Loneliness in the face of Social Distancing
Dr. Priya Pandit, PsyD—Sacred Heart University Counseling Center
“Dark times lie ahead of us and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.”—Albus Dumbledore
In these extraordinary and challenging times, social distancing is crucial and necessary to lessen the impacts of the novel coronavirus. While it is absolutely essential, it does not make it any less difficult. In fact, love and belonging fall in third place among the psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, just after physiological and safety needs. People are having to spend extended periods of time away from family, friends, and significant others. Often times, isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, and in some cases symptoms of depression.
So, how can we combat these negative impacts?
Technology
This is a time to be using our technological advances to our advantage. In this day an age we have incredible access to our loved ones at our finger tips. Phone calls, text messages, video chats, social media, etc. Use these various platforms to stay connected.
Do you go out for coffee dates with your friends every week? Set up a video date to keep your standing hang out, share a cup of coffee and catch up. Or maybe use video chats to have family dinners #AloneTogether. However you choose to stay connected, it can be helpful to “schedule” regular dates to maintain as much of your sense of routine as possible.
Self-Care
“Self-care” has become a popular buzzword, but what it is really? Self-care involves engaging in any activity we do intentionally in order to attend to our mental, emotional, and physical health. While that may sound simple and easy enough, in our busy lives, it often falls to the wayside. In these uncertain times, we need to be taking care of ourselves more than ever! Proper self-care is paramount to improving our mood and reducing feelings of depression or anxiety. Consider finding small ways to take care of yourselves every day. This might mean going for a walk in your neighborhood, doing yoga or a work out at home, reading a good book, or catching up on a fun show!
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