Depression and Anxiety

It has definitely changed most people. I'm really not used to being stuck at home. Its hardest for the kids. However on a plus side we're now exercising (3km bush hike) with the kids regularly. Also its not self centered, there's always someone thats in a worse situation. We can be grateful and sad at the same time.

Restrictions are actually easing this weekend for us, we can visit family. I'm very happy for this. However now I can't just put off the talk with my parents in why we won't see them on mothers day. I think I'll send her a card, and the photos she asked for.

This situation means redefining who I am, even if it is supposedly short term. Searching out a familiar activity (in my case sewing) or foraging out a new activity seems to be helpful. Thank goodness we have the internet which can open doors to so many new ideas. Sometimes those doors lead nowhere, but it is so empowering to look for another more stimulating option.

I just want to add the importance of noticing- You are aware of how you're feeling, when you're feeling depressed or anxious- And if you make the effort, you may notice that you're not feeling either of those things constantly-

When the phone rings, when you get a text notification, if you stub your toe, bump an elbow, become startled- When something strikes you funny and you laugh-

And please understand that the sadness and anxiety is shared-

I've continued to turn to movies that I'm familiar with, I can connect with them, they don't change, therefore provide some sense of continuity and immersion-

Studio Ghibli films are ethereal and completely calming-

I've said this before but will keep repeating it hoping it helps anyone who needs to understand- Our current situation is revealing every chink in our armor, and we are seeing every weakness simultaneously, injustice, inequality, intense fear, and death which is incredibly difficult to mentally process-

When people are compassionate, return it- Sometimes it's difficult to recognize- And when they suck take appropriate measures-

Commune with nature and understand that sometimes climbing down a steep hill can be just as difficult as climbing up it-

Foot massage! Very relaxing- Candle lit shower late at night-

Healthy food, good sleep- Washing clothes by hand and hanging them outside to dry-

Music-

I attend an online zoom meeting every Friday and Saturday evening but I find it makes me feel so much worse on Sunday as I am back to being completely alone again. Sometimes I am lonely but sometimes it is more than that, sometimes being so alone and not knowing for how long is frightening. I think I could do with a zoom meeting/get together that I could go to every single day even if sometimes I didn't bother going.

And please don't feel bad for feeling bad. I am starting to notice a lot of people having feelings about the situation and then feeling they are wrong for feeling that way because other people may have bigger problems. We don't tell ourselves we shouldn't be happy because other people have bigger reasons to be happy. So why tell ourselves we shouldn't feel sad or anxious or worried because other people might have bigger reasons to feel that way.

For the sake of our collective well being everyone must be allowed to say how they feel without feeling bad about it. There is no getting away from it, this is a very challenging time.