Topic Tuesday// Adjusting to Covid Normal// Tues 25th October 2022 7-8:30PM AEDT

It sounds like you've found a lot of positives in amongst the challenges @EliseSunflower, from reengaging with new hobbies to establishing routines. I feel like the struggle of continuing those routines as the world re-opened is super relatable!

I had virtual hangs with friends normalised a bit, which is really helpful now knowing I can do things like have movie nights etc with friends who live interstate or overseas 🙂

We are self employed cleaners @EliseSunflower , @Jazzycat

So most of our customers are out of their homes when we clean

The Mr shaz wants to go home and stay home

Our last question for @EliseSunflower: How can we deal with the uncertainty we might feel about the future? E.g., we might have concerns about future variant outbreaks, and the potential futility of making plans

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@TideisTurning wrote:

Our last question for @EliseSunflower: How can we deal with the uncertainty we might feel about the future? E.g., we might have concerns about future variant outbreaks, and the potential futility of making plans

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I’d like to start with some validation... COVID-19 is scary. We now have a collective understanding of what a global pandemic feels like, and how it affects us. The effects are massive! It’s normal to be anxious about what to expect in the future.

I think there are a couple of things to consider:

• Plans may change. We have to expect the unexpected. Sometimes it can be helpful to have a backup plan, though not always possible.
• But: sitting with uncertainty is important. We can’t always prepare for every possible outcome. The future is always going to be a bit hazy... and there’s not much we can do about it.
• Focusing on the present can help, through activities like mindfulness and grounding. It can also help to purposefully think about things that can go right – what do you have to look forward to?
• It’s important to acknowledge and reflect on any recurring thoughts or worries – are they helpful, or getting in the way?

I also think it can really help to speak with a peer worker or other mental health professional about any concerns… especially if your thoughts are feeling overwhelming. 💜 People on the forums are here to help, and if you haven’t already, definitely check out SANE’s support services here.

Other than work I didn’t really have any connections with anyone during covid and it’s pretty much the same out of covid. Ive stayed pretty isolated.

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@Former-Member wrote:

I had virtual hangs with friends normalised a bit, which is really helpful now knowing I can do things like have movie nights etc with friends who live interstate or overseas 🙂

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Thanks for highlighting this @Former-Member, about how certain things have been more normalised or reintroduced! I think @EliseSunflower touched on earlier how important and useful virtual hangouts can be, particular where distance or busy lives might be an extra factor! ❤️ Something I really appreciated about the lockdowns, for sure.

I lot, I was kind of addicted to it for months! Now it's a little more balanced.

@Captain24, you don't have to answer this if you're not comfortable, but I'm curious about whether the isolation and limited connections you're describing are things you're happy with, or that work for you?
As @EliseSunflower has noted through the chat, you have the Forums community, there are support services out there and there's also our weekly Peer Group Chats on a Thursday evening you're welcome to join if you'd like (more here) 😊

Sometimes I’m happy with the isolation @TideisTurning.

Currently though I am finding very difficult but the anxiety of heading out for social situations outweighs the negative of staying at home.