Week in the hospital - welcome home. The pandemic has left a lot of people scared unnecessary. Social distancing is not that useful outside, in the sunlight. So bistro seating at the local Starbucks should be allowed. There is distance is still there but the manager of the Starbucks has everything closed but the drive-up window. Crazy. I miss Starbucks before my therapy sessions.

How are the new drugs after the hospital tweak? Mine get tweaked each time I'm in the hospital.

I sit outside. It helps.

Best wishes finding ways to be outside in nature.

Glad to here your home and doing well.
I agree with Mid being outdoors helps. And if you are able to walk that is helpful too. Take it easy.

I love to be outdoors... I'm a Colorado boy, so being outside is just part of life. Of course, the past couple weeks we've been stuck in the mid 90's and the wildfires in the western part of the state and California mean the air quality sucks. But I'm still doing what I can.

New drugs seem to be helping... I had up'd the dose of my SSRI before I went in and I think that's finally starting to kick in. They also gave me some as needed meds that aren't benzos, so I feel more comfortable taking them more often/for more days in a row.

I completely relate with you, especially the part about not being able to go sit inside at a coffee shop and the rich tapestry, as you say, of day-to-day life. There are virtually no events to go to, except a few outdoor ones. It's difficult to meet new people ... I was doing surprisingly well during the first few months of the pandemic, but, as of late, I haven't been doing well. Thankfully the weather is warm and I can spend time outside, sometimes with friends too.

Hey Brockster! I am not sure where you are in the whole Corona process in Colorado--but you can probably get your coffee--safely...yesterday I actually sat in a cafe and ate a BLT--I sat inside because everyone was sitting outside on the patio--which is a good option if the tables are far enough apart! NO one was in the cafe except me--it was so nice to feel somewhat normal! It does help, mentally. you could do a "house party" online with friends or just zoom with them--or you could do a netflix party. you could go for walks in remote areas with a friend and masks. I had my brother over a week or so ago and we both wore masks and socially distanced and just hung out. there is always away. a couple of months into quarantine I got an online therapist and it was so helpful to whine and moan to someone! lol...

Hi friend. Welcome home! There is definitely an adjustment period when you come out of the hospital. You get your freedom back for one and you can eat whatever though what whenever you want. One downside is you are responsible for your meals so you actually have to cook rather than getting fed regularly. Not all bad. I’m glad you found your stay helpful.