I doubt most of us could have fathomed that a viral outbreak would lead to a time of extreme social isolation. For most people this is a hard pill to swallow but there’s a different viewpoint to be had from folks, like myself, who have often self-isolated voluntarily.
For most people reducing human contact to this extent probably feels stifling. Yet we live in a world full of technology where ‘reaching’ out doesn’t have to equate with being face to face. For me it was a subtle shift. I had adopted work from home early on due to various family circumstances. As depression crept more and more into my daily life I had barely noticed that I wasn’t really going out as much. Several years later, post-divorce, post-diagnosis, I started to observe just how my social interaction had shifted. I purposely left events early, I’d go at the least populated times to shop. Large social circles weren’t a big draw for me. Flash forward to today and everyone is now forced to limit their interaction in much the same way, even moreso.
Most are worried about supplies and cabin fever taking over, loss of healthy activities. Me, I worry for peoples’ mental health. It’s going to be a very new experience for most to not have options like the gym, or the pub to unwind. Left in your home with nothing but your chores and thoughts can be daunting. For me the same tools I’ve used to deal with depression still apply. I eat differently as I’m less active than most. I take supplements to try and offset my lack of Vit-D. I use stationary exercise gear to keep some semblance of activity. Reading becomes a bigger part of my day if only to escape the news.
There’s one thing I do fear though. Humor is normally a good outlet and a way for us to bring levity amid a crisis. Me, I worry that when this pandemic eventually runs its course how are people going to view social distancing and isolation. Will we become more mindful of personal space and hygiene? Will people look at those of us who self isolate like fools? Ideally to me there’d be a greater degree of understanding out there. People would try to respect everyone’s health a bit more be it physical or mental. Sadly though I don’t know that’s really the case. We forget too quickly after a crisis but here’s hoping that we manage to grow as people as a result of this terrible situation.
