Quarantine blues and fishing

[JFlynn97]

Like many others, I have been stuck at home for the past several months due to the coronavirus. At first I didn't mind so much because it gave me time to get out and do lots of fishing (as its arguably the best way to socially distance)! But I also suffer from mental health problems, namely depression and anxiety, which have really been taking their toll on me in recent weeks and I'm finding it difficult to get out and do what I enjoy. Most days I end up sleeping in too long, watching youtube, eating, and occasionally playing video games before going back to bed.

 

Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any tips on how I can overcoming this funk I'm in? 

[Ski213]

I’m sorry that you’re going through that. I can’t speak personally about anxiety or depression other than to say even as someone who typically doesn’t have to deal with that,  this current situation with all its uncertainties can be unnerving.  
 

I have found myself to be at times over the years what I’m going to call unmotivated. Sleeping more than I need, being lethargic in general, just not having my head in the game. What works for me is almost always physical exercise. Running, walking, biking, weights, hiking, mountain biking, whatever. It can be really hard to get that ball rolling though. Me personally, if I say ok I’m going to get back running consistently next Monday, It never happens. I have to just jump in. Everybody is different though. 
 

My worst enemy is boredom. If I get bored I get down so I just do the best I can to to always have something to be in to. The first step is the hardest but once you build some momentum it gets easier.  In the same way that not being motivated leads to being even less motivated, being active typically leads to being more active. Also helps if you can have someone that holds you accountable. Not necessarily in a drill sergeant kind of way but just to keep you focused on goals. Just some thoughts. I hope it gets better for you soon. Just keep your head up. 

[A-Jay]

6 hours ago, JFlynn97 said:

Like many others, I have been stuck at home for the past several months due to the coronavirus. At first I didn't mind so much because it gave me time to get out and do lots of fishing (as its arguably the best way to socially distance)! But I also suffer from mental health problems, namely depression and anxiety, which have really been taking their toll on me in recent weeks and I'm finding it difficult to get out and do what I enjoy. Most days I end up sleeping in too long, watching youtube, eating, and occasionally playing video games before going back to bed.

 

Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any tips on how I can overcoming this funk I'm in? 

How have you addressed this in the past ?  Are you under the care of a professional ?  

A-Jay 

[slonezp]

Get out and fish. Wear a mask if you feel the need to do so and practice social distancing.

[Bluebasser86]

It's been a big issue for a lot of people unfortunately. Make sure you address your mental health first before you worry about the fishing. Unfortunately my job and kids never give me the chance to sleep in.

[TnRiver46]

Not sure if it’s against the rules, but I would suggest praying. It’s an ages old tactic for getting through any funk you find yourself in with millions of success stories 

[geo g]

Hey buddy, talk to others and stay in touch.  It is hard on a bunch of us.  My wife and I are 70 and in a danger group.  I almost always fish with others in my boat and have lots of friends to share the experience.  I haven't fished with anyone since March, sleep too much when not fishing, and eat to much out of boredom.  Talk to as many friends as you can and always come back and talk to us.  I feel for your situation and wish I could help more.  Just get out and take a walk, or ride a bike for exercise.  I always feel better after getting some exercise even if its a slow walk.  God bless and hang in there.

[Koz]

The longer this goes on the worse it gets for a lot of people. Some doctors are saying that the mental health crisis will be worse than the virus, perhaps not in deaths but in other ways.

 

Personally, this shutdown and other things have begun to take a toll on me as well. But I do make it a point to get out and do something - anything - rather than sit around. That can be hard with a lot of things shut down and being out of work for the time being.

 

I like to fish, but bank fishing like I am accustomed to is almost nonexistent where I live now. So I go out and rent a kayak now and then. I also got into woodworking and made some decent stuff.

 

I hate just going for walks around the neighborhood, but going to a state park and walking is pleasant. My son and I also took up geocaching for something to do. And lastly, despite my age, I've been getting some exercise by pitching (baseball) once again, throwing into a net on my driveway.

 

It is hard not being able to be with friends and other family members. One thing I do STRONGLY suggest is turning off the news and social media. Nothing will ramp up depression faster than being inundated with that stuff every day.

 

Other than getting outdoors and exercising, my suggestion is to find a hobby that makes you concentrate. Woodworking, painting, model building, anything where you have to focus on the task at hand. Heck, make your own lures. The hours will fly by.

[N Florida Mike]

5 hours ago, Koz said:

One thing I do STRONGLY suggest is turning off the news and social media. Nothing will ramp up depression faster than being inundated with that stuff every day.

Got that right!!!

I cant listen to it. ?

 

I agree with @TnRiver46.

I went through a long depression that  lasted a few years. It was based on unmet expectations from others behaviors.

I have cast that burden on the Lord. I still pick it back up sometimes , but overall its much better. I realize I cant make people change so I might as well be happy and take care of myself while I wait... 

[RoLo]

 

With respect to covid19, it's important to understand that mainstream media generates their biggest profits

by publishing 'bad' news. They're in eternal pursuit of the seediest tales and most negative figures

that paint the bleakest picture.

 

When people of advanced age (as myself), step away from media hype, most of us know dozens 

of personal acquaintances who succumbed to cancer, stroke or heart disease. In stark contrast,

most of us may not have one personal acquaintance who succumbed to coronavirus.

 

Covid19 pales in comparison to mental health, which applies equally to each and every one of us.

Bear an important thought in mind. The difference between happiness and unhappiness is 'paper thin'; 

it's not the thick, impenetrable wall it may appear to be.  Keep your chin up.

 

Roger

 

 

 

[Dwight Hottle]

On 7/30/2020 at 7:46 PM, RoLo said:

 

With respect to covid19, it's important to understand that mainstream media generates their biggest profits

by publishing 'bad' news. They're in eternal pursuit of the seediest tales and most negative figures

that paint the bleakest picture.

 

When people of advanced age (as myself), step away from media hype, most of us know dozens 

of personal acquaintances who succumbed to cancer, stroke or heart disease. In stark contrast,

most of us may not have one personal acquaintance who succumbed to coronavirus.

 

To be sure, covid19 pales in comparison to mental health, which applies equally to each and every one of us.

Bear an important thought in mind. The difference between happiness and unhappiness is 'paper thin'; 

it's not the thick, impenetrable wall it may appear to be.  Keep your chin up.

 

Roger

 

 

 

Well spoken Roger. 

[greentrout]

life is not always a bowl of cherries ...

 

been there done that ...

 

chaos and riots in the sixties ...wage and price controls early seventies ...gas shortages in the seventies with high unemployment  ... high unemployment in the early eighties with high inflation ... recession early nineties ... 9/11 ... katrina ... the great recession ... covid 19 ...

 

it's good to be alive and go fishing  ...

[NHBull]

I am surrounded with friends and close family members in similar situations.  There is no substitute for professional help, but I can tell you that those closest to me have shut off social media, and started to walk and workout.  Exercise is a great way of feeling better but it does require you taking the first step.  “Don’t let the demons win”