mental health in quarantine & some things to do

I hope this video acts as a reminder that it's okay to NOT be productive right now, whatever you're feeling is completely valid. there are no good or bad days, only days and whatever you manage to do each day, is just fine! I did include some things however, that are helping me get through the days, and I encourage you to leave some of your favorite things right now in a comment xx
#stayhome
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[@greenergrass4060]

Im stuck in home quarantine with my hot headed "father". And im telling you, this quarantine is strainning our relationship further. Our house is real small. Really bad for my emotional health too since im a very sensitive person :/

[@goncalogoulao9424]

I’m so sorry you have to go trough that! Hope everything will be okay! ❤️❤️

[@Shy00rca]

Sammmme

[@daniburns6369]

Same with my Mum. She's over 55 AND compromised and she's not taking it seriously. It's so difficult because I'm trying to be grateful for being able to spend time with her but I can't stand staying in the same room as her at this minute 😥

[@brokenvery3521]

Same

[@saggguy7]

My heart goes out to anyone who’s quarantined with a toxic person. ❤️

[@robk.6591]

I'm an extrovert. Not being able to talk to other people face to face feels so unnatural. My neighbors and I in my apartment complex each sit on our own back porches and talk each day. It's kind of creative social distancing I guess.

[@Geshtafshnifka]

Rob K. Lol, extroverts going crazy in this difficult time, even introverts like me r having struggling days.

[@saggguy7]

Saw two dudes yesterday, riding down the bike path in my town on opposite sides of the path yelling a conversation at each other 😂 it made me laugh

[@ShowplaceBoutique]

Glad to hear you still have that social interaction 😊 sounds like great neighbors

[@AilsaB123]

i went through a super sad breakup just prior to all this madness, now my university course has abruptly ended, my part time job has abruptly ended and i'm stuck at home with toxic parents. i know many people have it much, much worse - but WOW this is such a difficult time. being alone with your thoughts at a time when you need more than anything to be surrounded by friends/distracted is one of the most challenging things i've ever done to be honest

[@powmarti2305]

Hi Alice, my name is Martina if you want a friend to talk to I'm here, I' been there mentally. I'm also an university student from Italy. Better time will come don't worry (my instagram is powmarti if you like to talk)

[@inkasaraswati7625]

I'm just here to give you a hug!

[@angelicaugalde1523]

This too shall pass , it'll make us all stronger , virtual hug :)

[@renetp1970]

Ailsa Bennett I wish I could give you a hug!

[@four4476]

I feel this so hard. my boyfriend dumped me the day after valentines day, and I already didnt get much space from my toxic mother because she works at my university but I was still using the time away from her and in class with my favorite professor to distract myself from the breakup and my home life and now class is all online for the rest of the semester and campus is completely shut down. I feel you so hard :(( my twitter is @worm_in_brain if you want to talk

[@ashleyb9586]

I'm also definitely an introvert. However, this quarantine has made me realize that I do in fact depend on the social interactions that I had with coworkers and clients at my job. My social life pretty much went out the door when I was told I was going to be unemployed. It is very strange for me to be at home all day, all week long. I find that I'm not super motivated to get things done because there's no real deadline. (ie. 'I don't have to get laundry done before work tomorrow') Some days I do get a lot done, but the following day I'll tend to feel burnt out. If you have people to talk to on the phone that helps. Also, talk to your pets. ☺ Another thing that has surprised me is I normally LOVE my peace and quiet. But there have come times where things have just been too quiet for too long. That's when ill pull out the earphones and listen to some loud upbeat music - dance, hula hoop, stretch, cook, etc. Lastly, it has been a huge help for me to pull up the blinds completely on all the windows first thing in the morning. Let in the daylight and sun! If weather permits, let in fresh air.

[@Gloria-xb6ch]

Thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to not be productive right now. Sometimes I just need someone to tell me that cause I have a serious issue with making myself feel guilty if I’m not doing what I see as “enough” at all hours of the day. We can get through this ❤️

[@MK-Hogan]

Sophie Girl, same. I got a couple substantial projects done in the first few days but ran out of steam for the rest of the week and beat myself up really badly for not being productive. 🙁 I try to remind myself that there’s still time and to just take one little thing at a time.

[@emmarosestrong]

same!!! i got really down on myself for the first week or so for not taking advantage of the extra free time to better myself. but sometimes bettering yourself means doing what you can and being okay with it.

[@Gabbiegale6]

before all of this went down i was in the middle of a depressive episode and then went straight into self quarantine. of course at first, i did not handle it well as i was still dealing with the episode. now, after almost 2 weeks, i’m starting to feel better. of course everything that’s happening is horrible but in a way i am grateful for this because for me, this has been a way for me to detox all of these emotions and kind of a reset if that makes sense. i’m just trying to take it one day at a time!

[@mindy669]

I'm so glad your mom is okay. Bright side is she got to forget who the president is for a while (yes, I'm that person who makes jokes during a disaster).

[@jasonramos1233]

yay glad your making this video, you’re really the only youtuber i trust talking about mental illness. it’s definitely been depressing for me just staying home. i miss being with my friends. but i also take a medication for depression and anxiety so i’m doing good.

[@jasonramos1233]

Shane Martin thank you 🥺

[@lizzymadhatter4879]

I'm also an introvert and staying at home and not being able to see other people is not a very big deal for me but not being able to see my therapist is way much harder than I expected it to be and in that case not being able to hang out with my friends (or just to see other people face to face in general, like even my lecturers) is creating so much tension altogether. I feel paralyzed. My depression is overwhelming and every day is a struggle. And for me this time is not free, I still have classes (like via internet of course but my schedule didn't change and I still have exames and deadlines and all that university bullshit which makes me even more depressed because I don't feel like I'm capable of finishing this fucking semester at all). I'm at that point where I can just burst into tears out of nowhere and I feel totally hopeless... just wanted to share it with anybody, thanks for reading.

[@paz3571]

quarantine and coronavirus ruined my year. i had so many goals for this year at school, for my personal life and growth, etc. I´ve staying at my grandma´s house with my mom and sister, so we can help her and the rest of the people that lives there. I don´t know why but my house gives me a feeling of safeness and confort that no other place give me, not even my dad´s house; and not being able to be in my safe place is very hard. My anxiety levels are soooo high and a couple months ago i finished my psychatric treatment and im still getting used to living with no medication. Im extremely irritable and violent right now... i just want this to finish.

[@caroline7142]

I had some serious trauma as a very young child from being locked in a room for nearly a year. I didn’t anticipate that this current quarantine would trigger my ptsd so much, but now that it’s happening, it makes sense I guess. I’ve grown to be a very strong, resilient person as a result of my past, but this quarantine is starting to really rattle me. It also doesn’t help that it’s been storming for a week and it’s forecasted to storm every day for the foreseeable future. I am very thankful to have my loving mother with me, and I’m blessed to have the safe home and food and electricity that I have to make it through this time. I’m grateful for my health and the support network of friends I have to chat with. But even with this gratitude, I’m really struggling right now. I hope this lets up soon.

[@daviddelara7158]

I been off work since August last year with depression and anxiety disorder so with this corona stuff it’s making my anxiety really bad - trying to take it day by day - love your content - I’m in 🇬🇧

[@emmarosestrong]

i'm in a similar position. i've been taking a "break" for a little over a year now, but working a pretty chill job to keep myself on a healthy routine. hang in there, we'll get through this

[@ccap3211]

Who is still going to work everyday and who has lost their job? I’m still going to work everyday. I am thankful that I still have a job. I work in a skilled nursing facility. Only bad thing is if I get sick my company will not pay us to stay home for 2 weeks. Oh, and today is only day 2 of my city’s mandated lockdown or quarantine or whatever you want to call it. We’re only supposed to go to “essential” places which apparently include liquor stores? Lol

[@ashleyb9586]

I thought the liquor store thing was weird too, but that's because I'm not much of a drinker. Sadly, some people are genuinely addicted to and rely on those substances.

[@amandaweaver5964]

The company I work for won’t pay if I get sick either.

[@anyawinkelmanv7818]

My husband just got laid off and I WAS a self employed artist, but no one is buying art right now 🙃

[@ccap3211]

Amanda Weaver it really shows a lot about the morals of a company

[@emmarosestrong]

i'm not out of a job, but out of a paycheck for the foreseeable future. but i'm in a privileged position where i live with my parents, and they can help me with my expenses for a little while. other folks i work with have children to support and actual rent to pay, so i gave up my hours so they could get more (they were cut super low).

[@xfalseidolsfall]

Thanks for making the realest content out there! 🖤 I absolutely thought I was going to do all the things I “never had time” to do, but have realized quickly that without those quick hits of adrenaline or dopamine from simply going out/hanging out/engaging in hobbies outside the house, my motivation has dwindled.

[@emmaberger3748]

I’m like 4 minutes in and you already basically nailed my exact feelings about this so far. But I’ve personally hardly been anxious. There’s some adjustment, 18 days in of full quarantine and I’m missing people and it’s all weird, but overall I’m doing good. I’m inspired and I’m ready to like transform myself and my life 😂. I know most people want to roll my eyes at people like me, but honestly it doesn’t have to be awful 100%. My pro tip: surround yourself by things you absolutely love. For me that seems to be people on KZbin, my favorite bands, and tv shows like AHS. Maybe that’s a little cliche, but it is so easy to get pulled into the unfortunate state of things rn. We need as much emotional comfort as we can get

[@arae616]

Honestly I appreciate this video for so many reasons. I'm a pediatric medical assistant, working part time from home. Everyday we have to be ready to be called into work in case they need us. I live with high anxiety and PTSD and I thought this would be the much needed break from regular life that I needed so badly. Wow, I didn't realize what a toll this would take on my mental health. I am living with family right now, and haven't been able to see my long term boyfriend for going on a month, we spent our 6 year anniversary separately. I am in no way complaining because people and families are SUFFERING right now. But this video really helped me personally. I would love to see more of these casual sit down talks. I've been watching a ton of movies (obviously mostly horror) but also been listening to lighthearted podcasts and even coloring (does anyone else find coloring therapeutic?).This video was incredibly comforting for me today. Thank you, Sarah.

[@dancepinkydance]

You put my feelings and experience into words! I am an introvert as well and I expected it to be a chill time at home but my depression has increase in the last few weeks. 💔

[@blue_boulevard4429]

I relate so much, because I’m very introverted and my first (probably selfish) reaction was relief? Relief that I wouldn’t have to go to school and go out anymore, and I could just work on my own without having to see anyone I also feel very guilty about not being productive, because I assume a lot of people are using this time to get a tone of things done, and I’m not because of anxiety and fatigue But even for introverts, not being able to see people, especially loved ones, gets really tough sometimes Anyway Thank you for this genuine, super honest video 🧡🧡 love u!

[@jazminjosephine3288]

I absolutely needed this, I thought I was all alone. Trying to balance online school which I have no idea how to do, and having all my sports taken away, has taken a toll on my already suffering mental health. Thank you.

[@regip97]

it's so nice to hear that someone feels the same way I feel. my boyfriend doesn't understand why this all affects me so much and I'm feeling so anxious

[@SEReid-rz5bm]

Sarah, I'm only three minutes into this video and I feel like a huge burden is lifting off of my shoulders. You are describing exactly how my emotions have changed over the course of this weird season. As a childcare worker this has been my first week staying home and as an introvert I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to get some things done and enjoy being housebound, which I usually love. But I'm hitting that point, as you described, where I'm starting to feel...antsy? Anxious? The feeling of an invisible "enemy" keeping us indoors and away from other people--it's a virus, not a weather event or something obvious like that--is really strange. Under normal circumstances on a break from work I would still want to reach out to our neighbors or drive into town to sit in a coffeeshop or something, but those options aren't available. And I shouldn't complain; I have it so much easier than so many people! But this video is deeply therapeutic, is what I'm trying to say. Thanks for your honesty; we can all use plenty of honesty right now.

[@cerysmoya]

really needed this vid, its definitely true that a lot my anxiety is coming from the uncertainty of not knowing how long this is going to go on for! loved your ideas for distractions and the also for being the first person who i've heard say that its okay to be struggling to be productive at such an uncertain time, as i've been finding it so difficult to motivate myself to do anything when it feels like the world is ending every time you check the news (also going to give that taking a short break from the news thing a try as i've been obsessively checking for updates every few hours which i know isn't helping). love from the uk, we are all in this together xxx

[@spookyastronauts]

listening. to this vacuuming my house haha! great video Sarah

[@NotTheRealBassKitten]

This whole outbreak has also been really hard on my mental health. My depression had started to come back before the quarrantine, and the one thing I was most looking forward to was going back to uni. During the uni break I barely left the house, so it's like I've only had 2 weeks not in quarrantine for the past 2 months. Having a regular schedule where I have to leave the house everyday really helps my mental state. Now I've lost my job, my uni has gone online and I've had to move back in with my parents. I just wanna say thankyou for reminding me that it's okay to not feel up to doing much and just focusing on getting through the day. Even though I'm doing less I'm also way more tired than usual. I'm trying to do a 20 min walk on the weekdays, keep listening to music and reading books to give me a break from screens, and with uni I've been breaking it down into blocks so I don't get overwhelmed by the week ahead. I'm just trying hard not to spiral downwards.

[@cflo8106]

This has been such an interesting time for the planet. I recently saw a post somewhere talking about we usually talk about how life goes by so fast... and now it seems as though the entire world is on pause. I have been struggling a lot with my mental health in the past few months in particular, and although this situation has been awful, I recognize that I could be in a much worse situation. My quarantine has been spent drinking tea, watching lots of movies (specifically Studio Ghibli), and adjusting to online coursework. It makes me feel a lot better that I'm not alone, and everyone in the world is trying to adjust to this strange new way of life... sending everyone love and warm thoughts!

[@alisonmittertreiner3241]

This is great, recently I feel like some ppl have really used this whole situation as a way to pull out of their a** a bunch of 'things u can do while quarantined', when literally no one alive rn has experienced something like this. Thank you for acknowledging that it's okay to not be super productive or whatever, and it's okay to be feeling anxious. Nice perspective, Thanks Sarah :)

[@marjolainechoquette]

Getting ready is my number one trick to feel better! I'm getting dressed and I do my hair. Sometimes I put makeup on. I also love to take a walk. These are great tips! Thank you for this video it's perfect ❤🙌

[@Renee529]

This situation is extremely tough for everyone and this video really helped me. I struggle with mental illness and have trauma/ptsd from something that occurred in my parents’ house and having to be stuck in that environment really is giving me a new appreciation of life (obviously life before covid)

[@ceci843]

this video was honestly so validating. im so glad to hear that your mom is alright. i hope everyone remembers that it's okay to just exist for a while. we're in the middle of a pandemic, i think we all get pass on not being productive. much love :-)

[@NeedMoreCoffeeOG]

I am not coping. I am a homebody and I do shift work - I work 5 long days then have 5 days off. On my days off I usually stay home and inside most of the time. But not having 5 days of being in a really dynamic work environment is REALLY wearing me down.. I desperately need the stimulation, social push and pull, mental challenges, PEOPLE OTHER THAN ME AND MY HUSBAND. I'm sorry, but that's just that. I'm struggling. I'm questioning myself and my life a lot. My husband loves a world with only me and him, nobody else... which is making me feel even worse. He could easily stay in the house with me alone forever... and I already feel trapped...

[@Brandon-hl2pv]

I relate so much with what you said about not being worried about yourself, but about family. My sister is getting induced into labor this weekend and the hospitals aren’t allowing visitors which is entirely necessary and understandable, but my mom is in shambles over not being able to be with her daughter while she’s having her first child. I live with my mom so I kind of have to endure the pain she’s going through from that. I’m worried for my mom and my sister and my baby nephew that’ll be here anytime now. Their health and well-being Worried about all of my family members, not myself in the slightest and I recognize how privileged I am to be young and with a strong immune system. I can’t wait for this to be over.

[@SuperFluffymuffy]

Thanks for this Sarah :) yup, gotta take each day as it comes! I have been brushing up on my French a little, reading, and started watching Project Runway S18. I used to watch PR religiously but then life got busy. None of us know what’s going to happen tomorrow, so all we can do is embrace today and BREATHE 🙏 thank you!

[@earlkhentpermites8506]

I've been binge-watching your videos lately and it really helps a LOT, especially for me who tends to be really depressed at times. I really feel like I have a friend (which I don't have much at all) as I'm watching your videos in all your channels. So thank you so much Sarah for being so authentic and really nice to us. Keep safe xx

[@saggguy7]

I was talking to my therapist (through a teletherapy appointment, which we’ve never done before) and I was describing sooo many similar feelings to yours. At first, as an introvert with social anxiety, my response to hearing that I couldn’t leave my house was like “don’t threaten me with a good time”. 😂 but since then I’ve been going back and forth between accepting that I can’t leave and making the most of it, and feeling really trapped and really strange about the way I have to live life now. My therapist said that a lot of her clients have described this lately and that it really sounds like the cycles of emotions associated with grief. We are all collectively grieving an old way of life that even if we weren’t that attached to it, it feels really fucking weird to have to live without it. And just like with regular grief we’re all doing it differently. Some of us are still in denial, some of us are accepting and dealing with the situation, but we’re all grieving. Edit: this is also why you need to be patient with yourself! Even if it feels like your life hasn’t changed that much you’re still grieving and that takes a lot of energy out of you. I personally know that a lot of my energy has been taken up by rationalizing the situation and trying not to let my fears run away with me. It doesn’t leave a lot left over for being productive.

[@smidgen]

Sarah, you described my feelings to the T when you mentioned about feeling relieved that you had an excuse to stay home/isolate at first but now I'm getting stir crazy. I want to believe that it's okay to not be productive right now but this is all happening during the leadup to exams and end of the semester papers are all due but my adhd and anxiety have been so difficult to deal with and I can't focus on getting school work done no matter what. I am scared of failing some or multiple of my classes and disappointing my parents even though they have assured me that my mental health is more important than anything else. :( I had good grades first semester but my ability to retain information is so stunted right now. Thank you for making this video is comforting to hear other people having similar experiences and feelings. I hope everyone stays safe.

[@ghoultiful]

My grandparents are in their 80s and as soon as we got cases in our county I begged them to stay as home as much as possible. Thankfully they listened but man I am worried about them the most.

[@imjustjules]

I’ve been trying to keep a routine. Some days are better than others. It’s not to be productive. I’m with you on that productivity is an unrealistic, harmful societal expectation, in that we need to be productive as much as possible. It doesn’t define our worth. Being productive is great, but it’s okay to nap or binge watch Netflix. Whatever you need to do to get through this difficult time is totally valid and okay!! For me, I’ve been doing at home workouts every other day and trying to go for walks when I can. Unfortunately, this all triggered my ED really bad and I’m having a difficult time dealing with my thoughts. I miss going to the gym but I know it isn’t safe. I miss going for walks when I didn’t have to run away from people because they don’t move when they see me coming. Walks are off the table for me now because they’re causing me anxiety and walks were my most helpful coping skill. Beyond this (long comment sorry), I have coffee, shower, do my makeup, and some days I film and edit a video for my channel when I’m up for it. I have therapy online 2x weekly which is really helpful. And I’ve been video chatting with my partner every night for a bit because I can’t see him this week. He was exposed to the virus by a coworker but it should be safe to be with him again Tuesday. Other than that, I’m staying home and being as safe as possible. I even stopped getting takeout, which is also triggering my ED, but it’s better than taking that risk. I saw your tweet about drive thrus and I’ve been drinking coffee from home instead as well. That was a lot lol I’m sorry... I just needed to talk this out. I love YOU and I love your channel so much. Thank you for making this Sarah. You help so many people to feel less alone ❤️

[@bekahmac14]

This quarantine has definitely brought a lot of struggles as I am out of work and staying with my mom who is compromised. We've bumped heads several times, but that's bound to happen when everyone has anxiety and heightened emotions due to the situation. One thing I can say is moving my body every morning has been such a help emotionally and physically. I sit outside first thing and have a glass of water, and then I proceed to do some form a a workout. This could be yoga, HIIT, or any video I can find on KZbin. By moving my body it puts me in such a better mood for the day. I now look forward to it every morning

[@talyabeyers]

Not really on topic but I really appreciate how open and casual you are about biting your nails and cuticles. I'm 22 and have been chewing my nails and cuticles really badly for most of my life, and I was so ashamed and gross felt like I was the only one doing it. It really affected my confidence, and I tried so many things to get rid of it. Eventually I decided to start giving myself home manicures (I avoid nail salons since a manicurist basically interrogated me about the state of my nails when I was 13) to keep my cuticles in check, and I've found that if I like how my nails look, I'm far less likely to chew them. I got really into nail art too, so I kicked the habit and gained a new hobby/skill at the same time. I find that I still go back to the habit if I don't keep it up, though, so I don't think I'll ever be truly rid of it. All the best with breaking the habit! And I wish you (and all the people down here in the comments) all the best in dealing with this situation

[@yamisabaku]

I am from montreal and right now we have half of the cases of covid from all the quebec so i have been in self quarantine for a week and a half, and for some reason i let myself go, did not shower, brush my teeth, or change clothing. Now i am making my nails while watching your video because this is what helps my mental health, taking care of myself. Thank you for making this video.

[@moon_mint]

This helped so much - I always feel like i'm talking with a friend when I watch your videos (is that weird?) I'm a nurse, and even though this whole thing is putting incredible stress on everyone I know, I'm so incredibly thankful that I work in an industry that has such good job security right now. I just moved into a new apartment, so on my off days I'm nesting SUPER hard. Also playing hours of Animal Crossing.

[@MK-Hogan]

My mom gave me and my teenage daughter a jigsaw puzzle and we got obsessed! It might sound stupid but I really forgot how stimulating and fun it is to do a straight up jigsaw puzzle. 🤣 Me, my husband and my daughter all got so into it that we bought two more as soon as we finished it. They’re so satisfying and help sharpen your focus and they’re fun to do together. Also board games. We’re kickin it old school over here and it’s fun.

[@mathildeb.9008]

I am using this time at home to try to get better at sewing because I find it to be really calming and relaxing during these stressful events. Would 100% recommend ;)

[@solli2330]

I'm an Ambivert, and I really enjoyed the first few days of quarantine (even though I can't see my boyfriend and I miss him a LOT). But the last two days the peaceful quiet time turned into loneliness and I started feeling depressed again (the nice weather helped me to feel better and spring chased my SAD away). It took me a while, but I called some people and went for a walk, and it really helped me. My problem is that I often want to feel bad (because it seems fun to be sad. It really does sometimes. And it's inconvenient and exhausting to pull myself out of the bad feelings. So I like to be sad for a little while, but that soon turns into thinking that I don't deserve to be happy and not being strong enough to change my mood.). Not having friends around to help me to feel better is really hard.

[@zoejane_]

I have been loving watching your videos during my self isolation. You seem to have such a soft spirit and you're so likeable! Good luck with defeating your nail biting habit - I stopped mine about four years ago. Now my nails are long and sharp and I accidentally scratch people all the time!

[@siobhanm9690]

hey sarah, i've been a subscriber for several years but don't normally comment. this video was what i needed as today i've been feeling super low energy. i went for a walk and that helped and this video is pushing me to get things done. hope you're doing well

[@Natali_Talis.Library]

I had started weaning off my anti depressants before this happened, which now proves to be extremely bad timing! The things that have been getting me through are not having anything to do with the news AT ALL, reading and tidying/organising my house, and just really appreciating the time with my son.

[@jazztanszak]

Thank you for this video! You're really one of those youtubers who takes this shit seriously. With the things going on all around the world, it's a unique situation where almost everyone feels the same anxieties and uncertainties. It is a great time for be more empathetic and focus on the really important things in life. I hope something better will come for society after this crisis.

[@katemarie9235]

Your horror channel has seriously been keeping me sane. Its awesome to find new movies to watch especially with all of this new time spent at home.

[@ЕленаПомялова-о7д]

Sarah, this video of yours is so comforting! Honestly, thank you, and I wish you, your family and friends stay healthy and strong during this time!

[@Em-dh3qk]

I hear you on the social media thing, I really was panicking about dying and Facebook was literally encouraging my fear 😐😭 love you girl. Stay safe to you and your mum! Love from the uk 🇬🇧

[@danibosman5342]

This video really has come at the right time for me and you've literally verbalised so many of my thunks and feels, Sarah. Thank you, as always, for being a light and pillar in so many of our lives. xx

[@PaNsY2215]

How nice you are learning Spanish! I'm Colombian and live in Australia. Here we aren't really in lock down but I'm definitely staying at home most of the time. In super grateful I have a home and managed to keep my job through this time. I've been going on a hike to a near by hill or doing some dancing with my cousins through video. Also, following my routine in the morning and getting ready before work has helped so much. I went through a very tough time the past 8 months with my health and now that I was finally getting better this came along. I'm glad it's happening now and not a month ago when I was on the worst part of my recovery. Thanks for opening up this space for conversation. Maybe I should use the time to finally start a KZbin channel lol

[@ZombieGxrl]

Thanks for this video! I haven’t been to work since the 13th, so it’s been a solid two weeks now. And I am an introvert but work helped me get out of my habits. Especially my agoraphobia and I truly feeling it coming on again. I’m doing my best to not let it happen but some days are way harder than others. Thankfully I have my dog because I do live by myself, granted I FaceTime my parents a lot and my brother(plus his fam) but damn that only does so much. Cause as soon as you get off that FaceTime, it’s just me and my dog. My whole thing is I’m scared of what it’s doing to my mental health because of how long it took me to get out the agoraphobia.

[@tayo392]

I seriously needed this. I haven't done anything too productive in the past two days. I just moved to a new apartment, and yeah i have a lot of stuff to do. Unpack, decorate, clean, organize, etc. I even have to clean my old apartment. But i just haven't felt up to any of it. I've been so depressed and just don't see the point in doing stuff most days. I was feeling really ashamed of myself bc i should be using this time to do things that I always complained about not having enough time to do. This video made me feel a lot better knowing I'm not alone with these kinds of struggles. I think I'm going to go read, go to bed early, and try again at being productive tomorrow. Thank you and stay safe. 💕

[@trichmomma]

As an introvert I enjoy just doing my thing wether it be publicly or privately. This isolation has not been good for me in that parks,libraries,cafes,etc are all closed. My schoolwork has increased greatly and activities I would use to take breaks and/or reward myself with for working hard and getting tasks done are no longer available options. Not even a picnic can be had and yesterday I cried because of it.My kids are getting tired of the limits of house and yard. Grocery shopping is a nightmare.Normally I'd be the first person in the store to avoid people,but now there are crowds.I limit my news watching because it's all COVID information but I have professors who have included the topic in assignments.Im so tired of it all and just trying my best to get through it the best way I can.

[@stacysilver5208]

The first week after my university closed was really hard I felt so drained. But this week I felt so much more motivated and energetic to finish off my semester on a high note while I'm at home. I'm extremely thankful that my home is a place of comfort and joy. My dad is also thankfully working from home and I have my cat around while I do my assignments. I've recently back gotten into my love for music and that has gotten me through school so well! Wishing all y'all emotional and physical health ❤

[@robyn294]

Thank you for this video! I"d consider myself an extrovert and someone who needs exercise daily to be able to stay sane. Not being able to kickbox every day, not being able to talk to anyone other than my bf and his mom, feeling so stressed that my period is now late, I mean.. It's bee a rollercoaster for me personally. Holding everything inside hurts and it's difficult when the people around you seem fine or even express that they themselves feel totally fine with this change. My boyfriend is a major, major introvert and he's told me that in fact, he 100% does not understand why I'm stressed or anxious about this situation and that I shouldn't be and that I should just relax. TLDR- Being invalidated about my stress and anxiety really blows and it isn't helpful lol

[@celine533]

Finally! Thank you so much for being honest and open about your anxiety and how overwhelming this is. I’ve seen so much about using this time to do like a million side projects and be super productive and lose weight and glow up etc etc and it’s hard feeling almost shamed for barely functioning when all of this is going on! My own anxiety has never been this bad so it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in the struggle ❤️

[@collinpizzo986]

this all really helped to hear. my therapist is on maternity leave so i wont be able to see her for a while, and i work as an "essential" coffee chain and its been super discouraging and scary how many people aren't taking everything seriously and how busy we've been. i really needed to hear these words today. thank you so much!

[@Geshtafshnifka]

Love you! You’re one of several that I always turn to when down, and that’s crucial for me.❤️

[@andygaines9686]

Yes Yes Yes. As an introvert who doesn't go out to socialize much anyway I didn't think I would have any problem at all being at home - hey, I could catch up on those DVDs! However as you said, the big difference is staying at home because I want to and staying at home because I have to. I never realised how much going for a walk on my own and than stopping for a coffee on my own was so good for my mental health. The occasional visit and contact with someone again just broke things up. Anyway, you have nailed it for me, and thanks for doing the videos. Take care everyone!

[@renetp1970]

I'm with you on the birthday thing ...the 28th is my 50th birthday and this is definitely a milestone for me and will be remembered forever as the Birthday I was at home and couldn't do the things I wanted to But...I will eventually 😊I've been journaling in my planner and just using up some of my favorite stickers in my planner. Listening to music and taking long bubble baths with a great smelling candle is so relaxing to me. I want to get back with my scrapbooking cause I love it so much! Thanks for this great video and these ideas:-)

[@cassandragardner6566]

I'm glad to hear that your mom is okay and Happy Birthday! I bought some things from a local business and they shipped it to me so that was nice. I've been nesting so much! I am so lucky that my company allowed us to work from home (call center rep). I'm thankful for my boyfriend and cat. We had to rush our cat to the emergency vet last night for an allergic reaction to a vaccine (never happened before) and they had a long check in process because of the virus. It sent me into full panic mode and my boyfriend had to talk to them. They were great and she's going to be fine probably but it was scary driving her to an area of our city with known cases just to save her. Anyway, stay safe everyone!

[@ruthgriffiths1910]

A social media cleanse is such a great thing to do! But I’ll follow you forever, you’ll never not inspire me!

[@cheyannelaliberte2731]

Hey Sarah, I totally get it. I'm junior nursing student and I'm completely heartbroken about not being able to finish my clinicals this semester. I'm taking pediatrics and maternity and I'm 99% sure that pediatrics is what I want to do. I've known this since I was a freshman in high school. It's killing me that I'm missing out on those experiences. On top of that, before my college was closed down I had gotten into a HUGE fight with my parents and was sleeping over my aunt's house for 2 nights. Then I slept over my friend's house for another night (Before quarantine was announced). We made up when I got home and everyone promised that that they would do their best to be better. But my dad is an alcoholic and it's so hard living at home when I know I'd be at school to get away from him if all this weren't going on. He's an amazing person when he's sober but he's SO SO mean when he's drunk. Then my mother has a foot infection that she's been dealing with since November and just when it seemed like the worst of it was over, it started getting bad again. She's afraid to go to the hospital because she has pretty bad asthma (And on top of this she has the worst luck). And I'm also afraid of what's going to happen when I inevitably do become a nurse. The lack of protective equipment and how unprepared we are for this outbreak scares me. The CDC and hospitals are telling nurses to wear scarves and trash bags to protect themselves from the virus. That isn't going to do anything. A few days ago, a nurse in New York died after getting the virus. He he didn't have the protective equipment he needed to keep him safe. His name was Kious Kelly and he was only 48 years old. I've been reading threads from other nurses who have been complaining about the fact that their hospitals won't let them bring in their own masks because they're not from the company they usually by them from or because it will scare the patients or because "it will make the hospital look bad." Mark my words, there WILL be another disease like this sometime in the future. It might not be for a LONG time. But it WILL happen. And I hope to God (I'm not even religious) that politicians will take it more seriously than they did when this began. And I pray (Again, not religious) that I'll work for a hospital that actually cares about the wellbeing of their nurses. When your feeling better and up to it I think this would be an important video to make. I'm sure all of the nurses that are currently working and the future nurses will be grateful. I'm sorry for the rant. I've got so much going on right now and seeing these news stories aren't helping my mental health. Thank you for letting me rant, though. You're right, it does help.

[@destinimalonson9568]

Omigosh Sarah make quarantine cooking videos!! 😄 I think that would be so fun, especially since I don't really know how to cook and this seems like the perfect time to learn!!

[@ZsTeffi]

I'm so happy u posted this, i really like your advices and the way u think, you are an introvert like me so i can really relate to many things you say. Like many i also made lots of plans for these days but somehow they just don't work out everyday. So, what i've been doing lately to calm my mind these days is: 1. breathe and relax, maybe play some game, watch a movie or idk whatever makes me not worry at all 2. after that, i make sure to do something productive, even if it is very small, like in my case, just making a small sketch, selecting the paper i want to use, saving pictures to give me inspiration, selecting colors, etc. This really has helped me a lot, because i don't feel so stressed anymore about being "lazy" for not doing anything at all. 3. just like you mentioned, being grateful is also very important. So, since this week i wanted to focus on being more understanding and forgiving with my family, bc i'm so lucky to have them with me and i'm very happy of that. 4. this last thing i still need to work on, which is staying more in contact with my friends. Since i'm an introvert i sometimes forget that even saying a simple "hey what's up" to them is smth very valuable, bc not everyone is good at reaching out for help when needed, specially these days that everything feels kinda lonelier. I hope this helps you or someone else reading this, i know everyone is living a different situation, but maybe this can be a bit useful to some of you :) (srry for the long ass comment lol)

[@theladylike6390]

I am so proud of you Sarah and therefor I am so proud of myself for the way I am handling this time. It’s not easy to be feeling down all the time but I am determined to get to the other side not completely defeated. I really needed this Sarah, thank you for always being here for me ☺️

[@ilkab.s3828]

Love to see a talking video of you! I watched you for years now and it's always a pleasure to see a talking video of you. I'm not so much into the mystery videos but your other videos I love.

[@Mywaytobipolar]

Not an advice, but i just wanted to tell you that you are such an amazing person, it is always so refreshing to watch your videos and listen to you, thank you for posting videos, especially now!!! keep it up

[@irisvirgilio7821]

The thing is although I agree with what you're saying, I have no time to focus on my mental health. Our teachers have decided that since we're at home, we should have thrice the workload to and i quote, "keep us occupied". It's not having the desired effect, I'm twice as stressed because now, as I can't leave, I can't be with friends or do thing to wind down. Not even at home because there's always something to be done.

[@superfr3akk]

This video was super comforting and your ideas were nice, I wrote them down and will practice them ✨ thanks for being so cool x

[@ErinsHoose]

I'm LOVING all of these chatty videos that everyone's uploading just now, it's comforting to see how other people are coping and that we're all having ups and downs with this. I'm a carer for people with dementia and my hours have SOARED. It's so intense and on some days, I'm struggling HARD. But we'll get through it. I'm also using vlogs as a bit of a therapy sesh which does help :')

[@cristydavis9651]

I’m a stay at home mom. I understand, how you feel about feeling bad or having anxiety about going to the store for food. I’m glad to hear that your mom doesn’t have it.

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

Awww I hope your mom and Bill stay safe💕🙏 The sun is blessing us!!

[@CartePostale.]

Hi Sarah! I have just discovered your vlogs & was glad I have. For most of my life I've been ill & had no choice as to having to be, "comfortable in my own skin". Shortly after my wedding my husband was asked to work for a U.S. company. In Southern California we had a lot of friends & I got my driver's license right away, so, although ill (mostly with severe pain requiring opioids) I was thankful to have lots of friends from both work & church so, I was never lonely. Thanks to lupus, I had the 1st of 4 massive strokes in my '20;s & had to have 5 brain surgeries for neurological issues then too. I still was surrounded by my friends. After my dad died, my husband suggested we move back to the U.K. & so far, it's been the worst move of our lives. All my old friends work outside the home & when I couldn't always say I was up for going out, they all went on with their lives leaving me from with no one except my super-quiet husband & son who's in his last year at university.. I broke my spine in 2 places in 2003 & iit couldn't be stabilised with a rod or surgical "cement". I was left in the hospital for the best part of a year flat on my back 'til it healed, then came rehab. That same year an aunt I was close to died &, banned from all travel, I couldn't attend her funeral. This is the point of my droning on for so long. Since 2003, most of my family have neither spoken to me nor visited because of my absence at her funeral (they forget that I called her from California, at least twice a month when she was alive, for an hour's chat). My brother was on vacation with his family & got the same treatment but he doesn't care so much. So, COVID-19 hasn't been a drastic emotional "shake-up" for me but just business as usual. I was recently told that I'm terminally ill but, apart from a D.N.R. order, I'm thinking of not allowing a funeral (you can have legal papers drawn up for that too). I think, why give hypocrites who won't call or text, never mind visit, cry into a Kleenex around a grave?? That was cheerful!! My point is, if I can stay indoors alone for seventeen years, you all can manage a month or two :-). My source of sanity is my dog who loves me no matter what (although he's not much of a conversationalist either, LOL).

[@katie2967]

I'm self quarantine myself has well and honestly Sarah not being able to leave or socialize with other people sucks and my anxiety level is so over the top right now that its unbelievable. And I have to be quarantined with my aunt and my mom and I'm not the biggest fan of my aunt so I'm doing everything inside me to keep it together without going insane. Like I try music, playing games, watching your video's helps, movies, tv shows, sleep anything I can to keep myself sane. I even call family on the phone.

[@aliciamuriel5044]

My mum is a forensic surgeon, which basically means that she's in the health care system and may be recruited to work at the hospital. She had penumonia a few years ago and it almost took her life; she's also diabetic and a smoker. I'm so afraid of something happening to her, every time her phone rings I think it's because they need doctors at the hospital and she needs to go. She might even have to go to another city to work if her superiors tell her to. My anxiety is so high I can't sleep or concentrate on anything, I feel like I'm living in a nightmare. However, I find it really helpful talking to people that feel the same because it makes me realize that I'm not alone.

[@raccoonjesus895]

Here in Georgia, everything is pretty chaotic, especially here near Atlanta. Our governor cancelled school for the year ( it’s all digital now), the entire city of Atlanta is shut down. I’m a mix of an introvert and an extrovert, so I very much miss human interaction as I am a very affectionate person. I’ve got a not-so- fun cocktail of anxiety and depression, so all of this is setting both off, and my parents can’t afford therapy right now. Both of my parents have respitory issues, and my dad still has to go to work. Had to spend my 16th birthday stuck in the house, which was semi alright. We had made plans previously to spend the day in Atlanta, but all of that was indefinitely impossible. I hope all of you are staying safe, take care of yourselves and your families.

[@wendywu1395]

i love you i love how you put this video together, focusing on whenever people are ready✨✨✨ stay safe!

[@becky3478]

Thank you so much for another great video. I am really happy I found your channel. I really needed this reassurance that it is ok I have spent some days doing almost nothing, but that I don't have to feel ashamed.

[@blueraine8705]

Video chatting with my friends and boyfriend (he's in the army so he isn't hime) REALLY REALLY helps. Also, I'm lucky to have dogs and they're so excited that I'm home and are right by my side all day. Also, I get to walk them at least three times if not more. So I'm hanging in there. The only thing that I'm truly worried about in my personal life is the special ed kids that I work with (they're used to having a routine and we try to keep them at school for as much as possible- they have half as much time off school etc).

[@msc3439]

struggling with anorexia when food is readily available in the kitchen whenever i want it is so hard, especially when i’m alone with my thoughts and all i think abt is food.

[@nicole-6062]

I feel you.

[@SGYesenia]

Today, I think, it’s the day where I kind of feel like I’ve gotten used to this pandemic. I’ve been blessed with being able to work and same with my sister (who I live with). After March 9 we have been social distancing and self quarantine when we are not working. I am not working as much as I used to but I try my HARDEST to make it enough for the bills. I started working out, started new hobbies, cooking a lot more (which helps with saving money). Grocery shopping is still scary but HEB has been great with taking this seriously and making us customers feel a little more calm when grocery shopping. I was able to buy masks from my boss (who was making them and creating a pocket for a filter) for all of my family members. My anxiety has definitely calmed down since March. Every now and then I get anxious but I try to do some yoga, meditate, pray, and drink (which is not the best habits buuuut...). I know of people who have gotten the virus and has made it through and some who didn’t. I hope people CONTINUE to take this seriously now that states are starting to “open up” (like Texas, where I am from).

[@rgwood2381]

I can't even tell you how much I needed this- I've been putting myself under so much pressure and it's nice to have validation that I don't have to do everything I've always dreamed of doing. I 100% went through the introvert adjustment process you said at the beginning of the video haha. Stay safe everyone xx

[@Brandon-hl2pv]

You really just spoke right to my soul when you were talking about your nails because I’ve been trying to quit biting as well, I’m over a week in in breaking the habit but it’s all I can do not to stare at my fingernails all day 😂 I’m looking at my progress! I’m proud for us Sarah

[@DopeAdTad]

Im using my time rn to just do what i want, im in school right now so i have to do it online and ive never done that before, its reallt hard to do it becuase i have anxiety, adhd, & add which soemtimes cause each other, so i need a teacher to help me and make me donit or i cant, so i dont and thats okay, I really like art so I did some painting, made a list of things I wanted to do, worked on my hygiene because I am really insecure and it made me feel a little better. Not doing the things you don’t want to do or can’t do is okay right now, just remember we have plenty of time in this quarantine for you to procrastinate, and it can be really hard to do things, that’s okay, take your time! Use this time to be lazy, or productive! Just know that it’s hard for most of us too! But you just do what you can, no matter what that is!

[@allisonlogsdon3490]

I’ve always been a nail-biter and I seem to do it the most while I watch tv. So I have a pair of the cheap $2 stretchy winter gloves that I wear around my house. It definitely helps because you have to make a conscious effort to take the glove off to bite them

[@prillyhilly8791]

It's good to hear that someone else has anxiety about this.I normally work from home. So my life style has changed much other than now my son is home and so is my husband. Some days I am barely holding it together. Other days I am fine.

[@valiumk.9489]

Aww happy birthday!! 💜 Best t-shirt ever btw!! About a month ago I had a serious mental breakdown and hoped for a "break". Obviously that was NOT what I had in mind, but I got my break. I've been down most of this time, but I have to admit I don't mind not having to go to work. I even started spring cleaning our veranda. I only wish my pc hadn't crashed though, I have a gazillion videos to edit. I also miss seeing my parents and my friends, but let's be honest, I wouldn't be seeing them much anyway, while being in this mental state. I'm sorry for your mom, but I'm happy she's better now and not infected. Stay safe, have a great day!! 😊

[@francisbottoni6470]

Ur ability to articulate this uniquely lucid and even somewhat obvious wisdom is refreshing...thanks for making the effort to help us out...much Luv~Dino

[@cindyomana7071]

I needed to hear these words right now, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, please keep doing it, I could breathe a little just by listening to you, I am an introverted person but now I feel like I'm drowning in my house

[@didu2689]

I really wanna live in a cabin in the woods right now... just chilling, watching you & netflix, cooking, smelling the earth and trees, listening to the wind... bliss (simple things man)

[@papercuts500]

That's where my mom is right now

[@nyctilia]

Thank you, this was actually really soothing :) I’m an introvert too and actually really staying home and not seeing anyone just since monday and it has been really odd. I have to do a lot of things at the moment and because of the situation at least until easter I’ll have 14 hours per week more time and not having to leave my flat is suuuuch a relief. I am realizing how overwhelmed I have been before and I’m sometimes getting severe anxiety while just coming down but it is getting better. I have GAD but oddly enough the corona situation didn’t worsen my anxiety. I know what I’m in control of, I stick to the rules and this is enough for me. Also thankfully my family is not really at risk. One grandma doesn’t leave her home anyway and another one is in Ukraine and works from home now too and I know she takes care of herself. My parents are okay too. I am also working from home and for the next weeks at least I know I’ll have enough to do and I’m also really thankful for that. What I am trying this weekend is to really relax and get my everyday life feeling back on track. I couldn’t think about really cleaning for quite a few weeks and listening to your video I just started to put away some things that have been lying around :) I do know that but it was really good to hear again that I actually don’t have to do anything and that taking care of my mental health is number one priority. Thanks for reading whoever you are, I hope you and your loved ones are fine and send you lots of love :)

[@Sky5Angel]

as someone who has watched your videos for a long time i must confess.... i didnt click on your videos days ago to watch cause i was in denial( and chose to watch people in denial) and did not want to watch you be real... but you are amazing am awake now and things are getting scary.. i really needed this video.

[@CeciliaMilflores]

Your skin looks amazing and you hair is getting so long. I’ve watched your videos for years but have taken a break from all social media. I’m glad to see your coping well with this strange situation. 💓

[@throwawayaccount6130]

I’m an introvert but I always loved going out at least once a week. Going to concerts, going for walks around town, meeting with friends. I feel like I was just about to do more of that when my driving test got cancelled the day before. Then we went into lockdown. I feel so anxious. My family are religious and going on about how it’s the end of the world and I feel constantly panicked, but also sad because it’s my birthday tomorrow. I’ve started drinking and self harming again and I don’t know if I can do this another day let alone months...

[@charity1566]

Happy Belated Birthday. Welcome to the dirty thirty. Sending good vibes your way. Thank you for uploading cause you help me so much.

[@thestrugglingalto]

Thank you for this, Sarah. I really really needed to hear this today. Sending you love.