By: Marísa Bock, Founder & CEO
We are living in unprecedented times. Would anyone have ever imagined being in a world-wide pandemic and lock down? Most definitely not. It seems like something straight out of a Hollywood movie – hysteria, hoarding, isolation from loved ones, loneliness, fear, and panic – all the ingredients for a great action drama!
What are most concerning, second only to the devastating effects of COVID19, are the effects this pandemic and its call for “social distancing” has had on many individuals’ mental health. Everywhere in the news we hear and read about the surges of depression and abuse that are becoming unfortunate and scary bi-products of the “social distancing” we have been enduring.
Humans are innately social beings, who thrive on social interaction and do not do as well when socially isolated. We need human interaction to feel healthy and for some, emotionally complete.
Mental health and social distancing are two topics that go hand in hand and are completely intertwined. The term “social distancing” can be quite an emotional blow to an individual’s already fragile mental state. One could think, “If I am not allowed to socialize with others, how can I cope with what is happening?” This term can easily be viewed as “social isolation” by many and create fear and panic. Unfortunately, the term “social distancing” is used to describe what we are currently dealing with, which is actually “physical distancing.”
To individuals dealing with fragile mental states, “physical distancing” is an easier term to accept and understand; realizing that they can easily continue to communicate and socialize via phone calls, video chats, text messages, and even from across the lawn. Socializing is kept intact, yet at a distance safe enough for everyone’s well-being
We are all in this together and we must remember that the terms, “we” and “together” are vital ones that should be used often, instead of only focusing on the “me”. By doing so, it enables us to stay in a caring mindset for those we know and for those around us who may be dealing with this pandemic in a very different way from our own and who may not being having an easy go of it.
Please stay in touch by aiming to call and check-in on three people a day. The social interaction will do wonders for both of you. Sharing your experiences with each other can turn a frustrating situation into a funny one if you really try and look outside of the “isolation” box. It costs you nothing, yet brings you great reward in knowing that you may have healed a person’s broken and lonely state of mind!
