I was typing in my R/V but realised I could really use some 'company' with this. Please, if you're struggling with coronavirus-related difficulties, feel free to use this thread as a place to talk.
I'm massively tired and stressed and overwhelmed at the moment. I know most people probably are!
My partner is immunosuppressed, he'll be either high risk or very high risk. We suspect he's likely to receive one of these letters about shielding. But I'm in and out all the time to work and placement, and I can't stop. Even if I suspended placement, I'd have to work to pay bills and rent and so on. I don't know how I'd live with it if anything happened to him because of me. I'm scared.
I'm either at work or placement every day. I need a break but there's no one to cover. Everything has been scaled right back, very little face to face contact with service users. Everything that keeps many of the people I work with well is gone. I know it's for very good reason, but it's still difficult.
I've been a huge ball of tears this evening. Just needed to put it out there and hopefully feel less alone.
"I know you're sad, so I won't tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day.
Stay alive, feed yourself well, wear comfortable clothes, and don't give up on yourself just yet.
It'll get better. Until then, have a day."
Everything is so difficult at the moment - you really aren't alone in this.
Is there any way you can separate yourselves at home more? Sleep in separate rooms, don't share plates and cutlery, be really really strict on hand washing and no physical contact? Could you even move out somewhere else so you can keep working? Or could your partner go stay somewhere else? I know that's not ideal and potentially very lonely.
There's also stuff in place if you have to stop working - Statutory Sick Pay for people like yourself who might need to stop work because of someone in your household self-isolating or Universal Credit.
I hear how tired and scared you are, and how hard you're working. I'm not sure I can add much other than the excellent advice from np.
I really hope you can get financial help to support you and your partner staying safe. It sounds like an incredibly difficult position to be in.
After speaking to my therapist on the phone this morning, she said our Recovery College online has some really good articles on managing mental health during this pandemic. I don't know if people outside the Trust (assuming you're outside the Trust) can use it but if you want to have a look, it's the Recovery College for Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys. I know it's not much help when you're dealing with much bigger issues, but there might be a bit of something useful there. Xx
I found some more information about shielding actually from gov.uk:
Quote:
What should you do if you have someone else living with you?
Whilst the rest of your household are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves, we would expect them to do what they can to support you in shielding and to stringently follow guidance on social distancing.
- Minimise as much as possible the time other family members spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.
- Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible. If you can, you should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Make sure you use separate towels from the other people in your house, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes.
- If you do share a toilet and bathroom with others, it is important that they are cleaned after use every time (for example, wiping surfaces you have come into contact with). Another tip is to consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with you using the facilities first.
- If you share a kitchen with others, avoid using it while they are present. If you can, you should take your meals back to your room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry the family’s used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly. If you are using your own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.
- We understand that it will be difficult for some people to separate themselves from others at home. You should do your very best to follow this guidance and everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
If the rest of your household stringently follow advice on social distancing and minimise the risk of spreading the virus within the home by following the advice above, there is no need for them to also shield alongside you.
Which means you can still go to work. But I would suggest that you or your work find someone to cover for you for a while if possible, even a few days. You do need a break as well and can't be expected to do everything alone and carry on long term like this when there are added stressors everywhere at the moment. You need to look after yourself too.
Ophiucus - are you a member of any local Facebook groups? I know most of my local towns and villages are setting up networks for volunteers to deliver essential groceries and medication to people who are having to self-isolate, so there may be something similar near you?
even im getting freaked out now im hearing my country might be goin into lockdown my pharmacy deliver but theres rules and limits on it and they charge . ive got athsma so i am supposed to be staying in now ,im claustophobic am fine if i know i can get out but nowthats not looking so certain well im so worried im stuggling mentally a bit anyway after a horrendous week and the panic is really setting in . i keep getting cold coz i cant move about enough its sunny and warm enough in the flat according to thermastat thingy but im cold to the extent my core temp has actully dropped half a degree ive lost weight due to stress and anxietyand im starting to feel very trapped
if you're vulnerable Sainsburys have a phone number you can call to reguster as vulnerable and that opens up some delivery slots I think.
worth a look if youcan't get out to the shops
can youphone your docs and explain your pharmacy doesn't deliver and you're self isolating. see if they can send scripts to a pharmacy that does deliver
Good luck!
The NHS are starting an 'army' of volunteers to help the 1.5 million vulnerable people. People can apply above but I'm sure there must be a way to actually access the help available too. It might be worth a google?
I'm sorry to hear that, Ophiuchus. How are you doing today? I know it's difficult but please don't let it put you off asking for help. If you feel worse or don't feel like you can manage your symptoms yourself at home, then do call an ambulance yourself, or use 111.
For those of you struggling with anxiety, is there anything that usually helps? I'm finding it helpful to find things to do that are easy enough but take concentration. For me, that's cross stitch and I've started on a sticker by numbers album (it's quite soothing!) I use the app 'Calm' for mindfulness and relaxation. It's good, and a lot of the resources are free at the moment.
Thank you all for the support and advice, I really appreciate it. My placement has been put on hold indefinitely, which is stressful in itself, but I'm still working. I have had some days off, which I desperately needed, and we're trying to put precautions in place at home. I'm so scared though (for him, not me). I was in floods of tears last night about having to come out to work today. I'm just so anxious.
"I know you're sad, so I won't tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day.
Stay alive, feed yourself well, wear comfortable clothes, and don't give up on yourself just yet.
It'll get better. Until then, have a day."
I got a really generic pamphlet from the hospital my consultant is based at. I have immunosuppressant infusions due to a rare autoimmune disease that’s caused high blood pressure and kidney impairment. I’ve not actually received a letter or a text to say I’m high risk, but the Vasculitis society website says I am. Very confused and can’t get through to doctors. I really want to take up the temporary registration offer but I don’t want to put anyone else at risk by going and doing that.
Wouldn’t probably be doing much social atm due to low mood the last couple of months but not having the option is making my low mood worse. Guess I’m just ranting. I set up a support group on fb a week or so ago but feel like I can’t rant there cos some of my friends are members too.
Pomegranate (don’t know if its okay to use your name on here), if you need a chat and don’t feel like you can post on the group you can always send me a pm on facebook if it’d help.
Ophiucus, thank you . I meant join the nhs temporary nursing register (I’m in last part of my nursing degree). Realised I didn’t make that clear though. I don’t want to join nursing register if I’ll potentially put people at risk (and Occupational health etc are suspended during this crisis so couldn’t ask them either).
ophiuchus thats thats not good *insert worried face here* hope u feel better soon mayb try ringing 111 for an out of hrs gp apt be it telephone or in person. they cant all be useless keep trying sweet n hopefully someone nice n helpful will come along
Phi- if it’s no better tomorrow I definitely think callingnis a good idea. I spoke to my specialists today and they were actually really nice and even thanked me for calling so we could prevent things getting even worse. It was also the quickest I got through to a consultant, ever! There’s nothing wrong with needing support or advice. Please don’t let one negative experience put you off z
I'm so sorry phi well done for goin .disgraceful service isn't Ur fault sends hugs if you wud like them .it says everything about them n nothing bout u xx
. I meant join the nhs temporary nursing register (I’m in last part of my nursing degree). Realised I didn’t make that clear though. I don’t want to join nursing register if I’ll potentially put people at risk (and Occupational health etc are suspended during this crisis so couldn’t ask them either).
Has the tablets and inhaler not made any difference? 
