It’s been six months and while we may have adjusted to working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic, that doesn’t mean it’s gotten easier to accept the changes the pandemic has wrought. We know you’re wondering how to cope with coronavirus loneliness & depression. We can help.
In fact, in my practice I am finding more of my patients are suffering deeper effects of loneliness and depression the longer the social distancing and country lockdowns continue.
There have been some moves to open the country – malls and restaurants are opened with limited seating; some schools and colleges have reopened, but the impacts of coronavirus remain. We must wear masks, we aren’t supposed to have gatherings – like family parties or picnics or work get-togethers. If we are with others we have to stay six feet apart and wear masks. It’s not easy to connect when you aren’t supposed to hug or touch.
Patients wonder about the long-term effects of the stress and anxiety that loneliness is having on their health – both mental and physical. Some patients are reporting weight gain brought about by stress eating and lack of exercise. Others are reporting that while they are getting out and walking, they are bored of doing the same thing day after day – and of potentially having to do it alone.
There are strategies you can employ to help alleviate the stress and anxiety and during telemedicine appointments.
You don’t have to make wholesale changes and you don’t have to change your schedule; these strategies will fit into your current schedule and are flexible.
Handling and coping with loneliness
The biggest challenge of coronavirus is the quarantine and keeping social distance from loved ones. Even before the pandemic, more than 20% of adults in America reported feeling lonely. Loneliness, typically impacts seniors but it can definitely impact people in all age groups. Surprisingly enough, millennials may be the loneliest of all the groups surveyed.
Keep in mind that isolation and loneliness are different.
When you’re isolated that can have a toll on your mental health. Isolation is considered a risk factor for anxiety and depression. There are many individuals who rely on work as a way to stay connected to other humans. For the children in your life, school is how they stay connected and now that school may not be in session, they are being isolated. Children, however, will usually stay connected with their friends via social media but that isn’t a substitute for face-to-face interactions.
Ways to stay healthy during these unprecedented times
Talk with someone. If you find you can’t stop your negative thoughts from spiraling if you find you can’t locate the positive in your daily routines, if you need ways to cope with the loneliness and isolation give our office a call. We can schedule a telemedicine appointment with you.
Follow us on Facebook.