Ep 8 – Dealing with Loneliness

As the outbreak of the coronavirus leads to imposed lockdowns all across the world, we feel cut off from others and are probably feeling more alone than ever before.

Whether you are a social butterfly or an introvert – we all miss those social engagements that made our days or weeks before the lockdown. Even if it was just a drink with your friends, or a crib fest with your best friend from work over lunch, it was something you looked forward to. We miss those casual conversations across our desks at work, the gossip sessions over a cup of coffee, team lunches, date nights, game nights, and well you get the drift.
 

Lonely in the time of Corona

Nowadays, a lot of us follow a wake-up, cook, eat, clean, work, zoom, sleep pattern, and repeat this schedule. We barely remember the date or even the day of the week because it doesn’t really matter now. Days blend into weeks, into months, and it feels like an endless cycle.

The loneliness could be even more acute for those surviving the lockdown alone and cut off from human contact, or those living in an environment devoid of love and support.

While we all feel lonely time and again, loneliness in the long run especially as the lockdown extends can have a major impact on mental health. It could become a constant heaviness pulling you down week after week and could lead to depression, anxiety, and stress. According to internet research, 1 in 4 adults is lonely during the lockdown.

So, what can you do in lockdown if you find yourself feeling lonely? 

1- Know that you are not alone : The first thing we do when we feel something out of the society’s’ stereotype culture, is to blame ourselves for feeling something wrong. So every time you beat yourself up – Remember that it is natural to feel alone during these times, but let me assure you that you are not alone. Almost 25% of the adult population is with you feeling this way in their respective homes.

“Don’t feel lonely; the entire universe is inside you.” – Rumi

2- Reach Out : Pick up that phone and call a friend or a family member. Thanks to technology, we have so many ways of speaking with a person across the 7 seas too. When you are feeling down and low, use that technology, text, call, or video chat with your colleague/friend/family member. You don’t have to open up about feeling lonely if you are not feeling comfortable. Instead, talk about other things that are not as intimate.

If you know of any friends and family living alone or going through a tough time during this lockdown, make an effort to reach out to them, and reach out regularly. Make it a habit to check in with those who might be feeling vulnerable.

3- Seek professional help : If you have been feeling down and low for a while now, and if you find your thoughts taking a downward curve constantly, it might be a wise decision to seek professional help.

Several therapists and psychologists are offering to counsel virtually. Feel free to reach out to them and seek guidance. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. If you don’t have access to or knowledge about reliable therapists, DM me on ‘beingmeraklis’ on Instagram and I could direct you to a few therapists doing some great work to reach out to their clients in these tough times.

4- Engage yourself in something else : Countless classes have started online during COVID – writing, painting, drawing, calligraphy, dance, yoga, fitness- you name it and there will be 100 people providing valuable education for free or for negligible fees online. Engage in one of these online communities.

One, it would take your mind off of the loneliness and two, it could help you meet like-minded people or converse about a mutual interest with different people.

Remember, that you are not alone in this. So try to open up and reach out if you are feeling down and low. Fight this crisis and emerge stronger.

“You are stronger than you think.”