Feelings Of Loneliness, Isolation and Depression During COVID-19
Feelings Of Loneliness, Isolation and Depression During COVID-19
Monday June 1, 2020
In these ever-changing times, it is common to experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and grief. We may be feeling overwhelmed by the current state of our world, the impact of the pandemic on our loved ones and local community, or adapting to changes and challenges within our daily lives. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and there is no right or wrong way to act or feel during this uncertain time.
As we continue social distancing, this may mean that we are exceedingly isolated from our family, friends, faith-based community, tangible work environment, and our community at large. Such isolation can certainly lead to feelings of loneliness and depression as we navigate this new normal of COVID-19. For this reason, it is important to ensure that we are taking care of our mental health, as best we can, during times of decreased social interaction. At Abramson Senior Care, we wish to recognize the challenges that we are all currently facing while providing supportive solutions to our clients and their families that can help ease feelings of high-stress, worry, and fear. We hope that you find peace of mind with these strategies for coping for both you and your loved ones:
- Acknowledge your feelings of anxiety, loneliness, grief, and fear. Embracing our feelings can help give us power over these emotions.
- Be kind to yourself in whatever you are feeling and practice self-care when possible.
- Take time for activities that you enjoy that can help boost your mood and provide distraction.
- Embrace opportunities to get outside for sunshine and fresh air, if possible to do so safely.
- Try to maintain a consistent routine; even if the routine is new and different from your previous way of life. Maintaining a routine can help create a sense of normalcy.
- Get your feelings out by writing them down in a journal or talking to a trusted confidante.
- Focus on the things you can control instead of the things that are beyond your control.
- Take breaks from watching and reading the news; including social media. Be mindful of how social media is making you feel as it may enhance feelings of anxiety and stress.
- Find ways to stay connected with others such as through phone, email, text message or technology such as Face Time, Skype, or Zoom.
- Take care of your mind and body
- Practice deep breathing
- Take stretch breaks
- Adapt a meditation or mindfulness practice
- Hydrate
- Exercise consistently in a form that is enjoyable to you
- Get adequate sleep, take a nap when you are tired.
If you are feeling intense feelings of depression, anxiety, or loneliness, consider seeking professional help through a virtual counselor or therapist. Online resources such as Talk Space and Better Help offer virtual counseling services and your insurance company can also help locate counseling resources.
As always, Abramson Senior Care is here to support you and your loved one; particularly at this challenging time. If you need assistance with locating supportive counseling resources, please call Abramson Care Advisors at 215.371.3400.
Previous Article
