Shut down here

MuseumGhost, yeah it hasn't been too bad for me either. Though truthfully, I was getting my life together right when this hit! So it has been an adjustment.

Your poor husband! I can imagine being very physically active and social, that he'd feel very uncomfortable changing things. And yes people w small kids too. My Mom used to play a game with us when we were little: whoever is quietest the longest, wins the "game." Hehe.

Sorry, you just made me laugh with the Emily DIckinson reference. I need to go pull out some of her stuff.

I just know that there is power in language, and the more we use words that exaggerate what's happening, the more panicky we feel. I know it makes me feel panicky. It's serious enough without making ourselves feel more anxious when we're not at actual quarantines yet.

I keep seeing memes on Facebook from different mental illness pages I follow making jokes about how all the people with anxiety disorders aren't feeling more anxious at all because we already live with this level of anxiety...or how all us depressed people are totally prepared to stay at home with no contact for weeks. Unfortunately I find there to be some truth there. When I was at my lowest with depression and with agoraphobia, I socially isolated/distanced for months.

I jokingly have the prediction (and forgive this joke) that the whole world is going to need some therapy for OCD after this because we're all going to turn into germaphobes. (Before anyone starts in on me, yes, I know OCD is more than being a germaphone - I have OCD.)

Going to go find some Emily Dickinson now. Also thinking maybe some Virginia Woolf.

Same here! I was just tackling the leftover bits of my agoraphobia and going out socially once a week. Oh well.

and if you do get stopped for violating self isolation, just what do you think the police will do? it isn't like jail is an option. let us keep perspective here. and common sense. even if you have a "stay at home" order you are still permitted out to shop for groceries, dr appts, etc. some people MUST work and drive there. you will see them out on roads etc. regardless of what type of government order is enacted.

spreading fear is just that. police are not going to swoop down and grab up people just standing around or driving on the streets "aimlessly"...honestly people, deep calm breaths. rinse and repeat.

looking for things to do: sit in your yard, start a garden, plan a garden, spend time with your pet, walk your dog, write, take photos, do yoga, bake some bread, learn to cook if you haven't before, knit, etc., there are plenty of things to do at this time instead of sliding into a panic. always wanted to write that great American novel..do it now! enjoy the down time!

we are not a police state...treat your home as if it is a condo someplace like the Bahamas. (only you can't dine out..or maybe you still can in your area) make the best of this...

@seesaw it was definitely meant to make you laugh so no "sorry" needed enjoy reading!

Ps: yes I agree that laughter is important during this time. I have seen so many hilarious memes and laughed at all of them. People are really funny. It doesn't mean you don't take it seriously. Its good for mental health.

In line with what resurgam said, I'm doing just that! My life hasn't stopped just because of this. I'm still busy and my life is still meaningful.

You are perfectly fine and no need to apologize. My thread isn’t public service announcement

It's been a week since the government have decided to go for enhance community quarantine.
I can't wait for this pandemic to be over.

I'm doing okay with the stay-at-home aspect of it. That's something I'm used to. But I am feeling the same anxieties that everyone else is: about shopping, will there be enough basic supplies should things get worse, what would my husband do if I got really sick, and vice -versa? And what will all of this do to society, in general? We haven't hit the peak of it yet, as the experts are saying. The big stuff, the big questions, are what threaten to do my head in.

So I'm keeping very busy with put-off projects---things I've wanted to get at forever. Husband is on board with all of it, thank goodness, because I can't do it all by myself.

Warmest hugs and smiles, everyone. One day at a time, I think.