Loneliness is a normal emotion, but when it comes to anxiety and symptoms of depression, there might be an underlying cause that should be addressed. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has been causing distress in many individuals. Due to unemployment, isolation, and changes in lifestyle, people have been feeling down and out of sorts in the past year. This has been detrimental to the mental health of many individuals.
Due to feelings of isolation and the fact that we can’t socialize with friends, some people use dating apps and other resources to experience a blooming relationship despite the gloom of the global health crisis. Others may even opt for matchmaker services to satisfy their relationship needs.
The quarantine period has given us time to ponder and experience deep and emotional responses to our current situation. These emotions sometimes leave us feeling empty and wanting to fill the void. Interested individuals cannot be blamed for seeking comfort even through virtual means.
Quarantine Loneliness
Going through the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic is not easy on anyone. In fact, many individuals who have been stuck living alone may have even resorted to adopting pets to satisfy their need for warmth and love. Due to this pandemic loneliness, many people have been suffering from mental health issues since the onset of the crisis.
Mental health services have been disrupted due to the pandemic, as seen in several countries. Although some have adopted telemedicine methods as an alternative to in-person consultations, the disruption in the system still needs a bridge to fill in the gap in the industry.
It is important to take care of our mental health. Quarantine loneliness has to be monitored closely to observe if it develops further into bouts of depression. This needs to be addressed immediately, especially if an individual has no immediate support system in the household.
Mental health care is essential, especially during this crisis, because it will help individuals cope with various stressors in life. Doing so will allow people to work productively and contribute positively to society. In turn, they will be able to make meaningful connections with others through various means.
Quarantine loneliness does not only depend on romantic relationships. It also depends on the quality of relationship that an individual has with their family and friends.
Maintaining Quarantine Relationships
Being involved in a relationship, romantic or otherwise, will allow you to grow as an individual. With the given global crisis, though, many people might find it difficult to cultivate strong relationships with others because they rely on in-person communication and interaction to relate to others.
While social isolation has been making you lonely, you should be aware that there are ways to stay in touch with friends, family, and even potential romantic partners.
Technology has been providing us endless ways of communicating with those far from us at any given time. We have smartphones and various social media platforms to use to our advantage. There is no excuse to keep to yourself during this pandemic. You have the resources you need to call up a friend or message a loved one who lives across the globe.
Although it is essential to keep in touch with those who matter to you, perhaps you should also take a look at yourself and see what needs to be done to keep yourself healthy and upbeat. Your mood is mostly affected by your body’s physical condition. This is why you have to take good care of your physical health to ensure your mental health is also in good shape.
Make sure you exercise daily and eat plenty of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Doing so will allow you to recover from everyday life stressors and rejuvenate your body to be ready for whatever comes your way.
Your physical health and your mental health are interlinked. To maintain healthy relationships with others, you also have to take care of yourself. Remember this the next time you sulk in the corner of your room without eating anything for the day. You have to get up and help yourself despite the difficult situation we are in.
Quarantine loneliness is difficult to shrug off, and it is understandable. Despite this, you have to have the grit to pick yourself up and learn to battle it out every day because no one will do it for you. Have the strength to take care of yourself no matter how lonely you have been feeling. Remember that feelings come and go, so you have to power through.
