The pandemic has forced countries to go on lockdown. Life as we know it is now gone, replaced by the new normal of restricted movement, remote work, and reliance on digital platforms. As we all grapple with isolation with no end in sight, it is becoming increasingly clear that the physical reality is having profound effects on our mental health. Many are feeling lonelier than ever as they do not have anyone to talk to inside their homes. There is nothing beyond casual conversations with neighbors and shopkeepers. While some may be enjoying the silence, others may find that it is feeding their anxieties.
The Need for a Virtual Support Network
Would you like to stay connected to friends? Although we cannot congregate in the same spaces with our friends, we can use technology to create virtual support networks to help each other out. Digital connections can be a massive lifeline for those who are feeling crippled by the isolation. It provides a sense of normalcy as we can still be surrounded by our loved ones despite their distance. It reassures us that that we have others to hold on to when we need a steady hand. We can also provide the support that others need as we all learn to navigate through this crisis.
How to Initiate Conversations
Stay connected to friends is an easy thing for some and a difficult one for many. If you have friends that you are regular in contact with, then you will probably have an easy time sending them a message whenever you have something on your mind. However, if you have been estranged with a friend or relative, then it can be awkward to reconnect for the first time in a while. Think about why you want to reach out and what you would like to say. Do you want to check up on their current condition? Would you like to reassure them of your support? Do you want to mend broken relationships?
Understand that people are dealing with this crisis in different ways. Some are perfectly happy being alone with their family or even by themselves. They can use their downtime to pursue hobbies or do more work or play with the kids and pets. Others might be in a less than ideal state because they lost their job and are worried about the future. There are also people who dread being at home all the time because they are in a domestic violence situation. Be respectful of others and allow them to tell their stories according to their level of comfort.
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