During social distancing, it can be easy to slip into depression and isolation.
Loneliness has always been an issue that’s linked to depression and depressive feelings. Even in the best of times, people with depression can still feel isolated and disconnected from others. And in difficult moments, those feelings can become crippling.
But finding hope is still possible. Even with certain restrictions in place, you do have the power to be connected to other people and to feel like you belong.
Here are a few ideas for how you can overcome depression and isolation.
Know the Difference Between Loneliness and Being Alone
First, take a moment to consider the difference between loneliness and being alone. When you are alone, that is a physical state of being—no other people are around you.
Typically, there are plenty of times when we are alone each day. Usually, it’s during those private moments that we all need to take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. Bathing and grooming, as well as taking private time to meditate or reflect, are examples of such moments.
Loneliness, on the other hand, is the emotional experience of feeling separated and disconnected. You just don’t feel like you can relate to anyone. Everyone, at some point in their life, feels this way.
The idea of examining these two expressions is that you understand the differences and that you already have some experience with handling those situations. However, during this current health crisis, both issues are just amplified.
Cope with Depression and Isolation with Community
One of the first steps you can take to push back against depression and isolation is to reach out to others. Using modern technology, there are plenty of ways to do this.
For example:
- Taking an online course
- Video streaming with friends or family
- Participating in a virtual group exercise class
- Joining a group, such as a book club or other special interest group
- Contribute to online discussions
- Play games with friends online
The key is to be with groups of people with whom you connect and have similar values and interests. That is the basis of community. With online tools, you don’t have to go far to meet that need, even when meeting physically is limited.
Create Structure for Your Week
Work often provides the framework for how you structure your week. That may still be the case now, but things still have changed some. You might be working from home full-time. Or perhaps you have had your hours cut at work or even lost your job. Regardless of your situation, it’s important to build structure into your day.
This may include:
- Waking up at a consistent time
- Sitting down to work
- Taking frequent breaks, including lunch
- Wrapping up at a regular time in the afternoon
Add into your schedule something to look forward to each day. For instance, have a standing time to video chat with family or friends. Or reserve a block of time in your schedule for that online exercise class.
When you have these things planned into your schedule, they give you something to hope for. That, in turn, helps combat depression and isolation.
Recognize When to Ask for Help
When it comes to depressive feelings, it’s important to know when to ask for help. An important signal that you need additional support is when you have tried the above ideas, but you still can shake the depression. And that’s okay. It’s important to recognize that fact and allow yourself permission to get help.
Talking with a knowledgeable therapist can absolutely help with depression. That’s because when you’re depressed, you may think that nobody understands what you are feeling. A therapist can provide that understanding and support and can help you with finding hope.
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Social distancing isn’t easy for anyone. Being separated from people, both physically and emotionally, is hard. And it can lead to isolation, as well as depressive feelings that you just can’t shake. But finding hope and a way out of your isolation is possible with depression treatment. Please, don’t hesitate to call me for more information.
