Coping With Covid19 Induced Loneliness
By Leslie Goddard
Do you have grandchildren you haven’t seen in months, friends that you can’t be with? Senior parents that you don’t dare visit for fear of giving them the virus? Are you single and feel isolated from your loved ones? Do those you care about feel like your isolation is militant or unwarranted?
What COVID19 is doing to me.
I am 63 years old and live alone. All of the above applies to me. Six of my grandchildren live out of state. I am used to visiting them every 3 months. I don’t get to see them. I can no longer have lunch with my friends or gather with my church community. I have parents that live in town that are 90 years old. They don’t understand why I don’t come and stay to visit but just drop stuff at the door with a short hello. My children don’t view the virus as a big deal. I am stuck in the middle, being in the most vulnerable group and not able to see anyone so I can protect the ones I love. You may be feeling the same. Not being able to see an end in sight is an extremely lonely feeling.
How do we push back the loneliness?
Something I’ve started doing is face timing with my grandchildren. It is always chaotic when I call even though it is prearranged. Everyone is running a muck and want to hold the phone and they all want to tell me something at the same time. It is crazy and wonderful! It makes me very happy.
My 90 year old mother has learned how to use zoom to connect with her book club. They meet every couple of weeks and thoroughly enjoy their time together. A book club, writing group, recipe share group, quilting group, and so many more groups provide things to do during the week and a time to share and socialize on line. Create a group that interests you through your social media or church community.
Reach out to others who are lonely it will benefit both of you
Face time, Skype, or Zoom with friends. Talking on the phone is nice but face to face is so much better. Being able to see your friends and loved ones has a profound psychological effect. Seeing each other is very important so you can see how they are feeling and show yourself to them. Isolation promotes depression. Contact even through technology will keep that at bay. Try to connect with someone everyday.
Combating depression through exercise
Walking is one of the best exercises you can do for body and mind. Develop a regular fitness regime. Exercise in whatever form, releases endorphins, the happy hormone, in your body and you will feel better. Exercise also gives you more energy and promotes better sleep.
Five things you can do each week to feel less lonely
Stay connected to loved ones using technology
Start or join a regular Zoom club
Connect with your faith community regularly through Zoom or Skype
Stay connected with friends through face to face interaction.
Take these steps today. We are in this for the long haul.
If your loneliness persists or you don’t have anyone to connect with, call us. We can help you discover how you can be happy in this time of isolation.
