Among the safety issues related to the Corona virus are difficult changes in mood. Protecting ourselves involves reduced contact with others that is confining, pronounced and feels increasingly uncomfortable. We experience isolation as well as loneliness. Reported research at Rush University in Chicago details the differences between the two with isolation, a physical state, involving very little contact with others and and loneliness, an emotional reaction, being related to environmental incidents such as illness, divorce, break ups or a move from one place to another. Isolation can cause loneliness and loneliness can cause isolation. Each of these situations often lead to depression, sleep problems stress, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.
For safety, we are told to isolate ourselves but for many people the side effects are devastating, Most of us are not used to leading solitary lives and forcing ourselves to do so has been reported to cause high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or dementia. The researchers at Rush University suggest 9 things
For safety, we are told to isolate ourselves but for many people the side effects are devastating, Most of us are not used to leading solitary lives and forcing ourselves to do so has been reported to cause high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or dementia. The researchers at Rush University suggest 9 things
we can do to prevent and combat the problems.
1. Come up with new neighborhood rituals to help you to feel closer to others as you suffer physical distance. Have you seen the news story about the Corona victims in Italy who were singling and playing music together from their balconies. You can organize your own group activities like game nights or book clubs,
2. Call your neighbors on the phone, especially vulnerable people like the aged of sick.
3. Drop off groceries at the doors of others who may have no way of getting out.
4. Have a verbal scavenger hunt involving searching for listed items in your own homes or yards.
5. Take walks around the block to tend to your pet or sit on your porch to help you feel less claustrophobic and more connected to the world.
6. Have a virtual party with family and friends.
7. Use Zoom, Skype or Face time to enhance your communications. If you are not tech savvy, there are U Tube tutorials that can get you started. Generations on Line apps for senior citizens helps older folks understand how to use these devices to increase socialization.
8. Realize that our seclusion is hard for a while but we are encouraged to recognize that it is not likely to be permanent.
9. Reach out to a therapist for individual, more personal help.
This too shall pass and better days will come.