Discussions

So how are the single people managing during isolation? I am starting to struggle. I am fortunate enough to still be working although that has had a lot of changes too. Probably the best part of my day previous to this was always the laughs and conversations in the lunch room but our company due to the distancing guidelines has us now all eating individually at different times and wiping down rooms each time etc which I get, but wow, its getting frustrating not being able to talk to anyone at all. And the panic that is in the world, even as a single person, if anyone ever asks "how are you" and you try to respond not great, the immediate reaction is "Well at least you don't have a wife and kids to support through this" which is actually a bit hurtful too. How is everyone else doing?

Like you I still have work but am working from home. Fortunately I have had some Zoom meetings to break up the alone time but just this morning I was thinking all those families have it so good as they have each other. Yep, they are likely getting on each other's nerves, but they are not alone - so yep the comments made about not having to support a family are hurtful.  
 
Take care Collie and hopefully you can find comfort in the fact that you are not alone in your feelings of isolation.

I am doing ok. Been alone most of my adult life anyways and my routine hasn't been totally disrupted. I am still eating healthy. I have stayed consistent with my exercising although I was sure thinking of joining a gym for the social aspect before so now at least I am just continuing what I have always done. Every pay day I treated myself to a supper out just to not eat alone. The wonderful staff at most of Brandon's restaurants sure made 1 meal special every 2 weeks. That will return. Hopefully sooner than later.

One big thing is not to read the news or FB post about the virus all the time. You will get anxious. I had an anxiety attack about a week ago. With the feeling of anxiety comes the fear. I actually thought I have the virus because I had a hard time breathing and had lost my appetite. Fortunately, I found a breathing technique and the next day, I was fine. Phew!  
Like some, I was fortunate to be able to work from home. I do take time out to go for a nice leisure drive or get out to the deck to get some sun. That's all we can do for now. I do have a positive outlook that this thing will go away very soon.

Oh my goodness GhostID - I hear you on that one. I can sit in my house for days on end, feeling fine [except for allergies] and then make a trek to the store and suddenly I have COVID! I know its my brain messing with me, but for a few brief moments, I have the feelings of a panic attack - something relatively new to me. I thought I was calm, cool and collected - but this current situation has crashed that feeling.  
 
Hope you are able to get out and get yourself some food. One thing I have learned is that we have to eat nutritious food to help our bodies fight infections AND feelings of anxiety.

I've always been kind of a hermit, so far this doesn't feel too bad on a personal level for me, I have moments just like anyone else but I kind of wish I at least had a pet to talk to lol  
 
Luckily I'm still working so what little social interaction I get from that probably helps.  
 
I would second the others posters mentioning not reading the news or FB constantly, that could really bring a person down, try to limit yourself to once or twice a day checking news and limiting time spent going down that rabbit hole.  
 
Best of luck to everyone out there going thru a hard time with this covid situation, whether it be, financial, physical, emotional or whatever ails you

Even though I am quite near the extreme end of the introvert scale, this is not so easy as I don't work. I think the biggest issue is isolation by choice vs isolation by necessity. I feel it is the loss of choice that is most detrimental. That being said, I can't imagine what this must be like for the extroverts. Those that gain energy through gathering must feel absolutely spent.  
 
I am also an over thinker so the shopping thing is it's own struggle. I am trying to shop every 10 days but trying to speculate on the infection curve and trying to avoid any potential paydays that may create a rush in the stores.

I'm doing ok. I still have studying to occupy me. A long daily walk for fresh air, and some jogging every other day for exercise helps.  
My social situation hasn't changed. I enjoy social interaction but it has never come easy for me. I am an Introvert so this has not changed my situation, nor has it caused me more stress. I'm wired to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  
 
I hope you find a way to cope. maybe just pick up the phone and check up on people. It just might give you enough social interaction to get you through it.

I'm an introvert too, so this hasn't really affected my social life much. I usually go to my sister's farm a couple times a month, so am missing her and her family. I was signed up for two quilting retreats, which were cancelled, and do miss that community of quilters.  
My mom is very much an extrovert. Her husband is in a care home, and no visitors are permitted. She talks to him on the phone, but he is unable to use technology such as face time/ zoom etc due to having had a stroke. My sister and I are trying to convince her that this is the right time for her to adopt a cat to keep her company! But so far, she is not in agreement. Sigh.

I think the hardest part has been watching all of the videos of families quarantined together that look like they're having a blast.

Have to admit it has been hard from time time to time as my place I was volunteering as shut down because of this almost a month ago.  
Online shopping is a soft spot for me... oops.  
I have tried to take care of my mental health as well as my physical health by going for a Starbucks as a treat, but only when I I have a purpose to go out like picking up medication.  
 
One thing I have to admit I really am missing talking to people.  
At least I have my huge collection of dvd's to keep me company and Netflix and crave..  
 
And defintly I couldn't do this without my cat, Sam

Everything has its downsides. While it is nice to be home with my family, it is not always enjoyable. The only break I get from my family is when they are sleeping or I go do a grocery run. There are good days and bad for everyone in our house. Mixed in with the good memories being made are fighting and screaming and arguing, also home schooling one of my kids is not fun either.  
 
I’m not complaining just explaining that the grass is not greener on the other side. Both have their ups and downs and you just have to make the most out of it that you are able to.

Thread has been cleaned up of a couple of juvenile contributions... as you were folks!

Thank you

I have been single for a while now.  
 
Especially when I was fighting for and eventually winning custody of my daughter.  
 
Being a single dad is great, and I have always put her needs first over mine.  
 
But, now that she has grown up a little and starting to branch out, I would like to meet a woman and start dating again.  
 
But thanks to this virus, that will have to wait some more, so being alone hasn't really affected me, I am used to it.  
 
Just really sucks that the potential to meet a mate has been taken away.  
 
Safe living everyone