In the olden days, pre2019, the only thing stopping me from leaving my home to socialize, was the restrictions of my lungs. A goal to leave my house 3 times a week took lots of planning. It began with a walker and a husband that was patient, kind and supportive enough to help me make it successfully happen.
“14 Days to Flatten the Curve.”
When Covid hit, everything closed up and I began to shelter in place. My governments slogan was, “14 Days to Flatten the Curve.” You didn’t have to tell me twice. With my compromised lungs, I already knew the dangers and I sheltered willingly. But, that was not as easy as it sounds. Being confined without human contact began to take its toll on my mental health. I was NOT OK.
And, I grieved my loneliness and being abruptly cut off from family and friends. I missed those that came to me on a regular basis. They were my social life. My heart broke as my grandson seemed to be growing by leaps and bounds, and he was doing it without me. For the first time ever, it would be just my husband and myself.
Why I Learned
Surprisingly, the isolation blew my world up. It was necessary to force my brain to learn new technology. It was my quest to stay in touch with the outside world, and being mindful of my loneliness because it was heading to depression. I needed help at the set-up stage, so I asked for help. Carol Kirker answered that cry for help, and we played with platforms and had a blast. After the initial getting settled part, it is fairly easy.
Then I Jumped In
I eagerly joined all things virtual, as long as they were free, and I kept myself very busy. Taking advantage of free courses and Virtual Rehab sessions, I tripped over myself making silly mistakes, but I used the opportunity to meet people on platforms like Zoom and Teams. I found people that were as interested as I was to learn so we practiced on each other. It worked well and friendships were made. Now it was a game changer because we could see each other face to face.
Anywhere At No Charge
There are free versions as well as paid versions of most platforms, and they are popping up everywhere. I have both and each has pros and cons. There are no long-distance charges for using the platforms and with a strong WI-FI connection you are off to the races.
My days were busy, as I was up to my neck in learning. I was secretly elated that we were no longer pressured to leave our homes. Life became quieter as we ordered food, clothes, attended Respiratory Rehab and had doctor visits using this new technology on our computers.
On House Arrest!
However, as the 3rd year of lockdown crept up, it made me feel like I was on house arrest for a crime I didn’t commit and so, I am taking advantage of the warmer weather. I want to go out, to smell the fresh air.
Stepping Back
I am trying to decide what my future will look like. My backyard may be the extent of the distance I’ll travel, who knows? If you have a chronic illness, or not, virtual platforms are here to stay, for work and for play!
I’m so sorry, it’s an awful experience all-round with Covid. It feels like now it’s becoming impossible to keep yourself safe if you still have to go out, run errands, do the supermarket shopping, visit the doctor or chemist or hospital. Now safety precautions are gone, nobody wears a mask and the majority appear to act like Covid never existed, we’re forced to decide whether to risk the unknown of Covid or cut ourselves off fully, if that’s even possible. I’m still antibacterial cleaning groceries, putting post into isolation under the dining table, being pedantic about cleaning my phone, cleaning things from my bag etc when I get home. But it has driven me to the edge physically doing all of this since the very beginning. The cost is becoming easier to see, both mentally and physically, for myself and my parents. For you, the cost of isolation and depression was high. Hopefully worth it to keep you well, but it’s such an unknown because it affects everyone differently.
I’m so glad you’ve been able to embrace technology, learn and have a little fun. I think many are being left behind now that so much is online and everything has an app. But when you’re being careful during the pandemic, technology is less of a joy and more of a vital necessity.
I don’t know where to go from here and it makes me sick thinking about it. I don’t know what your thoughts are on moving forward at this point, especially with no end in sight where covid is concerned, but please know that you’re not alone in that.
Sending lots of love,
Caz xxxx
You are certainly not alone in this. Covid is real and is NOT going away. I myself have cloistered for several months since the restrictions have been lifted. It suits me to stay put, but that is not the case for most people. All we can do is proceed with caution and hope for the best.
That is the truth. All we can do is lay low and stay out of crowds. I heard that there are new variants out there that they expect will take an upswing in the fall.
The one thing that we can’t do is panic. We have enough stress and anxiety with COPD and panicking does us no good. I hear you on the fear but it is encouraging that as the virus travels it is getting weaker and weaker. I am sorry that you are having a tough time right now. If you want to practice on any technology, I would be happy to help you. It could be just you and me and nobody else. Let me know your thoughts. It is social media but it sure beats watching TV all day. What do you do to keep busy these days?