Isolation: How Do We Handle it?

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Mar 16, 2020

As boundaries are being mandated in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, these boundaries are affecting every area of our lives. Many hospitals, assisted living facilities, places of worship, libraries, restaurants, community centers are being closed to visitors and public gatherings. For many of us, these keep us from our typical ways of connecting with others and engaging with a supportive community.

What are you doing to keep yourself connected?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

Being that I got a reply at all..I'll hope to the birds and from a "just" spot ask...
This isolation has been incredible in insane type sanity. While its said "of me"... & believe I have tried explaining..in thinking on it and as is all I can do is close my eyes n see the parody T-shirt.." I just do what the voices in my head tell me"
But this is no joke..its been a guided coarse of write and realization. No tp beavis stuff.
Has anyone here ever heard of "given" skitzophrenic states.

REPLY
@cecilias

I know what you mean. Before we retired and our Grand Children were babies I missed them so much. We lived in Fl. They lived in Mo and Va, now they are in their mid twenties and call often. I thank God their parents spoke of us often. Please be happy you now have Facetime and at least they see you ! Blessings Celia

Jump to this post

Thank you for reminding me to look for the GOOD!
We too often look for what we do NOT have and miss what is good.

REPLY

For the first time in my life I received sick pay to stay home for 2 weeks. I RARELY get more than a week off for any reason so I actually am enjoying the time to work on little projects, spend time with my husband and my dog. At my age, I just refuse to panic, but am being mindful of the social distancing when outside. I live in a mobile home community, mostly with seniors, so we chat from a distance while walking through the park. I really feel sorry for so many who are challenged by the isolation. I only had to make 2 trips for groceries due to panic buying but once those were done, have been able to stay home knowing that we can get by for a good 3 to 4 weeks if need be without having to grocery shop again. And I rarely cook while working so playing with recipes I have found on Pinterest and ideas for organizing as well. Our community looks out for each other, the manager drives through daily to make sure all are ikay. I am really very lucky so far.

REPLY
@sueinmn

@hopeful33250 Actually walking outdoors is something to be done pretty much anywhere at this time of year (unless it's raining or icy). Fresh air is good for everyone and daylight improves feelings of well-being. Just put on layers if it's cool out there. It's free too! My daughter has discovered evening family walks help her energetic children wind down and sleep better.
Another thing to do is dust off a hobby you "never have time for" - a friend and I are pulling out the watercolors tomorrow and brush up our skills.
My sister is cleaning one drawer, cupboard or closet each day. My friend is sorting family photos, I'm sure it will lead to her contacting remote family members.
What long-neglected interest or task is lurking in your home?

Jump to this post

Having had a knee replacement done 2 months ago find it hard to walk outside for any length of time so having a portable pedal machine put it on my deck outside and do that strength exercise in the fresh air. Also am cleaning and reorganizing my kitchen, part of my spring cleaning one drawer at a time. Have started tomatoes and herb plants in the house. This gives me pleasure seeing them grow and looking forward to when I can put them in the garden.

REPLY
@adk

Being that I got a reply at all..I'll hope to the birds and from a "just" spot ask...
This isolation has been incredible in insane type sanity. While its said "of me"... & believe I have tried explaining..in thinking on it and as is all I can do is close my eyes n see the parody T-shirt.." I just do what the voices in my head tell me"
But this is no joke..its been a guided coarse of write and realization. No tp beavis stuff.
Has anyone here ever heard of "given" skitzophrenic states.

Jump to this post

Hi @adk, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have not heard of "given" schizophrenic states. Hearing voices in one's head can be distressing and in times where people are being asked to stay isolated, the voices can get louder and more unreasonable. How are you doing? Do you have regular contact with family members or friends?

REPLY
@legpain78

Having had a knee replacement done 2 months ago find it hard to walk outside for any length of time so having a portable pedal machine put it on my deck outside and do that strength exercise in the fresh air. Also am cleaning and reorganizing my kitchen, part of my spring cleaning one drawer at a time. Have started tomatoes and herb plants in the house. This gives me pleasure seeing them grow and looking forward to when I can put them in the garden.

Jump to this post

@legpain78, you sound very productive. I, too, love to grow seedlings indoors to harken spring as early as I can. Did you know that there is a group called Joint Replacements on Connect too: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/joint-replacements/

How is the rehab going?

REPLY
@colleenyoung

@legpain78, you sound very productive. I, too, love to grow seedlings indoors to harken spring as early as I can. Did you know that there is a group called Joint Replacements on Connect too: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/joint-replacements/

How is the rehab going?

Jump to this post

I have tried many times to grow herbs in my kitchen. I have visions of using them in recipes....
It just dies on me, don’t know what I am doing wrong, I have as now two big beautiful plant pots on my patch under the window. I think I will stick with dried herbs..
See how fortunate you all are! Love and Blessings to you all, hang in there, Celia

REPLY

Celia, i'm an avid gardener; love to start seedlings and spend as much time as possible in the my flower bed havens. However, marigolds, which are touted as of the easiest of flowers to grow from seeds remain a yearly challenge in my yard! Enjoy your two big beautiful pot plants under the window. My only thriving houseplant at the moment is a large aloe vera.

REPLY

Celia, P.S. Good natural light is a challenge in my home for houseplants and may be the culprit for growing herbs for your kitchen.

REPLY
@colleenyoung

@legpain78, you sound very productive. I, too, love to grow seedlings indoors to harken spring as early as I can. Did you know that there is a group called Joint Replacements on Connect too: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/joint-replacements/

How is the rehab going?

Jump to this post

Hi Colleen. The rehab is going well and have “graduated from the physio sessions I was taking, Now I’m just continuing strengthening exercises at home. I will look into the site you mentioned. Thanks for the info.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.