Hi all, so I have been out and about more than I was planning this week. An emergency at work meant that I needed to go to our local supermarket… I had my face mask but I forgot to put my Blood Cancer UK badge on, so was worried if I’d manage to buy what I needed. Luckily the shop wasn’t heaving with people so felt pretty safe and got what I needed. Then yesterday I had a meeting in town. The person had made the room as Covid safe as possible but it still felt weird. It was really difficult to speak and express my points with face mask, so I took it off 
I felt pretty okay (big room and 2 meters apart) but certainly wouldn’t want to be in the meeting with loads of people… I definitely have to remember to have my badge with me as the town was busy when I got out of the meeting and people are like life is back to normal, not new normal but normal like before the lockdown!!
I agree, it’s normal out there despite the work done by shops and councils to promote the good behaviours. It isn’t normal for us, though, as we’re the ones moving well away from others, this we obviously do to enable them to carry on in their straight lines without any inconvenience to their lives 
Congratulations @MoMo on going to the supermarket and getting to your meeting. @Lababe it is unbelievable how thoughtless and irresponsible people are being. My husband had yet another visit to the hospital today, and another one tomorrow. Although the hospital itself is very safe when he went out onto the car park he could not believe how many masks were discarded there. There seems to be a more dangerous disease about which has addled people’s brains.
Pisces56, you have hit the nail on the head; although COVID probably hasn’t addled brains, it has highlighted the increased, and it seems still increasing, lack of thought for others displayed by at least a significant minority. It’s apparent in so many areas; failure to wear face coverings, house parties, rowdy pub gatherings and (a major problem up here in Scottish tourist areas) littering. No idea what we, or anyone, can do about it; clearly any breaches have to be really major for the police to take action, and their support through serious legislation seems to be totally lacking. Of course, the example set by Cummings didn’t help.
I’ve not had the official advice to shield, as my MPN and treatment PROBABLY don’t have much effect on immune system, but being nearer 80 than 70, have been being as careful as possible short of full shielding. But it still makes me livid the way “real” shielders have in effect been abandoned by officialdom, or even told that it’s a privilege when we are told that shielding has been “relaxed”.
Not covid addling brains, but some other undiagnosed pandemic at work maybe? This disease is also apparent south of the border too. We have BLM, climate change, Extinction Rebellion demonstrations, but then its as if they are exempt from the rules, 200 at one gathering in the centre of Birmingham, with sound system and food stalls set up!
I was not originally on the list, but had a conversation with my GP who said immediately that it would be better if I shielded (treatment gifts)
I share your frustration at non mask wearers and people who don’t observe social distancing. I’m sort of used to going out now and have grown familiar with my new life. Sometimes I forget I’m wearing a mask and go to drink from a glass or bottle with it on😁 I can cope with doing things differently as long as I’m doing things. I don’t think now I could go back to full lockdown and shielding, it would have a very bad effect on me mentally.
Let’s hope we don’t go back to full shielding. It would be very difficult!
@Lou we really appreciate you starting this topic! the impact on mental health this pandemic has had on people is so significant, but not always recognised- thank you so much for starting a discussion about this 
Reading your messages, we can really feel peoples’ frustration- it’s so understandable to feel disheartened when we see people not always respecting social distancing guidance. Many of you made that really important point, that so much of this does depend on everyone pulling together and keeping eachother safe. That it’s only natural to feel upset by this.
another thing that seems to be on peoples’ minds a lot is the anxiety around another potential full lockdown just as we start to get used to restrictions easing. Of course, we haven’t had solid confirmation of this, as much depends on the situation being closely monitored. But of course, it’s such an understandable worry, how are people feeling?
After having to go out into our little market town this morning, I am appalled at how the majority of people seem to think social distancing is a thing of the past. Families taking up the whole pavement, teenagers ditto and elderly people also. No distancing in shops, except Boots and no-one enforcing mask wearing. I couldn’t wait to get home.
@Mandy1, what a horrible experience in your little market town. Good for Boots. It is no good trying to social distance yourself because you just did not have the room to do so. What do you plan for your future ventures out?
I, too, believe that social distancing is becoming increasingly non-existent. I find that I am becoming more anxious and angry too. The level of infection is low where I live but it’s no excuse for flouting the basic instructions and in addition even basic manners have disappeared.
@Lababe, isn’t it interesting the mixture of emotions this social distancing is bringing up for us. For me it is also not being able to control the actions of others. How are you doing?
It does seem to be dwindling a little doesn’t it. Locally, it seems fine for me but the busier of places varied. It’s very frustrating!
This is why I’ve enjoyed my staycation in Norfolk. Quiet beaches, on the broads in our boat bubble away from others. The pubs there were good with distancing and their set up. Only place that was a bit random was Wensum golf club, people going in and putting their T-shirts over their face to wander around: It clearly stated face masks were to be worn, but the staff never said anything. I do agree with @Mandy1 as the lack of distancing and mask wearing appears to be becoming the norm; I think people have a sense of ‘it won’t happen here’ if their COVID numbers have been low to date, but that’s not how these things work! I also agree with @Franko: if there is a spike and lockdown hits us all again, I’m not sure I’ll cope well with it. Isolation makes you realise how much you miss people and interaction. We need people at top to lead by example and get tougher with those breaking the rules.
Does anyone else still feel as if they’re on a rollercoaster ride? Every time I feel as if I can try something new to challenge the shielding something comes along and my sensible brain kicks in and I’m back to square one! Some times it feels as if this is never going to change. I look and assess the risk factors and am ready to go and wham…headline and brain. I guess it’s acknowledging what the normal person doesn’t have to, that our vulnerability to this virus is still there and won’t go away until there’s a reliable vaccine.
Hi @Lababe, I definitely understand the roller coaster ride - it’s very frustrating at times. I’m doing lots more outside but not so much in. What things have you tried or do you want to try? Some of us might have attempted/done some of the things on your list and could fill you in on their experiences.
I’m going out for walks regularly and they don’t phase me anymore. Meeting family outside which is lovely but I only tend to meet once in a week. Have not been in a shop except for one empty one!! I haven’t been near a supermarket but do miss being able to fancy something and go and get it. Currently working up to celebrating our wedding anniversary and have booked the table but it’s the end of September so seems a long way off. I think of doing something new each week but it tends to be extending my walks to new areas. I only really feel safe around my own area but would love to venture further afield.
@Lababe, thanks for describing the ‘roller coaster ride’ feeling. Yes, because very luckily Covid has not touched us it sort of feels so far away and I want to meet friends in the park but then I also read or hear something and my logical (I could not call my head sensible) brain kicks in. I think we have just been shielding for so long and I have heard it called ‘shielding fatigue’.
Am I going to miss the summer completely I ask myself. Am I going to lose any immunity I might have because I have not been out into society for so long? When will there be a reliable vaccine and will I be able to have it? People are talking about Christmas already !!! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to vent, take care.
Thank you and I think you’ve described it better than me! I walked through town after it had shut last week, a new venture, and the fashions for autumn had come in and it reminded me that I hadn’t seen summer!!! I also wonder about a protective immunity when we haven’t been challenged for so long by avoiding contact. Seasonal coughs and colds will soon arrive too. It is good to share these thoughts I think my husband is a little fed up of my venting although he is very supportive and has been shielding with me.
It’s so good to share @Lababe isn’t it. It makes me realise that I’m not going crazy with my over the top thoughts and anxieties. I have been for a few meals (at the bigger chains of restaurants) and I’ve been really happy with the social distancing etc. The local restaurants not so much, they tend to pack people in like sardines! What @Erica says rings so true too! I have no choice but to go back to work next week and I’m trying to be positive. Work have been amazing but I really don’t think they understand just how frightening it can be. All you can do is keep planning things in. No good putting pressure on yourself, if you don’t do it then perhaps you’re not ready x