Dealing with isolation?

Hi all! Hope the holidays aren’t too overwhelming for you, we here are taking it one day at a time. I unfortunately got Covid right before Christmas so had to stay in my own house and away from my family for the celebrations. My parents were kind enough to set up a Zoom call with me for games and Christmas present opening, so I was able to feel included in our gathering. However, I know some people may be away from family, may have lost family, be struggling with mental illness during the season, so I wanted to take this weekend’s blog post to share about resources that you can use if you find yourself in a difficult place.

Isolation can feel like a giant blanket suffocating you, and you can’t throw it off or do anything to change your state of mind. No matter what usual coping skills you may like to use, like distracting yourself with TV or getting outside for some fresh air, isolation and loneliness can be a power force if not lightened by connection.

I personally use Forums like Reddit to connect with like-minded people and to search ideas and websites that seem interesting to me. When I’m at my house, I also will put on Stand Up Comics or podcasts to simulate being in a room I’m with other people! This has come in handy for me when I get “cabin fever” and feel like I’m not getting enough mental activity.

Asking your friends to call you or your parents to Zoom with you is a perfect way to make sure that you get some real- time “face to face” human connection. Make use of the internet and find courses or instructional videos made by content creators you love, so you can bolster your skills while also connecting to familiar faces.

If you’re not sick with Covid or another contagious virus, try heading to a library, museum, community center, coffee shop, or park to get around some good company and spend a few hours with strangers. This is especially helpful if you need human contact but want to preserve your social battery.

Isolation is one of the biggest social challenges we are facing as a planet, make sure to take care of yourself and notify someone that you may need help with socializing, most everyone you meet has been to the depths of loneliness and will absolutely help you through it. It’s always a good idea to talk to a professional if you need long-term help as well, so remember therapy and counseling is always there to help you find a successful life.

With love,

Abby Folsom