Loneliness – The Silent Pandemic
At this point, we have all been living in varying stages of lockdown for nearly a year. What once seemed like an extreme change has, for many, began to feel normal. Normalcy is not necessarily positive in that being alone for many is now the standard. The lines have become increasingly blurred between work and home – many of us have turned our living rooms and spare bedrooms into offices, answering emails and working on projects late into the evening hours when we would have usually gone out for a drink or dinner with friends. At the same time, we no longer get the much-needed break that work provided us from our home life, parenting, our partners, parents, and for some solitude. With bars, restaurants closed, events postponed and then ultimately canceled – we find ourselves fixated on our missing social contacts – How? When? And with whom can we meet… and most importantly is it safe? Is the much needed social contact worth the risk of infection?
Some have had some success in making this pandemic more bearable by focusing on self-exploration: developing new hobbies, planning for their futures, journaling, being creative, acquiring new skills, launching a new business, or just taking a much-needed break. At the same time, it is important to recognize the significance of human connection and foster community wherever we can during these trying times. For some, that means waving to people in the neighbourhood, chatting with the cashiers at their local grocery store, and for some, technology has been the key and has allowed them to stay in touch with family and friends on a global scale.
Loneliness is, unfortunately, a common human experience, affecting virtually everyone at some stage of life. While isolation may be government-mandated at the moment, loneliness is not. If you are struggling, try to get in touch with your loved ones, make connections where possible, and reach out to mental health professionals when needed. You are not alone – support will always be available; all you have to do is ask.
| This article was inspired by Beata Prygiel |
