Loneliness and how to deal with it in the current quarantine situation.

*Date:* 26.03.2020:

*Loneliness and how to deal with it in the current quarantine situation.*

- _Mindzone, online discussion forum._  

_*Perspective on loneliness :*_

Loneliness, just like COVID-19 is a global problem. Although loneliness is a  non-infectious condition. Research suggest that 80% of the human race have experienced loneliness at least once in their lifetime. With the given scenario, there is a considerable increase in this subjective feeling of loneliness. In U.S., 46 percent of people feel lonely.  It might result as a chronic condition another study says Many individuals prefer loneliness, as they feel this is the new “Normal”. Female adolescents who break up with their relationship with their partner are likely to feel more lonely. Chronic loneliness would lead to poor immune system. 60 percent of married individuals suffer from loneliness as they feel disconnected from their partner. Loneliness is considered as a public health problem. Loneliness can be seen in every age group due to the lack of conformity and belongingness. Belongingness is a social need and a necessary need. Every individual is in need of it.  Man is a social Animal, One cannot live in isolation. Human beings are social beings and have the capacity to store 150 person's behavior in the brain at a time. Social connection is essential in forming neural connection. 

Various Mental health professionals  participated in the online discussion forum on the topic of “loneliness and tips to deal with it during the current lockdown scenario” hosted by Mindzone, Chennai. 

Loneliness can be felt even around people, loneliness is not related to being alone and hence it is important to understand that it is an emotional subjective state of mind, it is temporary and one can easily combat loneliness,

 

Here are 10 simple tips that will help you overcome loneliness, especially in the times of quarantine. 

1. Realise that loneliness is a subjective emotional state of mind, not a Fact. It has nothing to do with your personality or intellect. Remember, *This shall pass too.*

2.   Every time you feel lonely,  Stop . *Breathe and say something Positive to Yourself.*  Loneliness can bring many unwanted negative thought, *Positive self-affirmation* can help feel better and will give you confidence to  fight the demon of loneliness.

3. Discover activities you would *enjoy doing in solitude*, indulge in those activities more than usual within the confide circumstances, remember, Empty mind is a devils workshop, so keep you mind and body happily occupied. 

4. Perception matters!! Look at the scenario in a more *optimistic manner*, you can either term your situation as Loneliness or as Solitude, make the best use of the solitude you are in now. *be your own best friend!!* 

5. *Its Social distancing not social disconnection!!*  Thanks to the technology, we can still stay together and connected from a distance. Utilize the available resources in the best possible manner by joining online forum, classes, learn a new hobby, enhance yourself by using some Me-Time. 

6. Build the Family bond, *United we stand, divided we fall* . Just like you, your family also might be feeling lonely from the inside, understand and be there for each other. Build the chemistry you share with your family, stronger than ever because this is the lime. Indulge in activities together, make a schedule you can all follow. Something as simple as having a meal together and playing an indoor game, including a simple yoga routine or a 10 min meditation routine, watching a movie each day or reading news together. Anything and everything that you and your family could enjoy together to fight loneliness. 

7. If no one understands, a dairy will. *Start journaling your thoughts and behaviours*. Talk to your dairy. It will not only give you a perspective of yourself but also give you an awareness and you will know yourself better. You will also feel like you’ve shared what you feel, a sense of feeling heard and understood.  

8. *Learn a new skill. Be Inquisitive* . Remember, you’re not alone, we all are caged due to the pandemic situation but staying optimistic is the key. Make the best use of your time, learn a unfulfilled skill back from your childhood, because the 21st century gives you enough and more opportunity to virtual classrooms. It could be as simple as drawing, art, music, cooking or tailoring. 

9. *Be nice to yourself* , its not your fault to feel this way. Self-care is your priority.it is okay to be Not-okay. It is okay to feel lonely in a room full of people. Stop guilt-tripping yourself, self-doubting or blaming yourself.  Remember, happiness is an inside thing . you are not alone.

 

10. *Express!* No, don’t still quite and battle the demon of loneliness all alone, express yourself, to others, friends or family, do not hesitate to seek help. Express yourself through any medium you like. Example- talking to someone, drawing and painting, singing, writing or even dancing.

#Mindzone

#combat_loneliness 

#mental_health 

#covid-19

#quarantine 

#loneliness 

#in_this_together

Prepared by

Ms. Dimple melwani

M.sc (Psychology)

CMR UNIVERSITY BANGALORE

Ms. Abirami

M.sc (Psychology)

Pondicherry University