Lived Experience Forum

[TideisTurning]

Hi Everyone, 

On Tuesday, 25th October, we'd like to invite you to join us for a discussion centred around adjusting to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this discussion, we will be joined by psychologist Elise, who supports SANE’s Service Delivery team, to talk about managing social- and health-related anxiety, establishing or maintaining boundaries and routines, and dealing with uncertainty about the future. 

 

The event start times across Australia are below:

WA: 4pm 
NT: 5:30pm

SA: 6:30pm 

QLD: 6pm

NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS: 7pm 

Want to receive a reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below and we will tag you 30 minutes before the event starts. 

New to the forums or want to get involved in this discussion? Check out the How To Guide for Topic Tuesdays.

Hopefully see you there in the chat on the night!

[TideisTurning]

Hi Everyone! We will be getting started in around 15 minutes if you'd like to join, feel free. Otherwise, know the discussion will be here to read back afterwards 😊Tagging those who've supported and interacted with the thread + those online to receive a reminder in case you're interested. 

@Pepsimax @NatureLover @Appleblossom @AussieRecharger @Dimity @Bill16 @Delicatessen @Eden1919 @EternalFlower @Grim-sleeper @Former-Member @Birdofparadise8 @Meowmy @Shaz51 @StuF @TAB 

[TideisTurning]

Welcome to everyone joining us or reading along tonight. We would first like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the various lands across Australia we are all joining this discussion from. We pay deep respect to the Elders of those Countries, past and present, and we further extend that respect to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people with us tonight, reading along, or reading back.  We are joined this evening by SANE Staff member and psychologist Elise to talk about the current state of Covid and adjusting to Covid normal. Going in, we’d also like to acknowledge the many different terms and language used around COVID- something we will touch on through the discussion. 

To get us started, I will invite @EliseSunflower to introduce herself. We would also love to hear from members of the community joining us this evening about what's brought you here tonight and what, if anything, you are hoping to get out of the discussion 😊 

[EliseSunflower]

Hi everyone! I’m Elise. I’ve been working at SANE for about five years now. I started in a research role, and now I’m supporting SANE’s service delivery as part of our Quality & Clinical Governance team. This means that I do a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure that SANE’s services are high quality and supportive.  

As a registered psychologist, I’m hoping to offer an interesting (and hopefully helpful!) perspective around adjusting to COVID-normal. I’m also looking forward to hearing from the community, and learning about what works for you! 

A few facts about me: 

• Sunflowers are my favourite flower – hence my username! 
• I love reading and my bookshelf is currently overflowing 
• I have a very naughty cat who loves to join in on my virtual meetings.  

[Former-Member]

Hi everyone! I'm looking forward to tonight's discussion 😊

[TideisTurning]

For our community, as we go through the questions for Elise this evening, if you have any ideas to share, whether that be experiences with navigating some of the situations we’ll explore or ideas about how you might navigate these kinds of situations, we’d love to hear them.  @Abner @Captain24 @Dimity @Eden1919 @EternalFlower @Flying_Hams @Former-Member @Former-Member @Meowmy @Shaz51 @StuF @TAB @greenpea 

[TideisTurning]

Onto our first question for the evening: many of us have experienced an increase in social anxiety after such long periods of isolation. How can we talk to and feel connected with people after isolation, if getting back into social situations brings up anxiety? @EliseSunflower 

[EliseSunflower]

Thanks for kicking off the questions, @TideisTurning 😊

As someone who’s experienced a lot of social anxiety in her life, I think it’s important to acknowledge that social stuff can be difficult even without the added complications of a global pandemic. Long periods of lockdowns and virtual socialising have given us different expectations and rhythms for how social interactions work. It’s pretty understandable if your social skills are a bit rusty, or socialising feels less natural and weird.  

As a general tip, one thing I find helps manage social anxiety is trying to remind myself that there is not a literal, judgmental spotlight on me. If I say make a joke that lands poorly, tell a story that gets a bit boring, or make a faux pas, around 99% of the time there are no real consequences. Most people do not expect ‘perfection’ ‘in social interactions.   

If you’re hanging out with people in-person again, I think it’s important to take things at your own pace. Maybe small group settings – a coffee or a walk with one or two people can feel more manageable than a long hangout, or anything involving a crowd. Building in time to recharge afterwards can also help. 

But if you’re not comfy with this – that's okay too! Virtual hangouts are here to stay – I know I’m still doing a lot of virtual movie sessions with friends, and texting each other throughout. Spaces like the SANE Forums are great for social interaction too. Online social interactions are just as valid as real ones. 

[Former-Member]

I agree with taking things at your own pace @EliseSunflower😊

I've definitely found that its much more approachable to start socialising at a small scale, and if comfortable, working up slowly from there 

[amber22]

I love the idea of still having virtual hang outs - sometimes going and socialising for many hours can really intimidate me! My social battery definitely is a lot shorter since lock down, so a virtual hang out works well for me as I am able to turn off my camera, or leave the chat whenever. It is a lot more comfortable 🙂