Strengthening Support through CoVID-19
Dear 7 Cups Community,
We have been and are entering a challenging time as individuals, families, and regions face CoVID-19. Its a time of feeling isolated and concerned for your friends and family. But please remember that we are all in this together, you are not alone. I wanted to update you on the things we are doing to increase support around the world.
Our efforts started when a group in Wuhan reached out to see if we could help provide support for people in quarantine. We started the quarantine support forum to help answer questions and provide guidance in these unique circumstances. You can access the forum here. Lisa, our Clinical Director, wrote up an excellent post on what you can do to support people in quarantine here. As with most things, it is the simple things like listening, reaching out, and being consistently reliable that help quite a bit.
We have also re-started our translation efforts. Our goal is to translate the key parts of the site in the top 5 languages in the next few weeks. You can read more on this initiative here. If you are fluent in any of these languages and would like to help, then we would welcome your efforts to help us make faster progress.
Additionally, look for news from @Heather225 and @asilentobserver and @hope for a new CoVID-19 group support room that will open soon.
We think this will be a particularly challenging time as we collectively adapt to the new landscape, but believe there is space in this crisis to learn how to better cope and support one another as well. If you need support, then know that we are here for you.
If you would like to listen to others, then you can sign up to be a listener here.
If you have other thoughts and ideas on ways we can work together to come out of this stronger, then we would love to hear them. These ideas can happen on 7 Cups, on other sites, or offline. Please share ideas in our forum here.
Our community is hard at work to help scale support. Our team is thinking of you and your families and sending you beams. We believe that we will grow through this and be stronger on the other side.
Sincerely,
Glen
@GlenM
Of course things change around here due to fulfilling the needs of others (I see this as a good thing)
and also for the greater good of us as a community, a team, the whole thing (also, a very good thing). And we as people have to be flexible. For me, I will bend, but I will not break. 
I see this also as a very good thing.
I will bend, but I won't break. I made a commitment when I signed onto to this place. I understand that this is going to be a little more tricky than what we are used to. People will be on edge, this is certainly, the state of the world, creating even more of an anxiety producing situation. I am careful, I am cautious. But something I said in the LSR yesterday seemed to make sense to a lot of others on how we need to become closer, how we all just need to learn to get along around here. And maybe this should have been our "battle" cry all along.
Eugene Ionesco "Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together". *hugs* to all
I'm holding on but it's rough. I got flexed/laid off from my job as a Per Diem/PRN Surgical Technologist. The OR is only doing emergency surgery so they're making sure the full time and part time eligible employees get their hours 1st. My union rep reached out to me through email and was given the link to file for unemployment because they don't know when scheduled surgeries are going to get back to normal. My son is out of school and eating everything I applied for foodstamps I pray I get unemployment benefits and food stamps I get no child support because the other person on his birth certificate won't work or is getting paid under the table.
I had plans to be done with nursing school, have my own place,taken the NCLEX all by the Summer but that's on hold. My anxiety is through the roof!!! I have the exit test for my nursing program nxt Monday on the 30th I'm scared, nervous all in one. I'm trying to get the motivation to keep studying but this situation has me feeling down/unmotivated. Pray for me to be successful. Thank you
@navyMoon2073 Hi Navy, this sounds very challenging. Can you get any support from family?
@navyMoon2073 I'm praying for you. You are stronger than you will never know. I look up to you and all of your strength. You'll get through this and you will THRIVE. I believe in you and God is on your side and in your heart. Wishing you luck and you've got this!!
A group support for those who are suffering from the disease or who are afraid and stressed from it.
@GlenM
Hi GlenM, I'm a new listener and have been actively following the COVID outbreak the last few months. I wasn't sure where else to post but I am fairly new to the site and am still learning to navigate the content to better serve others. I am a current medical student who has been actively involved in screening and testing for COVID in my county/region and have a passion for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control. More importantly, my mentors and PI's are experts in the field of infectious diseases and have been featured in the region's radio shows and TV on the matter. There is a lot that I don't know and wouldn't be able to answer but I would love to help out in terms of presenting science based facts and dismissing myths.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
@Carousel33 as a listener and mentor please accept my thanks for volunteering your time during this challenging time.
I spent an afternoon in the Covid19 support room and found many myths and misinformation along with excellent support by people. It is open 24/7 so it would be great if you have time to be there and support people when you can. It is under Chat and Group Support or this link should work https://www.7cups.com/listener/connect/conversation.php?c=lmJkfXqZl52dlLBnW1uZxg!!
@soulsings
Thank you so much for the link. I'll be monitoring the forum.
@Carousel33 We also have an Emergency & Medical Personnel Support forum here which you might be interested in too! https://www.7cups.com/forum/JobandCareerSupportCommunity_158/EmergencyMedicalPersonnelSupport_1978/
@GlenM
Greetings. It's not so much the virus that scares me. The people in my town have actually developed home made cures for it using zinc concentrate, ginger beer of all things, and herbs.
What scares me is all the smack talk going on: how the virus is solely US President Donald Trump's fault, and that he's the Anti-Christ who is using the quarantine to usher in the Anti-Christ New World Order. I'm autistic, so these kind of comments have a serious negative effect on my health.
I've never considered suicide as a last resort, but rather to check into an insane asylum should my mental health deteriorate to the point of no return.
@ShadowLurker2020
I just want to acknowledge that I saw your post. Didn't see a reply yet so wanted to check in on you. I am glad that you appear to have a plan if you feel that your health is deteriorating. I wanted to also provide you with the suicide prevention hotline as well. 1.800.273.8255 should your status change and you need to talk to someone immediately
That said, I too have heard the conspiracy theories and sometimes am disturbed by what I hear since I suffer with anxiety. When I think it through though, I believe that that is a way that others express their fear of the situation. We do not however have to accept their comments as OUR truth.
When possible I try to remove my possible from the environments where these are most likely to be discussed. And when instances where I could not readily leave, I acknowledged the other persons comments, explained that I did not share that view and further stated that how we got here is not as important as how we move on from here. We cannot control what others say but we can control what we choose to believe about what they say. I pray that today is a better day for you. Blessed wishes.
@ShadowLurker2020 hello. i hope you alright. the pain and negativity that you are facing right now is hard to cope up but to some extent its universal.. the whole world is together in it and unity has strength.. we will come out of it together...and for what people say...just dont listen...the best help that we could provide to ourselves is to stop listening reading and watching anything connected to the issue...divert your mind...it would be hard but keep trying throughout the day.. and when any extremely negative thought strikes you start thinking about the morning....the morning when you will wake up...the sun will rise...and there would be no darkness in the world....there would be no negativity around you....this issue would be called extinct....that morning would come...just imagine how relaxing it would be....pray.....god is the biggest strength...god bless you
Hang in @ShadowLurker2020
As my Best-Man told me last week when I was overrun by all the madness...These are unusually stressful times and they require a heightened focus on personal wellbeing and calmness. Before we know it, we'll all be back to the grind and usual traditions.
@maskmakerin
@ShadowLurker2020
I do IT work and a guy wants to transfer his website to our company -- he claims he has a machine that cures covid-19,, I requested to my boss and emergency support team meeting to see if the rest if the team feels like I do-- I WILL NOT SUPPORT THIS MANS CON EFFORTS NOR FIX THE SITE IF IT GETS BROKE..
God Bless Americans and humans all over the world
@ShadowLurker2020
I know how you feel. I will say one thing though... DON'T GO TO THE MENTAL ASYLUMS! YOU GO IN ONE WAY AND YOU LEAVE AND YOU ARE NEVER THE SAME PERSON AGAIN! My grandfather had Alzheimers and he had assistance living and he would get very confrontational and when he would do that... they would take him to the insane asylum to cool off. he looked like the walking dead when he left. IT MESSES YOU UP BIG TIME!!!!
@ShadowLurker2020
Hey! I hope you're having a great day.
I know times can be stressful but remember to always connect with yourself when times get too stressful in this world. Remember that everything will be okay! We'll get through this :)
@grecia1414
It's so important to remain positive during times of uncertainty, thank you so much for being a ray of sunshine during these dark times
@ShadowLurker2020 Hi, I am also angry about a lot of news. But I think these media have some purpose. Let's not be influenced by them anymore, let's focus on what we like.
Hello ShadowLurker2020,
I am married to a man who is on the autism spectrum and he has a hard time understanding anything that is not logic based. He also is depressed at this time because he cannot understand why people are doing what to him are irrational things, like the things that you talked about in your post. I am a retired registered nurse and I wish that I could help people separate facts from fiction so that people would act in their own self interest and in the interest of those around them. I believe that right now many people are reacting our of fear of the unknown and so they are doing things that help them feel better. For instance, zinc can help the immune system if your body is low in zinc so many people will take it if they have a cold or the flu. Unfortunately, the coronavirus is not the flu and so it is unknown if zinc will help in this instance. I think that many people are trying to find a good reason for this pandemic to be happening and some religious communities are pushing the "end of the world" senarios because they have core beliefs around that. Again unfortunately, this pandemic was always going to happen because people are in close contact with animals around the world and so it is easier to have an infection jump from animals (especially wild animals) to humans. My wish is that everyone would 1.work from home if possible, 2. wash their hands frequently, wear a mask if they leave their home (and inside it if there is someone who is coughing), 3. stay away from other people as much as possible, 4. look for ways to help others whether that is checking up on neighbors, being a listener here or volunteering on other sites like Librivox or Distributed Proofreaders (both sites make it possible for people to read or listen to books and magazines that are no longer under copyright, on line for free), or any other way that get a person outside themselves and 5. Learn and practice meditation, prayer or other self care methods. I hope that if you feel that you are heading to a point of no return that you will get in touch with your doctor or therapist. Don't wait until it is too late.
I hope that you are healthy and safe,
lindaisling1
I'm new here so trying to navigate this. I'm so afraid of getting sick. I'm 65 and afraid if I get sick they won't treat me. I'm healthy otherwise. I keep thinking if I have a headache I'm getting sick. Also my daughter is an ER physician and I'm petrified she'll get sick. My son is in Cupertino CA and has asthma. These thought don't leave me no matter what I do. I've had a history of anxiety and depression but haven't had any issues for many years until now. I'm unable to concentrate on anything except making masks for my daughter. I cry a lot and can't think about the future. I need some coping skills. Everyone says have a positive attitude. I wish. I want to but too scared. Or they say meditate. I can't concentrate. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
@LeSantiago
Hi, I completely understand how you are feeling. I am scared of getting this virus as well. I have high blood pressure and a blood clotting condition. I have been trying my best to keep busy and not worry but this situation has really spiked my anxiety to a level I hadn't experienced before. I want you to know you are not alone. You aren't the only one feeling this way. And it's not easy. I try reading happy stories, I have stopped reading or watching the news as well.
@LeSantiago Hi! I just want to share what has helped me come to peace. I've been in the middle of this Covid-19 crisis for 2 months now; I was in South Korea for a month when their number started peaking up badly in Feb and I was worried for my immuno-compromised sister who was living there, and now I'm back in the western part of the world with the whole country on lockdown and my husband often still has to go out for work by taking the public transport. I can only imagine your worry for your children as a parent, nothing can beat a parent's love.
I'm not sure what your belief is, but for me, the keys were contemplation and prayer. I try to contemplate every day, and when it's not easy to be still, I focus on my breathing and continue trying to go deeper seeking God. Silence is God's first language, but sometimes interior silence is not easy to achieve, so at times like that I just pour out all my stormy fears and worries to Him, and in prayer open up myself to His helping graces. Sure enough, graces always come, be it in the form of peace or strength. I also contemplate on how our lives have been sustained safely so far through the years that we've existed, and no matter what, we're always in the loving hand of the infinite Love. Sorry if this is too long or not to your liking.. but hope it helps! Know that you're never alone! Sending you love and prayers.
@LeSantiago hello .. i understand your pain and fear very well...and specially the anxiety that it leads to...in this situation of darkness its very important to hold on to even a single ray of light. and the best and most important thing that you could do about it is to completely stop reading, watching and listening to the news, atleast minimize it for 1-2 secs. not at all more than that. i am going through the same condition.. i have asthama bronchitisis and previously tuberculosis. my family also have one or the other disease..so its natural to get afraid. but the only thing that helps me out to some extent is what i told you. and keep trying to distract and make your mind occupied somewhere. you wont feel like doing anything but do it . and above all pray. god is the biggest strength. we will come out of it. night cant last forever. day has to come.god bless u
@life30 ... your suggestions about minimizing our time watching all the news regarding the virus , is really a good advice. Too much of anything or everything can overwhelm us indeed, emotionally , mentally and even physically. By now most of us already know a lot about the virus and about how to take care of ourselves ... so a few minutes to update the daily condition of things around us should be enough. If you think you can handle more then go ahead but most importantly , listen to yourself.
@faithlove1111 -- great advice. I concur.
@LeSantiago
I completely understand how you are feeling although I am only 17, my mom is also an emergency room physician and I am worried about her exposure as she is immunocompromised but still working without the correct personal protective gear. Some things that I do when I am really having a hard time coping is listen to music, read a feel good book, creating art can also be really soothing you don't have to be good at it! Just a few ideas to try! We will get through this we just have to stick together as a community and keep supporting eachother.
@LeSantiago
If I could give you any advice, it would be this... TRY NOT TO BE SCARED! I know it is hard but if you think you are scared and you think you are going to get it then you will get it (Weird right?). One thing that i would suggest is keep connected with them EVERYDAY!!!! I know a video call site called zoom. I use it EVERYDAY and i love it!
STAY POSITIVE
Hi @LeSantiago ,
I understand, my husband is an essential worker and is currently working with a few pre-existing conditions making him extremely high risk. The only thing that brings me peace right now is prayer and faith that GOD will protect him. That's the piece that I can control. While, I am in no way trying to force my beliefs on you, I can only share what brings me peace.
I am also caring for an very seasoned relative so travel a few times a week to take care of them. GOD gives me peace when I'm traveling and when I am there. Meditation and exercise also help to calm me. I pray that your family and you remain safe. Blessed wishes.
@ThisTooShallPass2016 , Bless you for your kindness and compassion.
@LeSantiago these are times of great uncertainty and that alone can be a trigger of anxiety. Many people find the discussions helpful to hear other people and share ideas. https://www.7cups.com/home/communityCalendar.php
Also the self help guides have got me through some difficult times. https://www.7cups.com/supportGuides/selfHelpGuides.php
It is hard to go in depth in forums but there are some listeners available to chat https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/
@LeSantiago Hello there, don't despair things will get better soon,just try your very best to stay calm and look at anything that calms you,flowers,books,a silly TV show,anything!I have been working myself up into such a state,it could make me I'll!no,you can't afford to get so stressed,you must ease up on the anxiety,believe that you can.this is from Anthea,oh,rest more and get better sleep.
We shall indeed endure this. We can't be given something we can't handle. lets also keep this forum centred on offering support and not ascerting our train of thoughts or beliefs. It is not a time to point fingers. Corona is already here. the best we can do is follow instructions, support each other and encourage each other.
im helping out my famileyty
Hi. I was experiencing some depression and anxiety even before social distancing became the norm. I feel completely overwhelmed with my life. I feel like all the connections that I have to people that I care about are surface connections and that I cannot truly be myself with anyone. I haven't had a decent vacation in a few years, and I am at a point of burn out with my work. I work from home anyway, so that hasn't changed. I have been chewing my taste buds off all day. And, I have had trouble getting to sleep. Everything I do feels fake, contrived, and meaningless.
we are quarantined and I think it's not fair because I can't leave my house except for going on the trampoline for fresh air
@Imokay678345623 be thankful to God that's you just need air there is others in the world that don't find food there is poeples who is dying because of this virus while you are in your warm bed and your full stumic you should be thankful to God
@youirane
yep fresh air has fearfully become a luxury but by believing in god we can learn to walk right in our actions that help us find love with nature and respect her boundaries
@youirane Amen!
Grace and Peace @youirane -- thank you for your post. While I understand what you meant, I do believe that we must also be mindful that this forum may be the ONLY outlet that some people have. Therefore 7 CUPs must remain a SAFE forum for others to express themselves (as long as they are not directly hurting others). I share the sentiment that we are blessed to still have life and am also saddened by those who have already lost theirs. However, I also believe that we must be patient with those who are still struggling to grasp that new normal (especially when we do not fully know their mental state). Kindness and compassion go along way, even if we do not necessary agree or fully understand how the other person feels. I pray that you receive this message in the spirit that it was written. May God bless you and your family and keep you all safe during this time. Blessed Wishes.
@Imokay678345623 - I understand your frustration. This is a new normal for all of us. On some days, I listen to meditation music and that reminds me of the outdoors and on other days, I sit by the window and listen to the birds chirp and that helps to remind me of the outdoors.
@Imokay678345623
This is for your own safety, please be patient till things get back to normal again.
@Imokay678345623 I'm stuck in quarantine too, if you want someone to talk to or some ideas to keep your mind busy, I may be able to help. I hope you start feeling better