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Disrupted and disappointed by COVID-19

Restaurants are closed again, get-togethers cancelled and holidays postponed. But there are ways to lessen the disappointment and disruption.

Just when we thought we were coming out the other side, Melbourne is back inside. Melbourne and the Mitchell shire are back in lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most at risk of serious illness and dying.

It’s disruptive and disappointing to have closures and lockdown back in place.  But there are ways to think about and deal with how you might be feeling right now.

Acknowledge the disappointment

Disappointment is a painful and sad feeling that comes up when something disrupts our hopeful expectations and positive feelings. When longed for and enjoyable plans are cancelled, it is legitimate to feel sad, annoyed, anxious, even angry. Acknowledge we will feel flat or even grief. If you have children, allow them to share in your distress and encourage them to express their own feelings.

Accept the new normal

Recognise the COVID-19 pandemic is out of our control. It helps when we face up to reality, even if it is painful. Talk about your experiences and how you feel, and make time to listen to others. Make time and space to be alone with your thoughts and feelings. Unpleasant as our disappointments may be, reminding ourselve that by staying home and giving up normal life we are saving lives. Recognise we have done this before; we know how to do this.

Look out for others

Many of us will be feeling flat. It’s worth checking in on family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, local café staff to see how they are doing. Make times to regularly catch up, online. Go for walks with someone.

Do things!

Make other plans. When plan A can’t happen, come up with a plan B. Keep plans small and achievable. Don’t plan to learn guitar, bake croissants and start a university degree in week one. Think about the many things you can do within the restrictions.  Make sure you find a balance. And when we catch ourselves thinking negatively, redirect our energy and focus on positive solutions. When we become too preoccupied with thinking about situations that have not met our expectations, we can create unnecessary stress.

It’s time to go back to basics:

  • stay at home
  • wash your hands often
  • keep 1.5m from others
  • stay home if you feel unwell
  • get tested, however mild your symptoms.

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Right now, we’re expanding and adapting our services to meet the demands of a world responding to COVID-19. More than ever, we need your support to help people stay safe, connected and supported. Please donate if you’re able.

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