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Coronavirus

Dark thoughts

(35 Posts)
CathTheWise Mon 18-May-20 07:49:58

Hetty58, you say that watching no news articles is not helpful for Cornelia's mental health but I actually see where she comes from. I also feel depressed after watching the news so I try to avoid it except for the really informative pieces from respected sources. It's not about sticking your head to the sand because one obviously can't pretend coronavirus didn't happen and didn't change our lives. It's more about trying to save yourself from panicking.

CorneliaStreet Mon 18-May-20 07:44:22

Beechnut, grandMattie thank you! I'm trying to do that

CorneliaStreet Mon 18-May-20 07:43:15

*else's

CorneliaStreet Mon 18-May-20 07:42:55

Hetty58 how does the fact that some people "have it worse that me" affect my own (or anyone alse's) situation? Oh yes, I miss having coffee and meeting my friends, I miss dancing and dance contests, I miss theaters, I miss my life and so what? Is it really that bad? Don't you miss all those little things you don't have any access to right now? If so, you are a very lucky person and I wish I had this type of attitude, too, but I don't.

Michy Mon 18-May-20 07:13:19

I agree SO SO much if you get a chance to watch Lord Sumptions interview BBC news 24 yesterday it puts all in a nutshell hmm
I've never ever wished time to go so fast
Take Care
sunshine

Riverwalk Mon 18-May-20 07:12:39

I think it's a mistake to limit your news to zero - that way you also won't hear good news like the gradual return to work for some sectors, future opening of pubs & cafes with gardens etc.

If I find myself grumbling or with a dark thought I give myself a sharp reminder that we have it very easy compared to people living in war zones, refugee camps, dirt-poor countries, etc.

Remember the Siege of Sarajevo, only in the 90s and on our doorstep in Europe - it lasted for four years and the people suffered so very badly, including being targeted by snipers when standing in food queues.

We will get back to a near normal soon.

Hetty58 Mon 18-May-20 07:05:17

I (probably most of us) never thought it would be over in 2-3 weeks. I viewed it as mainly writing off plans for this year (as a very long pause) and planning hopefully for next summer.

Why on Earth do people want to 'get back to normal'? I really can't understand the desire to go back to the exact same ideal conditions for the next pandemic. Shouldn't we learn and adapt for a better future instead?

It's really not that bad. Individually, the danger we face is low. There's no threat of starvation, being bombed or society breaking down. How does it compare to other threats and challenges in your life? Is it the worst thing that's ever happened to you? If so, you've been very fortunate.

Missing 'normal' life, coffee, theatre and dancing sounds so very trivial and self-centred to those who've lost loved ones, those who've been gravely ill. The death toll here in the UK is 34, 636!

Watching no news articles at all is equivalent to sticking your fingers in your ears and singing 'La, la, la' - not at all helpful for your mental health.

Trying to block things out completely just doesn't work. The best approach is to keep updated on the news but limit it to a short time, each day or so, then focus on other things.

Rather than negatively fret over what you can't do, concentrate on all that is still possible and involve yourself in any little projects, hobbies, learning or voluntary opportunities that are available. Don't forget to 'count your blessings' too!

Beechnut Mon 18-May-20 06:55:19

Not wishing to be gloomy but I think there will always be ‘something’ in our lives whether it be this that effects us all or something personally. So on that note I can only agree with grandMattie.

grandMattie Mon 18-May-20 06:37:17

I can offer very little.
Count your blessings and “carpe diem”. Live for the day and let tomorrow take care of itself.
Chin up. There IS light at the end of the tunnel.

CorneliaStreet Mon 18-May-20 06:20:14

I really hope life WILL get back to normal soon (and this is going to be our previous normal, not some "new normal") and I know all these measures are for the good but what are your tips to get rid of dark thoughts about how we all are entitled to live like this for a long long time, distancing from each other and never getting coffee out there or watching live theater shows again?
I've limited news and news articles down to zero but I still worry about how our future will look like. I really enjoyed dancing but our dancing club has been closed for almost 3 months already and I'm worrying I'll never go back to dance again... At first we believed it will be over in some 2-3 weeks but now it seems like there will be no end of living like this.
Thanks for reading through all these mourning and I'd greatly appreciate any advice.