Unless you’re an essential worker, you’ve likely spent the past few months feeling rather isolated. Staying indoors to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19 may have been hard on your mental and physical health. If so, you're not alone. We know that self-isolating is the simplest way to slow the spread of this disease. But sometimes, doing the right thing is tough.

If you feel that isolating has been practically traumatizing, you’re not being dramatic. Isolation is genuinely difficult for humans to withstand, especially for months on end. Here are a few of the negative effects of isolation and strategies to help you alleviate these symptoms.

Loneliness

Almost everyone who has been isolated has probably felt lonely at times. And yes, loneliness can genuinely contribute to trauma. After all, human beings are tribal creatures. We have evolved to rely on each other.

People need a healthy level of interaction with others to feel fulfilled and connected. This is how we’re wired. Depending on where you live and your risk level, you may want to stick with virtual interaction with your loved ones for now, or you may want to meet up with a friend outdoors in a safe setting.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Without external stimulation, you may notice that your sleep patterns have been thrown off. Suddenly, you’re wired all night and tired all day. Perhaps you haven’t been exercising or spending time outdoors. And while you were isolated, you probably had less exposure to sunlight than usual.

Try getting outside at least once per day, and keep your windows open to let in natural light. Create a soothing nighttime routine to relax before bed.

Effects of Stress

When you are isolated, every stressful situation feels worse than usual. You have no one to lean on and talk to when you’re feeling stressed. Instead, you have to deal with everything on your own. But we know that everyone needs a shoulder to cry on sometimes.

There’s no shame in calling up a friend when you’re feeling down and need to vent. You may also be interested in virtual therapy to help deal with stress.

Mental Health Struggles

If you were already dealing with a mental health condition before isolating, you may feel like your symptoms have gotten worse.

Isolation has been difficult for people with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD. And even if you felt like your mental health was stable before isolating, you may not feel the same way now. Try journaling about your feelings, talking to a trusted loved one, or even connecting with a therapist online.

Hesitancy Around Return to “Normal”

After spending several months leaving your apartment only for the necessities, you may feel hesitant to return to your old routines and social groups. You might feel like your social skills aren’t so sharp anymore. Seeing people who you haven’t talked to in months may make you feel a bit awkward at first. Perhaps you don’t feel very motivated to pick up your old hobbies again, and you worry that you’re out of practice.

Depending on the situation in your area and your personal risk level, it helps to simply take it slow. You don’t have to jump right back into your former routines - you can ease in instead.

—

Have you struggled with the effects of isolation over the past few months? Do you feel like some of the effects have lingered, even as you slowly return to your normal routines? You do not have to feel this way forever, and speaking with a therapist might help you process everything you’ve been through. Read more about trauma therapy today and reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.