Addressing the New Loneliness
The link between social support and both physical and mental health.
“With social restrictions lifted, families are reuniting, friends and neighbors are reconnecting, and co-workers are catching up around the water cooler. But not everyone has emerged from the pandemic ready to rejoin the social scene. Some people are still suffering both physically and emotionally; some from lingering symptoms, some from loneliness.
Apparently, pandemic measures to “slow the spread” have decreased infection but increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation—which can jeopardize both physical and mental health. As the pandemic has less of an impact on daily life, it is important to reach out to people who are still experiencing loneliness and anxiety, because research reveals both their physical and mental health may depend on it.
A Legacy of Loneliness
Many people have been lonely for years—a state of being that was exacerbated by the pandemic.
Mareike Ernst et al. (2022) recognize loneliness and social isolation as increasingly common public health concerns pre-COVID-19 pandemic, due to their serious impact on well-being, mental and physical health, and longevity. They note that the pandemic, along with associated containment measures, made loneliness and social isolation even more relevant. Specifically, they note that COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions designed to mitigate transmission, such as physical distancing, have been identified as potential risk factors for loneliness, which in turn can increase the risk of adverse physical and mental health conditions. They explain this is because loneliness depends on factors other than social isolation, including characteristics of the individual as well as his or her environment, including relational expectations, need for contact, personality traits, cultural norms, and physical and mental health. These variables explain why the pandemic has not affected everyone in the same way.
Comforting Company and COVID Resilience
Apparently, loneliness can even impact vaccine effectiveness. Gallagher Stephen et al. (2022) [ii] studied the response to a single dose of COVID 19 vaccine, finding that people with less social cohesion reported being lonelier, which was linked with lower antibody response. They conclude that feelings of “being in it together” impact the strength of antibody response to vaccination, emphasizing the significance and importance of pandemic social cohesion.
Proactive Support
Recognizing the link between loneliness and vulnerability to both physical and mental health, we are all encouraged to go through our contact list and reach out to those with whom we lost contact during the pandemic. Social support is significant both physically and mentally. It is easy to give, and healing to receive. Pick up the phone today.”
Read the full article here!
Reflection: Has the pandemic made you feel more lonely than before? And if so, do you perceive this "new loneliness" as negative or positive?
#COVID19 #Loneliness #MentalHealth #Social disconnection
@professionalVision2624 The pandemic definitely did make me feel lonelier than before! I am very outgoing, so it was hard to not be with my loved ones for months. I think the new loneliness is negative becasue we really had a hard time being alone. Mental health issues have skyrocketed so much and I'm sure this has something to do with it. Thank you for sharing!
@fruityPond7887
Thank you for your comment! I agree that loneliness has increased due to the covid19 restrictions and that it has had a larger-scale impact on our mental health since humans, in essence, are social creatures.
@fruityPond7887
Thank you for your comment! I agree that the pandemic has caused mental health to worsen because of the restrictions that limit social interaction. This is because we as humans, are social creatures and when we can't see each other for a long time it does impact our mental health. I do hope feelings of loneliness will decrease as the covid19 pandemic passes.
@professionalVision2624
It is interesting that people who felt lonelier had lower antibody responses to vaccination. This might be because these people are more vulnerable as mental health also impacts the immune system.
I like meeting people but I am also very busy and do not have much time for socializing so for me social distancing was not more difficult. I am used to talking to my loved ones on the phone and not seeing them in person for longer as I have been living abroad for several years.
@globalBraid3744
Thank you for your comment! I also found that part of the article really interesting! That's really good that the pandemic hasn't caused you to feel more lonely. I'm happy to hear that <3. I think it all comes down to how much our socializing has changed and for some, it's not a problem but for others, it has become a big problem due to the restrictions.
@professionalVision2624
I've always been lonely. Covid doesn't make much change in my life. Actually, I don't feel I'm worthy to be here speaking. I never had anyone before and don't have now.
@ButterflieSkies26
Of course, you are worthy of speaking here! I'm so happy you commented on my post! Talking to someone can really help!
If you want to talk to someone about loneliness you can browse the listener page here! and connect with wonderful and empathic listeners. You can also hang out in various support rooms here!. One tip, while browsing the listener page, is to search on the keyword: loneliness, so you can find the best match with a listener that can provide the best support regarding loneliness.