can't argue with much of that.

I have always treated CV as i would if we were in a normal flu season, vaccines, stay away from folk obv ill, wash hands etc but otherwise do what i normally do.

What i think though is the NHS and its almost inability to deal with normal health problems, some of this is CV related but mostly its chronic staff & equipment shortages over many years.

For context, i ve just been told that a common but extremely painful condition, formerly treated routinely on the NHS is no longer available, unless an AE admission - the alternative £3k and private.

I know for sure I’m not changing behaviour on a potential underlying condition I don’t know about.

That makes it clear that you don’t know motivation of others very well.

What if people are feeling more positive right now? Feeling positive is nice, I feel positive about the lovely day I have planned.

We are talking about risk though, not mood.

@lannistunut

What if people are feeling more positive right now? Feeling positive is nice, I feel positive about the lovely day I have planned.

We are talking about risk though, not mood.

I’m talking about my view if my own risk.

You are overlaying it with string emotions such as fear which isn’t the case.

I don’t know why - but your view of others is off.

I know for sure I’m not changing behaviour on a potential underlying condition I don’t know about. No one suggests you should

My point is I acknowledge that I am imperfect at assessing my own risk due to a) incomplete data and b) human frailty.

I am not afraid of this, it isn't something I worry about.

Not sure my view of anything is any more or less valid than anyone else's. I don't need others to see things the same way as me, but I see a lot of puffed chests saying 'I can assess my risk perfectly' and I think - can you? Better than others? I don't think I'm smarter than average, although of course some are, mathematically.

I don't think I can assess my risk clearly, but I'm ok with that.

Of course most will say it’s not perfect assessment.

But it’s close enough to make decisions from it.

Which is what you’re doing aren’t you? So why set yourself apart.

No the problem is when people are accused of ‘blind optimism’ or being selfish for going to the theatre.
If you are vulnerable and want others to permanently alter their behaviour to accommodate this then own that. State it clearly. Because there is no argument for anyone doing that.

Bleating about blind optimism and people selfishly going to the theatre doesn’t wash. Restrictions have lifted and now everyone is free to make their own risk assessment. Thanks goodness.

Oh and also accusing people of ‘denial’
I’m not in denial that Covid exists. In fact I’m less in denial than most people who think Covid is going anywhere. It’s here to stay so we need to work out how we are prepared to live with it.

@Delatron

Oh and also accusing people of ‘denial’ I’m not in denial that Covid exists. In fact I’m less in denial than most people who think Covid is going anywhere. It’s here to stay so we need to work out how we are prepared to live with it.

You seem very angry for someone who is supposed to be welcoming the lifting of all restrictions and the return to normality?

I read the thread and felt there were lots of shots at people’s mental health if they wouldn’t agree that things are ‘normal’. I agree it is a shame if people aren’t making the most of the lifting of restrictions but it’s their call and not ‘wrong’. I do also concerned for those of you who are insisting everything is hunky-dory as, in a different way, it is as much of a comfort blanket and could be very difficult to deal with if things do go tits up again - but again, it’s your call. This is the biggest event in most of our lives so we are all affected and our reactions show this.

@BustopherPonsonbyJones

I read the thread and felt there were lots of shots at people’s mental health if they wouldn’t agree that things are ‘normal’. I agree it is a shame if people aren’t making the most of the lifting of restrictions but it’s their call and not ‘wrong’. I do also concerned for those of you who are insisting everything is hunky-dory as, in a different way, it is as much of a comfort blanket and could be very difficult to deal with if things do go tits up again - but again, it’s your call. This is the biggest event in most of our lives so we are all affected and our reactions show this.

Actually I do t even think it’s a shame if people don’t. We really are untied from each other’s behaviour now, which is different to before.

If people want to stay cautious it really is up to them and no shame at all if so.

But equally as much as I think we’re doing better than many predicted, don’t worry about if it changes and how I’ll feel (just speaking for me here). I’ll feel strong emotions no doubt but will deal with it.

@jasjas1973 fuck me, so you think 36000 people will die on top of the 500000 who will die from other things? Seriously, try looking up the stats for excess deaths. Google will help.

I’m not angry at all @jasjas1973 looking forward to my holiday abroad in two days. Loving everything getting back to normal. Well in real life. Mumsnet never ceases to amaze me with the doom mongers but then I guess this is where they like to hang out.

Just like to pull up phrases such as ‘blind optimism’ ‘denial’ , ‘selfish’ etc.

@MarshaBradyo

Do people think it’s gone?

I see some saying same which is that infection that doesn’t overwhelm healthcare is possible - which is different to gone.

I agree with this for the UK at least. But then what do I know; I have been wrong this entire pandemic!

I am carrying on with my life almost as normal. Taking the tube ( masked), going to less crowded restaurants, meeting people in small groups, travelling. Just avoiding large gatherings and very small indoor spaces. Will be careful to take my flu shot, keep the weight off and continue taking Vitamin D. What more can I do?

@Delatron
I’ve just got back from my holiday in Spain. I’m away again next week and have booked theatre tickets and restaurants. You can enjoy the easing of restrictions without believing things are back to normal. It isn’t back to normal but if it helps you to think it is, that’s great. You’re not selfish (and I’m not a doom monger) but I don’t agree with you that life is normal. I don’t know if things will improve or get worse in the next few months. I hope they improve but accept the may deteriorate for a while. I wish someone could tell me as I loathe the fact that no one, even the scientists and experts, actually know.