Advice
How to Manage Loneliness during the Pandemic
By: Agapi Kapeloni
Updated: 01 April 2021
How to Manage Loneliness during the Pandemic
Agapi Kapeloni, BA, MA, MSc, MIACP
It has been over a year since Ireland went
into its first lockdown. Although we have had occasional breaks from lockdown,
because Covid-19 spreads mainly through social contact public health experts rightly
continue to warn about the risks involved in meeting many people.
Since March 2020, the way we meet and greet
has changed to a form that feels totally unnatural for many of us: no shaking
hands, no hugging, no kissing, and keeping a 2-metre distance when in company. Significant
life events such as baptisms, first communions, weddings, and even funerals,
have been taking place virtually or, at best, in the presence only of immediate
family members.
Many people now find themselves more alone
than ever before, be it doing their daily routines or during the times which
they want or need to share with others: times of celebration and times of grief.
Loneliness is among the most intensely felt
consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. It can lead to increased levels of
stress and sleeplessness and is considered the principal cause of mental health
issues such as anxiety and/or depression (which in turn may lead to eating disorders,
self-harm or even suicidal ideation). The effects of loneliness can be serious
and detrimental to mental health and general wellbeing. However, there are
some helpful ways to help us all weather the current extraordinary times.
Social Interaction
Remember that social interaction is still
possible by way of telephone/video calls, social media, online peer-support
groups, etc. Be creative when it comes to finding ways of social connection.
Think of what you can do, rather than what you can’t. Cinemas are currently
closed but we can still watch a movie with friends online. Meeting a friend at
a café or a pub is presently out of the question but a socially distanced meeting
in the park is still possible. Focus on getting in touch with people regularly.
Ideally, try doing it each day.
Enjoyable Activities
Think about doing things you enjoy. Doing
fun activities (even by ourselves) can take our mind off the feelings of
loneliness we may experience and give us a lot of satisfaction. Immerse yourself
in a book: reading helps us escape reality in a healthy way. You might like to
start a new hobby or learn a new skill – maybe a language you always wanted to
learn or a musical instrument. There are a lot of online courses and tutorials,
which can be done at the time and frequency which suits you best. Whatever you
choose to do, practice learning to enjoy your own company, which in and of
itself can be liberating.
Exercise
Exercise is important for maintaining
mental and physical health and can take place outdoors or indoors. Do exercise
you particularly enjoy. And make sure you do it at a rate which is sustainable.
You do not want to feel that your chosen activity becomes a ‘chore’.
Helping Others
Helping others can boost our mental
wellbeing. For example, getting in touch by text, mail or telephone with a
lonely relative, friend or neighbour to see how they are managing or offering to
pick up something from the shops for them is beneficial for them and you. Remember
that the older members of our society tend to be among the most affected by
loneliness, not least, though not only, because they are particularly
vulnerable to Covid-19.
Maintain a Daily Schedule
Having a schedule of daily tasks will help
with dealing with feelings of loneliness. Always try to include preparing
healthy daily meals in your schedule so that you keep yourself well-nourished.
Good food will boost your immune system and your brain, contributing to better
mental health.
Note what is Helpful
Keeping an eye on what helps with the
feelings of loneliness (and what doesn’t) may be beneficial. For example, you
may need to reduce the time you spend watching the news; or, you might try
focusing on yourself rather than comparing yourself to others. If social media
posts make you feel that you are the only one struggling, be careful which
posts you choose to see and engage with – and keep in mind that most times
people post only the positive aspects of their lives, not the challenges that they
may be facing.
Finally, remember that it’s okay not to feel
okay, even in normal times. And it is particularly okay not to be okay in these
extraordinary times. So be kind to yourself when feeling lonely. And remember that, ironically, you are not
alone in feeling lonely: a lot of people are feeling just as you do in these
challenging times.
If you have tried some of the above tips
and still find that loneliness impacts you in a way that is too hard to bear by
yourself, you may need to contact your GP and/or try talking to a qualified mental
health professional.
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WORKING WITH Anxiety ISSUES:
Approach: Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy , Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) , Person-Centred Therapy , Mindfulness
Works with: Individual Session
Specialities: Anxiety , Bereavement / Loss , Co-Dependency , Communication Issues , Depression , Educational , Isolation / Loneliness , Personal Development , Relationship issues , Self Care , Self-Esteem , Stress , Trauma , Work Issues, Work/Life balance
Next avaialble appointment: 13:00 14 October 2024
Approach: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) , Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy , Person-Centred Therapy , Mindfulness
Works with: Individual Session
Specialities: Anxiety , Depression , Domestic Violence / Abuse , Self Care , Self-Esteem , Stress
Next avaialble appointment: 12:00 14 October 2024
Approach: Mindfulness , Person-Centred Therapy , Solution-Focused Brief Therapy , Other
Works with: Individual Session , Couples
Specialities: Anger , Anxiety , Bereavement / Loss , Communication Issues , Depression , Domestic Violence / Abuse , Fertility , Isolation / Loneliness , Neurodiversity , Panic , Personal Development , Relationship issues , Self Care , Self-Esteem , Stress , Suicidal Ideation / Self Harm , Trauma , Work Issues, Work/Life balance , Other
Next avaialble appointment: 12:00 14 October 2024
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