How to Manage Loneliness in the Pandemic

The ‘Covid’ pandemic has brought out both the worst and the best in us. It has allowed us to experience deeper gratitude, greater self-awareness, and ways to be more mindful. Unfortunately, it has, for some, led to sadness, anxiety, and even depression. One of the most obvious negatives for many people has been the experience of loneliness. Feeling lonely comes in a variety of sizes and shades. For some it exists even though they enjoy a broad network, while some who live alone do not feel lonely. Regardless, the pandemic has created a more heightened sense of loneliness for those who actually do live alone. And ignoring loneliness can lead to diminished physical and mental health. Due to the complexity of loneliness, there is no one solution. Loneliness is something that has been shown to be prevalent in our society even prior the onset of the pandemic, which only seems to have made it more increased. So, what can you do? Try these potential solutions: 

• Call a friend, family member, health professional or therapist to talk about your feelings.  
• Form, or join, an online group or class; focus on those in which you are interested  
• Exercise by taking short walks in public  

Social restrictions including isolation, quarantining, and social distancing are public health measures we've become acquainted with since the onset of COVID-19. Although these restrictions modify our social interactions physically, they don't mean we can't stay meaningfully connected to each other.   This is a challenging and sometimes a lonely time, but it will pass. Rick Cullen, LCSW Rick is a Native Floridian who provides individual and couples therapy to persons age 17 – 90 who struggle with mental health issues, including anxiety, addiction, mood disorders (e.g. Depression, Bipolar), and thought disorders (e.g. Schizophrenia). Advocating for people has always been Rick’s passion and he has practiced this from the outset of his career, first as a criminal defense lawyer, and currently as a psychotherapist.