Let's begin with a definition of social isolation. Social isolation is the lack of ongoing social contact.
For many of us, we've been dealing with various degrees of social isolation since the Covid-19 pandemic began a year and a half ago.
Perhaps we've started working remotely. Or in some cases we've had to stop working altogether in order to care for and attend to our children and families. Many women left the workforce to care for their children and families.
Children, teens and adults were thrust into an untested experiment-how much social contact is enough?
Many of our clients come to us because they miss social contact. Those connections are essential. This comes as no surprise to mental health providers. Counseling is build on the foundation of connection from one person to another.
Jim Knipe, a leading treatment provider and researcher said it well when he said, "the need to be accepted and connected to other people is a very basic human motivation, grounded in the obvious importance for survival. In an evolutionary sense, there is strength and safety in being connected with others, and danger in being disconnected and alone." -EMDR Toolbox
Knowing that we all need connection, what are some ways to cope when we can't connect as much as we'd like to?
Here are some ideas:
Take a hot bath.
Watch some adorable penguins
Go for a walk outside.
Phone a friend.
Make a list of the things that went well today.
Listen to your favorite song.
Put on your favorite lotion.
Get a plant. (If you already have a plant, check on it.)
