Written for The Male Hug - Men's Mental Health NFPIsolation and Loneliness: The Real PandemicReleased: 2021
By Breanna Lancaster |
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Stay-at-home orders have been in place all over the globe since early 2020 as a means of slowing the COVID-19 virus. Businesses shut down, schools temporarily closed, and border restrictions were put in place. This sudden change to the lifestyle of millions has seen an increase in the need for mental health services and resources.
Stuck at home with nothing to do but wait and stress about the state of the world, we’ve never been more isolated than we are now. Social isolation can be harmful at the best of times, but in the middle of a global pandemic, where we’re spending more of our time socially isolated than not, it can be especially harmful.
No matter what age range you fall into, a lack of social connection and isolation can lead to anxiety, depression and anti-social behaviours which can all lead to suicidal behaviour and further increase social isolation.
Social isolation is one of the leading causes of mental illness, especially in 2021.
The social isolation that comes with the pandemic does not discriminate. You could be someone who is quite introverted and still feel isolated, or you could be the most extroverted and social person in the world and feel isolated. In a time that is so confusing and new, feeling lost is not uncommon. Struggling with everything that has changed is not uncommon.
At some point or another, we’ve all felt isolated and wished for a time when the world was normal once more.
Studies show that isolation and a lack of social connection are more detrimental to our health than obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and alcohol consumption. Studies also show that strong social connection and continued socialisation lead to a 50% increased chance of longevity.
For Australians, who have spent a lot of time in statewide lockdowns, social isolation is pretty common. We miss connecting, and we miss socialising. That’s part of human nature.
Psychotherapist Vicki Windholz, who despite not being an isolation expert, knows just how important social connection is for society.
“Isolation is used as a form of punishment and torture. Humans are “Herd” creatures and for wellness we need connection with other human beings,” she said.
Loneliness is a pandemic that has been going on for far longer than that of the COVID-19 pandemic. So how, in the middle of one of the most difficult times of our lives can we combat the effects of social isolation and feel about our circumstances?
Experts say that one of the first steps you can take toward combating the effects of social isolation and loneliness is by acknowledging how you’re feeling. By giving how you’re feeling a name, you can start to begin to find solutions that will make you feel better.
Navigating social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic is a great deal more difficult than if the world was open. You can’t go out and socialise by doing the things that might otherwise bring you joy, and instead, you are forced to find alternative methods of reconnection.
Physical activity is an incredible method for combating loneliness and improving brain function and emotional regulation. It can distract you from your thoughts and provide you with a sense of doing something, whilst simultaneously relaxing your body and mind. You can exercise by yourself, or you can reach out to someone you want to spend time with and engage in socially distanced forms of exercise.
Run. Walk. Ride a bike. Any form of exercise will make you feel better, and if you’re able to connect with a friend or family member at the same time, you’ll be even better off.
Reaching for your phone and calling someone you care about is also an excellent way to counteract the effects of social isolation. Just as it is good for maintaining our mental health and providing support, it is one of the most important methods for combating isolation. Talking helps you relax, helps you connect, and helps you feel better about whatever you may be feeling and experiencing.
In a time where physical contact and connection are so minimal, talking on the phone, organising video calls or simply texting with your friends is incredibly useful toward erasing the social disconnect our society is in.
Another incredibly important thing you can do to combat the heavy feelings of isolation you are experiencing is by seeking professional help if needed. There is no shame in talking to someone about how you’re feeling, and if ever there was a good time to do it, it would be during a global pandemic.
Reaching out is not weak. It gives space to your feelings and often can help make you feel better about what you’re going through.
So, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 and loneliness pandemics, finding ways to help alleviate the feelings of isolation is incredibly important for our mental health. Mental health is one of the most important things we need to look after, and reaching out to your friends, family, professionals, and the various services available goes a long way to helping maintain that.
This is a difficult time, and while isolation comes with the territory of the pandemic, it does not mean we have to let it change our lives for the worse. If you’re feeling the effects of social isolation, be it for the first time, as an ongoing issue, or simply a little bit more than before, reach out, seek help, exercise, find new ways to connect, but most importantly make sure you look after yourself.
Your mental health is important and so are you.
Stuck at home with nothing to do but wait and stress about the state of the world, we’ve never been more isolated than we are now. Social isolation can be harmful at the best of times, but in the middle of a global pandemic, where we’re spending more of our time socially isolated than not, it can be especially harmful.
No matter what age range you fall into, a lack of social connection and isolation can lead to anxiety, depression and anti-social behaviours which can all lead to suicidal behaviour and further increase social isolation.
Social isolation is one of the leading causes of mental illness, especially in 2021.
The social isolation that comes with the pandemic does not discriminate. You could be someone who is quite introverted and still feel isolated, or you could be the most extroverted and social person in the world and feel isolated. In a time that is so confusing and new, feeling lost is not uncommon. Struggling with everything that has changed is not uncommon.
At some point or another, we’ve all felt isolated and wished for a time when the world was normal once more.
Studies show that isolation and a lack of social connection are more detrimental to our health than obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and alcohol consumption. Studies also show that strong social connection and continued socialisation lead to a 50% increased chance of longevity.
For Australians, who have spent a lot of time in statewide lockdowns, social isolation is pretty common. We miss connecting, and we miss socialising. That’s part of human nature.
Psychotherapist Vicki Windholz, who despite not being an isolation expert, knows just how important social connection is for society.
“Isolation is used as a form of punishment and torture. Humans are “Herd” creatures and for wellness we need connection with other human beings,” she said.
Loneliness is a pandemic that has been going on for far longer than that of the COVID-19 pandemic. So how, in the middle of one of the most difficult times of our lives can we combat the effects of social isolation and feel about our circumstances?
Experts say that one of the first steps you can take toward combating the effects of social isolation and loneliness is by acknowledging how you’re feeling. By giving how you’re feeling a name, you can start to begin to find solutions that will make you feel better.
Navigating social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic is a great deal more difficult than if the world was open. You can’t go out and socialise by doing the things that might otherwise bring you joy, and instead, you are forced to find alternative methods of reconnection.
Physical activity is an incredible method for combating loneliness and improving brain function and emotional regulation. It can distract you from your thoughts and provide you with a sense of doing something, whilst simultaneously relaxing your body and mind. You can exercise by yourself, or you can reach out to someone you want to spend time with and engage in socially distanced forms of exercise.
Run. Walk. Ride a bike. Any form of exercise will make you feel better, and if you’re able to connect with a friend or family member at the same time, you’ll be even better off.
Reaching for your phone and calling someone you care about is also an excellent way to counteract the effects of social isolation. Just as it is good for maintaining our mental health and providing support, it is one of the most important methods for combating isolation. Talking helps you relax, helps you connect, and helps you feel better about whatever you may be feeling and experiencing.
In a time where physical contact and connection are so minimal, talking on the phone, organising video calls or simply texting with your friends is incredibly useful toward erasing the social disconnect our society is in.
Another incredibly important thing you can do to combat the heavy feelings of isolation you are experiencing is by seeking professional help if needed. There is no shame in talking to someone about how you’re feeling, and if ever there was a good time to do it, it would be during a global pandemic.
Reaching out is not weak. It gives space to your feelings and often can help make you feel better about what you’re going through.
So, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 and loneliness pandemics, finding ways to help alleviate the feelings of isolation is incredibly important for our mental health. Mental health is one of the most important things we need to look after, and reaching out to your friends, family, professionals, and the various services available goes a long way to helping maintain that.
This is a difficult time, and while isolation comes with the territory of the pandemic, it does not mean we have to let it change our lives for the worse. If you’re feeling the effects of social isolation, be it for the first time, as an ongoing issue, or simply a little bit more than before, reach out, seek help, exercise, find new ways to connect, but most importantly make sure you look after yourself.
Your mental health is important and so are you.
