Dealing With Isolation
It’s been just over a month. One month, since the United States initiated “Stay at Home Orders”. One month, since “non-essential” business shut down. One month, since everyones lives in our country were changed. Unfortunately, some people have been affected more drastically than others. Even more will be affected in the coming months. Whether you’re at home concerned about where your next paycheck will be coming from or you’re working on the frontlines in the ICU; we all have something in common, isolation.
We need human interaction that goes beyond texting and Zoom meetings. I tell my patients who are depressed that they need to avoid isolating. When you lose hope, you withdraw from people. The reverse is true as well. When you withdraw from people, you lose hope. Life is about people. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, human contact is essential. So how do we deal with this? I wish I had all the answers. All we can do is our best. While technology isn’t perfect, it’s what we have right now.
Call someone. Use this as an opportunity to get in touch with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Reach out to family and friends. When appropriate visit your close family members (make sure to distance and wear a mask). Now more than ever people need support. If you have a neighbor who needs help, check on them. Isolation can have devastating effects on mental health. Worst of all, it is insidious. It feels comfortable to isolate sometimes. It’s hard to tell when it’s been too long. If you’re stuck ruminating, FaceTime someone. I know it’s easier said than done but everyone is feeling this. Although you may feel alone, everyone is in this together.
Don’t let isolation cause depression contact PNS!