Starving for Connection: How to Manage Mental Health and Social Distancing
Prior to few weeks ago, I hadn’t heard the term social distancing, but now I hear it almost hourly. Well, that and flattening the curve.
I think many of us assumed the coronavirus problem would remain isolated to Wuhan, China. We kept it on our radar but went about our business as usual. We tried to stay sensible and avoid buying into the media panic. But now it’s hitting home — and fast.
While isolation and disruption are inconvenient, we must focus on the best interest of public health. Of course, it’s too early to abide by the Zombie Survival Guide (but it’s still an enjoyable read while we’re practicing social distancing).
As Robert Frost said, “In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.”
Although critical for safety, it’s hard to ignore the mental health ramifications of isolating ourselves and self-quarantining. Cabin fever is a real and serious thing. Not to mention, those with preexisting mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder are particularly susceptible to symptom flareups during times like these.
That’s why today, I wanted to go over a few tools and strategies for coping with isolation and anxiety as we deal with the fact that life goes on outside our doors.
Connect (Or Reconnect) with People Outside Our Daily Routine
Personally, I’ve had more conversations with friends, family, and coworkers this week than I would under normal circumstances. My family members in South America are currently quarantined, and I’ve been emailing them more than I had all year.
It’s really something special to see how people adapt and pivot with this social distancing trend.
Even if we aren’t feeling stressed or concerned, we surely have a friend, child, family member, or coworker who is. I suggest reaching out to check on them immediately.
I recently discovered QuarantineChat where we can talk on the phone with someone else stuck in isolation at home due to coronavirus.
I would suggest everyone educate themselves before jumping to conclusions, especially anyone with anxiety. In Canada, anyone with questions about COVID-19 can call the hotline at 1–8333–784–4397 or visit the official government website.
For anyone struggling with anxiety, a pending sense of doom, or paranoia, check out some online mental health initiatives. COVID Health Anxiety offers some helpful tips as does this article from Anxiety Canada. I also found this initiative called Big White Wall — it looks interesting as it provides anonymous support and other mental health resources.
We often talk about unplugging, but in the case of social distancing, technology is reducing the negative mental health impact of isolation.
Develop a New Routine
Sure, we may have had to alter our daily routine, but our long-term goals and values are still there!
Stop. Breathe. Reflect. Plan. Act. Reevaluate. Repeat.
Some folks lucky enough to work from home might not see the big deal with social distancing. Others are out of work and severely impacted by lost income from closures.
Regardless, the situation has changed, but it is only temporary. In the meantime, we can do our mental health a favor by sticking with a routine. Create a mental checklist of everything to do. Creating simple routines can help manage our stress levels as they offer some sense of control in times of crisis.
Schedule time to work out, practice yoga, and meditate. Take some hot baths and read those books sitting on the shelf. Continue using a daily planner and scheduling out every day.
Not sure how to handle something? Struggling with loneliness? Phone a friend. They might have already found a simple solution to the same problem. We’re all in this together.
Connect Internally with Ourselves
We always talk about connecting with ourselves but what the heck does it really mean?
In this case, it means allowing ourselves to slow down, focusing on our needs, and setting up priorities. I like to establish simple rules for my new routine.
As I’m writing this, I’m working from home and using this time to practice mindful cooking. Instead of rushing out the door in autopilot, I’m taking care to manage my time and enjoy the positive things I can accomplish.
Focusing on the positives and staying in the present moment mentally allows us to connect with and improve ourselves.
Now’s the perfect time to check some things off that dusty to-do list.
We might even discover something about ourselves that we want to continue or we had overlooked before we started social distancing and quarantining.
Feeling scared, anxious, or alone during quarantine? Reach out to your community or if needed professional help is out there.