Yes, Social Distancing DOES Affect Your Mental Health
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

No, You're Not Going Crazy — Social Distancing IS Hard On Your Mental Health

It's necessary for our world's physical health, but it's brutal on our minds.

1674
No, You're Not Going Crazy — Social Distancing IS Hard On Your Mental Health

As we continue to practice social distancing because of coronavirus, we see that everyone is in panic and fear. Yet, we are taking the precautions by practicing social distancing, and of course, washing our hands. Yet, when we practice social distancing, our mental health could suffer. We are asked to stay shut in our homes and not contact the outside world to prevent the virus from spreading even more in our communities and our nation. It is true that we have technological resources, yet we ask is that enough for us?

As much as this generation cannot live without their phones, some people truly can't live without their friends and family.

There are people who are suffering from mental illness, and they cope by using communication. With social distancing, mental health counselors can't do their jobs of helping people. Even though we have sources such as Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime, it's still not enough for people who suffer from anxiety or depression. For people who suffer through mental health, they think of this like solitary confinement, where you feel alone and an outcast to the world. Being on quarantine gives us time to do things around the house, but is it enough?

Not only does being on quarantine can lose communication physically, but this can affect people who enjoy being outside. When people look outside, they see a beautiful day ready to be embraced. However, counties are locking down, ordering citizens to stay inside unless it's an absolute emergency — solitary confinement. But you CAN use things in your surroundings, even though people get tired of doing the same thing over and over again.

You don't have to have been diagnosed with a mental illness for this social isolation to impact you — it can affect anybody. If I'm being honest, it affects me. I'm sick of doing the same thing everyday. Doing the same routine. Being in the same room. After a while, it gets boring and annoying.

Yet, some people are looking at this quarantine as a vacation.

To everyone who is not taking this seriously, think about everyone who is suffering through this difficult time.

Think about the elderly with a weak immune system, who can easily catch this virus. Think about first responders who keep our communities in balance, even though they are risking their lives. Think about people in the health field, who are tired, and want to see their families, but they can't because of the crisis that is happening in our nation. Lastly, think about people who are suffering from mental health. People who are suffering from mental health have to stay in their homes with all they can do is the things around their homes. Doing the same thing every day until this crisis is over. It can be frustrating for anyone.

Think about them, the next time you do something out of selfishness.

Report this Content
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90969
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

63862
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments