Reducing Pandemic Related Social Isolation and Increasing Well Being

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 The Importance of:

  Who You Know and Who Knows You 

to Reducing Isolation During the Pandemic

by Diane Kern, Ph.D. of Happy and Healthy U, LLC 


Acknowledge:

Interpersonal connection is essential to our well-being. The social isolation that many are feeling because of the pandemic related social distancing and physical restrictions is causing significant emotional distress.  

It is natural to feel down due to prolonged periods of 

  • not seeing others
  • not being in close proximity to others
  • not being touched by others

 

Assess:

Determine how not being in physical contact with others has impacted your mood.

Determine how social isolation has affected the well being of your loved ones, especially the elderly.

  • Are they (or you) demonstrating signs of depression? 
  • Is their (or your) mental and physical functioning declining?
  • Have they (or you) lost the will to live?


Address:

Reach out and connect with others; Make phone calls; Do virtual visits

Engage in online virtual activities to nurture any of all of Your S.P.I.E.S. 

  • Spiritual: (meditation; quiet reflection; prayer; worship,etc.).
  • Physical: (exercise, dance, yoga, health related programs, etc.)
  • Intellectual: (learn something new; intellectual discussions; etc.)
  • Emotional: (humor; encouraging and motivating programs; etc.)
  • Social: Seeing others and joining virtually can help combat loneliness.

Let others know you are thinking of them with letters and cards.

If possible, send thoughtful gifts or flowers to brighten someone's mood.

While alone, engage in a calming, relaxing self-soothing activity to feel better and enjoy your own company. Examples might include:

  • coloring, crafts, artwork, sewing, etc.
  • listening to music
  • playing an instrument
  • exercise, dancing, taking a walk
  • taking a warm bath
  • nurture your sense of smell with fragrant candles
  • reading books or magazines 

Talk with others about your feelings and challenges during this time. You will find that you are not alone. 

Go outside in a safe manner to get fresh air and sunshine and see others from a safe distance.

If you are able, do something meaningful and helpful to others, such as running errands.

Reach out for health from a mental health professional to help you recover and develop effective coping strategies.


Resource: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml

 


 

 





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