Isolation and Loneliness

Posted: August 4, 2020, 3:29PM

Are you almost ready to answer your phone and chat with whoever is on the other end?

Staying home has been challenging for so many of us. We aren't seeing our colleagues at meetings nor are we able to plan special events. The evening dinners with friends have morphed into Zoom meetings with our favorite beverage. For those of us who are huggers, this has been especially difficult. No one to meet and no one to hug. Sigh....

I am fortunate to have my spouse and our four-legged fur-child for companionship as I stay home as much as possible.

But - there are many people around us who live alone. Isolation and loneliness can lead to physical ills, sleep disturbances, depression, and other problems such as nutritional issues (comfort foods, eating to make up for companionship). Falling prey to scams has also been associated with isolation and loneliness.

If you have older or vulnerable family, neighbors, or friends, check on them. Ask how they are doing. Ask if they are getting strange calls and remind them to hang up or disregard messages. Offer reassurance. Do window visits if possible. If they need help, offer to connect them or help them find resources. (You can give us a call for information on resources.)

We need to depend on one another during this most difficult time, and we need to protect the vulnerable in our community.

Be kind.

Stay safe. Stay well. Wash your hands. Wear a mask.