Isolation can lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes It can also increase the risk of depression, anxiety and dementia
If you or someone you know is feeling isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some ways to help First, identify the symptoms Then, talk to a therapist
1 https//personalmedicalalarmscomau/gps-locator/ Make an effort to meet new people
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country took steps to practice physical distancing, but loneliness and social isolation were already prevalent even before the outbreak Adults who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to be hospitalized, have shorter lives, and die earlier than adults who have strong, meaningful connections with others
https//personalmedicalalarmscomau/fall-detection-alarms/ Loneliness and social isolation are not the same thing—you can be surrounded by people but still feel lonely Those who live alone, are abused, or suffer from mental health conditions are particularly at risk of feeling isolated and are more likely to experience serious medical problems However, loneliness and isolation can also be the result of an underlying problem such as poverty or discrimination The best way to overcome these issues is to make an effort to meet new people
2 Get out of your comfort zone
Often, social isolation is a result of self-limiting beliefs that can be difficult to overcome For example, you might feel anxious about a conversation with a friend or colleague or worry that you won’t be able to participate in an event
These negative thoughts can trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response and increase your feelings of anxiety Eventually, these emotions can lead to physical symptoms like stomach aches or chest pains
While the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the need for physical distancing, isolation is a common problem that existed long before this unprecedented time of fear and uncertainty The key to combating this issue is being proactive about reaching out and asking for help This can be as simple as making a commitment to hang out with friends or joining an online community
3 Ask for help
https//personalmedicalalarmscomau/ Loneliness can make you feel weak, anxious or incompetent, and it can even worsen your health conditions like heart disease and mental illness It’s important to be proactive about fighting social isolation and find ways to connect with others and learn new things
A lot of people don’t ask for help because they believe it will make them look incompetent or inferior In fact, research by Stanford doctoral student Kayla Good shows that even children as young as 7 can have this belief People also worry that they will be burdening or inconveniencing others, and they may not want to risk being rejected
Getting over these feelings is challenging but possible One way to do so is by practicing asking for help and learning how to use subtle cues to encourage others to support you
4 Talk to a therapist
While COVID-19 forced many people to practice physical distancing, social isolation and loneliness were already a problem long before the pandemic Often, isolation is a result of mental health issues and can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, which helps people identify misperceptions and reshape negative thinking
Gerontological researchers and professionals distinguish between loneliness and social isolation But both have the same negative impact on an individual's well-being and can increase the risk of serious health conditions Loneliness may lead to substance abuse, depression and cognitive decline and shortens the lifespan It's important to be proactive about avoiding isolation and talk to your therapist if you need help In addition, managers should give employees regular feedback to support self-efficacy and combat feelings of isolation
5 Take care of yourself
Loneliness can have negative effects on your physical health It can cause stress and anxiety, which may trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to high blood pressure, digestive problems, chest pains and other symptoms It can also lead to a lack of sleep, which is linked to depression and can further contribute to isolation
Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise Be sure to make and keep medical and dental appointments and get your vaccines Try to make at least one day per week a “me” day, where you do something just for you Set some minor and achievable goals to give yourself something to focus on, such as completing an activity you enjoy, such as playing a musical instrument or reading a book