How is everyone handling the isolation situation?

I'm really missing the library. It was my go to place where I could get away for awhile. I also liked playing on their computers cause they're much more powerful and up to date than my iPad

Being isolated is how I normally live on a day to day basis. So I am managing as far as that goes. I keep myself busy with chores and hobbies. The difficult part is trying to get the food I need and/or supplies. It gets worse each day. And the news makes me anxious. Often I have no one to talk to. So I feel like I am suffocating. Like the world has gone mad. Another down side for me is that some of my medical appointments are canceled or I'm too afraid to go. So I'm suffering physically when normally I would get treatment.

I've started to get anxious about going shopping. Things were very weird last week when I ventured out (all stores crowded and claustrophobia-inducing, to me; people behaving rudely and impatiently with one another; long lines everywhere and dwindling selection of goods)---and I did not feel like trying it again for another week, at least. We're well stocked-up, but there are always a few things I need, since I cook. It all hadn't been a problem, until last week.

Now I'm facing having to go out again. I'm not looking forward to it.

Otherwise, things are going pretty well. I've been able to keep busy, and the house is getting its Spring Cleaning, by degrees. Husband has been very nice and very helpful.

Well, first: I've divorced last summer and I've been struggling to build up a start of a social life. Also I'm extremely depressed and yet I had two things that I held on to: tango and painting classes. For the first time in ten years - with the exception of a three month trip to India - I've been without tango for more than a week. Painting classes were cancelled until further notice.

In Belgium, we are allowed to leave the house for physical excercise though. For me that means walking and ironically, the social distancing guidelines have given me more social contact than ever. In general, people I meet - except when in supermarkets where many still think hoarding is in order - are more friendly and many engage in a three minutes chat from a safe distance. I've never really had a problem with smalltalk but my utter lack of self-esteem makes it extremely hard to reach out to people so even while I know I can be funny, empathic etc., I hardly ever meet new people. For now that has become easier. But I'm not really optimistic: once things are going back to normal, the friendliness will wear off and my anxiety will re-emerge.

For a few weeks, I guess we all know in the back of our minds - although it has not been made official - that all summer festivals will be cancelled. For me that means that I will not have two major jazz festivals to go to (usually, it is a lot easier for me to engage in a conversation there) and I won't be dancing outside of my usual bubble. Moreover, I was kind of counting on the painting classes to be a starting point for a new social circle. I know some people there are into jazz and Indian classical music as well, but with everything cancelled (at least) until the end of the month (my guess is, we will not meet again before the summer has passed since this is not an essential activity), I see the potention of building up a peer-group any time soon jeopardized.

For now, I'm doing quite fine but once more people start working again, I'm afraid I'll gradually become more isolated. And I am quite worried about the summer ...

I’m an introvert so this is right up my alley. I’ve set goals for myself and am happily making progress each day. I don’t feel the usual pressure to go out and connect with the world.

I’m also an introvert that only enjoys good decent company. I live alone no kids or a hubby. I got rid of him! My life before Covid was work, gym, a little shopping here and there, listen to Podcast, watch YouTube videos, once a month massages, doctor or therapy appointments, visit my mom, talk to my friends or family few times a week. Last but not least... watch Three’s company M-F. Summertime I’ll go to outdoor festivals.

Now I will go outside every other day to buy groceries and buy basic necessities, do home workouts, do my work online, listen to Podcast and YouTube, cook, watch Three’s company and talk on the phone. I already did my spring cleaning.

To cope... I make sure I still do my self care. like exercising, read/ listen to the bible-app , shower everyday, eat healthy, wash and style my hair, listen to music, talk therapy over the phone once a week. I’m also doing Talkspace daily. I make sure I get my vitamin D every other day! God is good

Be well everyone... hopefully things get back to normal real soon.

I tend to be home a lot anyway so not much is different. Also thinking about millions of others in the same boat is reassuring in a way.

I have been missing going for a wounder about on my bike. I used to spend time looking for interesting photo ops and ideas for landscapes [art] but over the last few weeks have not been doing this. Been at home all this time is not something that has bothered me too much in itself

I'm annoyed that it's mid-May and some people are still clueless about social distancing. I wanted to scream at this one lady yesterday. Instead I just got out of there as fast as I could.

At my local grocery store sometimes the managers stand right behind me in the self-check out. The other night I went at 11 pm. The store was empty. But the manager stood right behind me - not 6 feet distance. I didn't say anything, quickly left the store, but the next day called the store's complaint number and reported the manager.Am going to start shopping elsewhere even though this store is close and convenient.

I sure glad the grass started growing helps me keep busy.My wife helps me keep calm we have cleaned a lot of things.

Hi Deilla,
I feel the same way as you do. I think all adults should wear a mask when they are in close quarters. No one is exempt from taking the precautions.

Handling the isolation by calling family and friends iow keeping in contact by phone.

I am not handling it. Not doing well these days. I need to do something differently, but it's frustrating because I don't know what that would be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WastingAsparagus I am not handling it. Not doing well these days. I need to do something differently, but it's frustrating because I don't know what that would be.

I can definitely relate. My life feels like it lacks direction due to the uncertainty of the lockdown.

This situation would be easier on me if I had my own private place and permanent address.

Feeling lonely, sad, and some meetup groups are meeting again so may consider going with social distancing of course.

At first, thought this isn't happening. Then realised it was when most of shops closed, queued to get into supermarket, empty shelves, no toilet rolls

Strange at first not doing things as part of normal routine. Started to have really strange dreams, thankfully not every night. Also recalling situations/meeting people that I have no wish to repeat. Doing elderly mother's food shopping as well as own for first time. Wondering how to get rid of household waste as the dump was closed. Bad driving; why are people ignoring speed limits, road signs?!? Hairdressers closed, what will it be like when we can go again. Heard we won't be able to chat

Now for the positives. Unavailable items in supermarket now far less. Neighbour allows me to dispose of household rubbish in his bin, then having regular chat with him (socially distancing of course). Recycling goes in my mother's one. Made a compost container for garden clippings. Ordering online and the nice delivery people. Know it sounds selfish but not being asked to take in other people's parcels.

Finally, have mixed thoughts about face masks. A pharmacist told me that they shouldn't be worn as can cause respiratory problems. Coughing/sneezing into them can draw germs/mucus back into lungs. Yes, some people do need to use them, so do it properly. My biggest rant is about dirty people who don't wash their hands after using toilet (yes, women too!) and those going round in dirty coats

Its hard for me to stay awake for more than a couple hours. I live in a 1br apt. OTOH I am more creative. I don't feel right unless I either draw a picture or work on an earlier sketch. Keeping in touch with family and friends by phone. Mainly going out to pick up meds at the drug store. Or buy food at the supermarket. Yes I know not exactly an exciting life.

I am spending most of the day reading novels. Anything to avoid looking at myself and doing those things, like exercise, that I can do even with the pandemic.