I've probably asked this before, but I'll ask again. How are you all doing?

[LuckyCharms]

You holding up ok?

For me, it's been a bad week so far, comparatively, because I've had to go to a few places. It's hard not to panic when you see people gathering with no masks.

What wears me down is the fact that you have to spend time thinking about every goddamn move you are going to make before you leave the house. I had to get my car towed to a garage last night, it got repaired today, and I had a family member drive me to pick it up. (OK...you don't have to bring a mask because you are dropping me off and then driving back alone so you won't be leaving the car...I'll bring my mask and gloves...I gave the guy my credit card number over the phone...he left the keys on the visor...he also left the receipt in the car...I'll drive it home with the mask on and gloves on because a mechanic was sitting in it and I don't know if he wore a mask even though the manager told me on the phone that they were all wearing masks...no we don't have to disinfect the car, I won't be driving it so I'll just let it bake in the sun for a week...when I get home, I'll strip naked in the garage and then immediately take a shower)...that type of thing.

Also, I am wondering about the long term mental health effects of all of this. I'm suddenly searching for the right word to use when speaking, and my gut feel is that this problem is stress related. I usually keep even with humor, but I'm not finding much to laugh about these days. It makes me wonder what kind of shape I'll be in mentally in another 90 days.

How are you doing? If you want to get something off your chest...post it here!

Hang in there.

[Turbineguy]

1. Welcome to the New Life in America.

On the other hand, you could be living in Trump's Republican Paradise, get sick and die, and a bunch of nice people would miss you.

[Wawannabe]

11. Good story!

Lol!

[handmade34]

2. thanks for asking...

ok here but I hate going to town... I hate trying to interact with people w/mask and keeping distance... I find solace working in my garden and woods where I don't have to worry about Covid or people w/o masks... only ticks and bears

[MontanaMama]

3. Yep.

I usually have a well crafted plan before running my errands and now its WAY more involved. From the time of day I go...to making sure I have a couple clean masks...making sure I really need what I’m going after to checking out the parking lot to make sure it isn’t too busy. I think long and hard before heading out. I’ve pulled into the grocery store parking lot...surveyed what it looks like and driven off without going inside. I’m even spending less time here on DU...I’m just so tired. Everyday.

[underpants]

4. Mixed bag. Had some sort stomach virus but we've really had a good time

as a family. I know it’s all horrible. We have lunch together everyday. My daughter just finished the school year - this was supposed to be “fun week” but it’s a rain fest.

I’m back in shape. Actually getting medical treatments. Picking up some Spanish and guitar. I’ve met all the goals I set for myself including quitting smoking for over 70 days now.

My wife loves working at home even though she has ZERO less work to do.

We go for a drive every weekend. We are both working from home so our finances are really good.


I am getting worried about being furloughed if we don’t get back. It’s looking like I will go back just after the 4th.

[dweller]

5. I'VE FUCKING HAD ENOUGH !!

for 1 day .. so, see you all tomorrow ?

stay cool

✌🏼

[The empressof all]

6. Trying not to stress....

I'm going out as little as possible. I think my biggest concern is that I worry that my husband isn't always as hyper vigilant as I am. He will be going back to classroom in Sept. which will make me a nervous wreck...but I'm trying to squash that fear now because who knows what's going to happen between now and then.

I think my biggest struggle is controlling my anger. I'm screaming at the TV far too much. Pretty soon I'll be keeping the windows open and I will have to control myself more. It's hard.

[hunter]

7. I want to go to the movies. I want to host a big family BBQ. I want to visit my parents. This sucks.

On the other hand I know I'm fortunate.

My wife, my children, and myself have not been dis-employed by this virus.

A number of people in our family have not been so fortunate, especially younger people. I have nieces and nephews who have had to move back with their parents. They'd have been living on their own but for this virus.

My wife is a front line medical professional so we are not going to be visiting our octogenarian parents any time soon for fear of exposing them to this virus.

[bottomofthehill]

8. Worried every time I step out the door to go to work.

[UTUSN]

9. I think you know.

[herding cats]

10. You take care of you and yours.

We're not responsible for those running about without masks, even though I know it's deeply stressful to witness. All we can do is be responsible for ourselves and our own loved ones. Have a plan, know your course and get in and out. Masks on us slow the transmission to us, so don't linger!

Where I am it's common to be mocked for wearing a mask. It's sort of scary, but also frustrating as heck! How can anyone be so vile? I'm protecting me and my family to the very best of my limited ability right now. Yet, I get called names. People are jerks.

As to how I'm doing, I thank you for asking. I'm ok on a personal level, but deeply concerned for our future until we do have a safe and effective vaccine readily available.

Take care of you and yours and please, stay well. We're in some truly emotionally stressful times. It's ok, to feel the impact. Just don't let it define you.

[ChazII]

12. A better day, thank you. The food bank

where I volunteer everyone was wearing a mask. We have been wearing masks along. This was the first Wednesday where everyone who wanted/needed a food box came to the food bank wearing a mask. Gov. Ducey is letting the mayors make the decision to wear masks for their city.

[hamsterjill]

13. I'm in Texas and stay scared shitless.

We have idiots down here. They don’t give a damn about themselves much less anyone else. I go out as little as possible and I limit my exposure to news, etc., but they told us two weeks and it’s been nearly four months with no end in sight.

No jobs. No future. No hope. I’m trying to hang on and take steps to stay calm and reduce stress but some days, it’s just not working.

Probably more than anything, I’m just fucking angry because it did not have to be this way.

[Wawannabe]

14. Calm it on down

Take care of self. It will result in taking care of others. Do you. Stay isolated when you can - but not all the time.



That’s me.

[cayugafalls]

15. Gotta go out and get the car inspected here soon.

That will be fun. Going to call my usual shop and see what is up. Not sure I'll enjoy the experience much, but it has to be done.

Really red area, so wearing masks are not in vogue. I'll probably be one of the few at the shop wearing a mask.

I don't care, but I really hate being ridiculed. We'll just have to see how it all plays out.

Thanks for asking and caring...

[Skittles]

18. anyone who "ridicules" me is getting attacked

seriously, f*** that

[cayugafalls]

21. I wish I had your confidence. I'm usually great after the encounter.

I think of really snappy comebacks or defenses. But at the time, I am just quiet and non-confrontational.

Unless, it is an attack on my wife or son, then I get angry. Attack me and I just kind of fold. Low self esteem I guess.

I'm trying to get better at defending myself, so I'll remember what you said!

[Skittles]

25. OK print up some cards that say

MIND YOUR OWN F'ING BUSINESS, MAGAt.

[cayugafalls]

26. That is a great idea!

Thank you!

[Skittles]

27. these are the same assholes who love GUNS

their opinions mean JACK SHIT to me; yes INDEED

[Skittles]

34. think about it

the sheer audacity of anyone to question people wearing a mask DURING A PANDEMIC....it is unacceptable behavior and they need to KNOW that

[cayugafalls]

35. Oh, I am taking your advice.

I really appreciate it. To have a ready quip is all that is needed.

[Skittles]

36. there you go!

assert yourself!

[SWBTATTReg]

32. Be great on a T-shirt too! NT

[KentuckyWoman]

16. I'm actually doing great.

Sounds weird I know. I buried my husband late last year after a very long illness. I was absolutely tapped out and physically suffering as well. About the time all the rigamarole settled along came Covid. I needed the safety of low expectations of my time and attention over the last few months. So for me, being cooped up by myself has been a godsend.

This said, it would be entirely different if I did not have internet.

[wendyb-NC]

17. Thank you, for asking.

I'm staying the course. I know how it is when people don't wear masks, at the grocery store, or pharmacy. I always wear a face cover, when I go out beyond my yard. It is so weird the amount of forethought, and planning, for a grocery run once a week. When I'm done, I go home and bring the items indoors bag by bag, disinfect each items exterior, then put it away. After that, I shower, wash my hair and put on clean clothes and go about the rest of my day

The easiest way for me to do shopping, is early morning. That is,just as the stores open, on the days and times, designated for persons at risk, that is, over 60, immune compromised, pregnant, have chronic health issues, etc. I have found that those hours have more shoppers with masks, and they are compliant, even happy, to social distance.

[Initech]

19. I am bored as fucking hell.

I mean like even so bored I literally sat on the couch with my hand on the remote not moving bored. I cannot take much more of this.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

20. The day before yesterday

I stayed awake the entire night. My face was inflamed raw and red. Eyes all red and scratchy.
My joints just ache.
The day before to now I have no appetite been forcing food down because I have diabeties.

Was it grass pollen?

I was fucking miserable feel a bit less shitty today the tiredness is rough because I can't eat much..

But in the middle of the night when my face was inflamed my stomach nauseated and my joints aching,my nose running I wondered ..is it covid.
I could not sleep even after taking benedryl.
The next day I was tired laid down still couldn't sleep,ended up crying and yelling why can't I sleep I'm so tired.I felt waves of dispair.

I hope I don't have another night and day like that one in a long time.

[cayugafalls]

23. I hope you feel better.

Hope you can get some sleep too!

[diva77]

31. So sorry you are not feeling well. Are you able to get tested for covid? Can you at the very least

contact your health care provider and talk to the online nurse?

[backtoblue]

22. Drunk nt

[dweller]

24. lol

glad u caught up

✌🏼

[cate94]

37. Me too

But probably too often. Trying to cut back, now that there is some hope that the nightmare will end..

[smirkymonkey]

28. Take care of yourself, Lucky.

Hopefully things will get better soon. We'll get that bastard out of here by hook or by crook

As for myself, I am doing ok. I haven't really left my apartment building except for a few walks around the block for some fresh air, but I have a balcony so I keep the door open during the day to get fresh air and sunshine even when I am inside working. I look out onto a pretty courtyard and there are always birds singing, so that is very relaxing.

I haven't been out to a store or other venue in over three months. Everything has been delivered. This isn't that hard for me being an introvert. I have on-line meetings during the day (which I hate) and stay in touch with friends and family via phone, email and text (which I also hate - not a big texter).

I am honestly kind of enjoying my time away from the office and not having to commute or deal with the daily grind. I like that I can eat my own food from the kitchen and don't have to spend money on lunch or buy tea or coffee while out. In fact, I am not spending much money at all, other than rent, bills, groceries and basic household supplies. I didn't realize how much money I pissed away just by being out and about Also saving tons of money on dry cleaning, transportation, and going out for dinner and drinks.

There are some things I miss, but overall, I am pretty content. The trade-off isn't that bad. I find that I am a lot less stressed out and annoyed. The one thing about being alone in your own apartment is that you are completely in control of everything. For the most part. I am kind of hoping this lasts through the summer. Not looking forward to going back to the office and having to sit there with a mask on all day (we will stagger on/off weeks to allow for social distancing), but what is the point if you aren't interacting with anybody anyway?

I could really get used to this, but I would like a little more time outside. Boston has been very good about taking this seriously so it's fairly safe to go out in my neighborhood for a little walk since almost everyone has a mask on. However, I don't like to wear it for a prolonged period of time, so I prefer to stay in and just keep the balcony door open. Sorry if this is too long. Guess I haven't talked to anyone since the weekend.

[Cozmo]

29. Well, since you asked

I've been stewing over the fact that my local Smith's grocery store is not insisting that customers wear facial masks, despite our Governor's ruling that masks must be worn in public places. I'm a senior with a major organ disease and I've been so very careful during the ongoing pandemic. The store's management told me that they don't want to require customers to wear masks and that this is a personal decision. WHAT? If they're concerned over personal freedoms, what about the freedom to stay virus-free? What about going against a public health ruling? I've been going to Smith's for over 20 years but, not anymore. I've reported Smith's to my state's Department of Public Health. Who knows how effective that will be. Thanks for the opportunity to vent.

Wishing all my fellow Dems the best!

[NNadir]

30. I try to look on the bright side of hell.

I am so proud of my fellow Americans coming to the light.

It took a racist in the White House to let us all stare racism down, wherever it exists, even where it exists in ourselves, to face it and to strive to defeat it.

Personally, if I wake up in the morning, I'm very grateful for it; particularly since at the end of my life, I'm living in exciting times, difficult times, but exciting.

I feel like American troops must have felt when they crossed the Rhine in 1945; the end isn't here, but we can see it.

As for Covid; I try to be as careful as I can, but I have never been immortal, and my immortality makes me contemplate how fascinating, interesting, and positively magnificent life is.

[onethatcares]

33. I've been getting more pissed off

every damn day.

5 years ago I retired, 6 years ago my wife contracted cancer and she beat it. 2 years ago she retired. We'd been hoping to travel the states and see the national monuments and parks then this shit comes up and the fatboy in the whitehouse screws the response to no end and here we are. She's afraid to go anywhere and I don't blame here. But we're running out of patience with each other and need a break.

Stressed? Hell YES?

Voting BLUE IN NOVEMBER? YOU BET YOUR DEMOCRATIC ASS.

Peace out.

[Texin]

38. Holding so far. It gets harder and more wearisome.

And, have your noticed in the last (seemingly) week+? that a loaf of bread has gotten just a wee bit smaller than the two weeks before you bought it? And that it costs a couple of cents more?.......

[DFW]

40. Depends on whart you mean by "holding up"

Let's see, Monday I stayed in Germany because my wife wanted to drive down to the Taunus area where our younger daughter lives. She's 9 months pregnant, and my wife wanted to be there to help with the elder-granddaughter-to-be (just turned 2).

Tuesday, I had to run over to Brussels, and actually managed that with no problems, and even got home at a civilized hour.

Wednesday I went down to Paris for a few hours to see some colleagues that had been asking for me, and then got a train up to the Netherlands and spent the night in Utrecht that evening. Our daughter in Germany gave birth that day as well (someone finally remembered to tell me!), so now we have two granddaughters in Germany.

Yesterday, I was at our office in Holland when the director said, "hey we have to celebrate the birth of your granddaughter!" (Now you KNOW you're in Holland) So he grabbed me and took me to a local pastry bakery where he mentally ticked off how many people were in the office (about 13) that day. He ordered 15 assorted pastries to go, just in case someone showed up (they did), and we brought them back to the office where everyone thanked ME for having a granddaughter that warranted the occasion. Toto, I don't think we're in Germany any more.

I had been asked to be in Madrid today, but Spain only is opening up to EU residents on Sunday, and my colleagues there couldn't secure me a government exception for today. So I'm staying here in our place near Düsseldorf today, preparing to train down to the Taunus tomorrow to say hi to our newest grandchild. My wife will drive us back up here on Sunday. I gave her my car Monday morning, as hers was misbehaving, and wasn't fixed until Tuesday night.

We keep getting rule changes from the EU and the USA, new and useless vague guidelines from the Germans--who STILL won't test us for the virus--on travel to the USA, and we still don't know if we're heading to Boston in 2 weeks or not. Almost all plane fares under $6000 round trip are non-refundable these days, and I refuse to make a charitable contribution to some airline's liquidity fund if I don't have to.

Other than that, not much going on.

[jb5150]

41. I live in Central Florida ...

so I'm not doing too well .. and by "not too well", I mean that a month ago I called a suicide hotline … I was upset that I could not reach anyone to fix a problem I had with the online unemployment system. I talked to them for maybe 10 mins and then thanked them for talking to me and hung up. … They did not help at all, but in the 10 mins I calmed down … and have since solved the online issue myself (more or less), and I finally have some money coming in from unemployment. I have a rather morbid sense of humor, and I later told a friend, that I was glad to have some money coming in, so that if I felt suicidal again, at least I could afford a gun.

My mental health has taken a real hit in the last 2 months … and the way things are going in this state, I think the worst is yet to come.

[LuckyCharms]

42. I've lived with major depression for well over 20 years.

The best and most useful advice I ever received about this is as follows:

"Your mind is tricking you into seeing things as being worse than they are. Your mind is laying a massive guilt trip on you. Your mind is making you believe that there are absolutely no options. Your mind is trying to kill you. Your mind is telling you that everyone thinks you are a piece of shit. Well, your mind is wrong, because your mind is sick and not seeing things as they are. Understand this, and try to heal your mind. Understand that your mind needs to heal. In all of your actions, make sure that everything you do puts yourself in an environment that helps your mind get better. Go easy on yourself. You are not here to be superman, you are here to be you."

Now, if that sounds like a bunch of shit to you, which it may, that's fine, because as I read this, it sounds like a bunch of shit to me too lol. But if you actually internalize what this is saying, it may help you.

Your humor will help you, even if it is dark humor. I don't know how long it will take you (it took me a long time), but someday, you will come out the other side, and you will be stronger than you ever thought yourself capable of being. For now, just recognize that things are indeed bad, but not as bad as your mind is telling you. "Embrace the suck", ride it out, survive it, and when you come through it, you will be your best self.

[ananda]

43. Fine so far.

But I'm basically an introvert, so
sheltering is pretty easy for me.

[Music Man]

44. OK, I guess...

My wife and I both teach, so we're home now, and we've been able to take walks every day and spend a lot of time with our dog. When "normal" life resumes, I'll be nostalgic for these moments, odd as it is to speak about nostalgia in a time like this.

I do miss seeing my parents in person. My family (parents, siblings, and spouses) has been Skyping every Sunday afternoon and we play games on-line. It's a nice tradition we've started.

There's a lot about my job I'm nervous and depressed about right now. The uncertainty of what classes will look like in the fall (especially music in my case) is nerve-wracking, I'm concerned about some other things with my schedule, and one of my dear colleagues is leaving for a new position. I haven't slept well in about three weeks for the anxiety work is causing me. It's getting me pretty down.

Sweet thread. Thanks for starting it