Isolation and loneliness during the pandemic

By Sidney Henkensiefken (shenkens@jccc.edu). Henkensiefken is a staff photographer for the Campus Ledger. This is her first semester at the Ledger and she joined to continue her passion for photography. Henkensiefken loves talking about politics, hanging out with her friends and being with her family. 

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During this time, everyone in America is being strongly encouraged to stay inside. This is can be hard for many people, as being isolated affects one’s mental health. The American Psychological society states “social isolation [is linked] with adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life.”
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During this time, everyone in America is being strongly encouraged to stay inside. This is can be hard for many people, as being isolated affects one’s mental health. The American Psychological society states “social isolation [is linked] with adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life.”
Another way to put your mind at ease is working out, and one of the easiest ways to do this at home is through yoga. Yoga focuses on both the health of the body and mind. By doing this, you may find yourself growing calmer even as life grows more uncertain. Harvard medical school says that “for many patients dealing with depression, anxiety, or stress, yoga may be a very appealing way to better manage symptoms.”
Taking advantage of the sudden warm, sunny afternoons may help people who are feeling particularly lonely. Harvard Medical school addresses this subject of mental illness and nature. They state that to “reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and maybe even improve your memory, take a walk in the woods.” However, remember to stay six feet apart from people you may encounter.
It is imperative in these times to reach out to the people you are close with if you are struggling. The National Alliance on Mental Illness encourages everyone to “talk to other people with mental illness through apps or social media support groups.” Photo by Sidney Henkensiefken.
There are many platforms in which you can keep in contact with the rest of the world: take advantage of them. The CDC recommends that people should, “Check in with [their] loved ones often. Virtual communication can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely and isolated.” From Zoom to Skype to Google Duo ,there are many resources that can help people stay connected even while staying six feet apart.
Whether technology is not working properly or your professors are not clear about what you need to, try not to get too frustrated. Anxiety swirls all around us, as the future right now is uncertain. Do not forget to take a break from homework sometimes, and just relaxing. The CDC recommends, having “time to unwind. [And] Try[ing] to do some other activities you enjoy.”
Remembering that everyone is experiencing social isolation may make it easier to cope with feelings of loneliness. With today’s technology, keeping in contact with others is easier than it has ever been in the past. For instance, a new platform called Quarantine Chat serves to connect lonely, struggling or simply bored people from across the nation to ease quarantine-induced loneliness.
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