As each calendar day ticks by, we’re reminded again and again how deeply the coronavirus has impacted every single one of us. For months, we’ve scrambled to discover new ways of coping, new ways of living and working, new ways of defining “normal” in so many aspects of our lives.
Unsurprisingly, these challenges have triggered a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to sadness, loneliness and stress. If you (or a senior in your life) are struggling with these types of feelings, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and take advantage of opportunities to enhance your personal well-being.
Given the many daily disruptions COVID-19 has generated all along its path, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by it all—particularly when it comes to critical safety precautions like social distancing. To help you gain valuable perspective and manage the stress you may be experiencing, we’re providing expert insights on the matter. Take a minute to take in these tips for a more manageable way to move forward.
What is social distancing, and why does it matter?
First things first: It’s essential to understand why we’re doing all of this in the first place. Otherwise, it begins to feel like an unnecessary burden. The truth is that social distancing, however difficult it may seem, is fundamental to stopping or slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Also known as physical distancing, or minimizing physical interaction among and between people, social distancing has been emphatically encouraged by the world’s scientific and medical community to slow the transmission of the virus and mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Regardless of your age or stage in life, you play a vital role in this mission. By limiting social interaction and ensuring six feet of space between yourself and others whenever possible, you help protect the people who are at high risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19, especially if one of those people is you or someone you love.
It’s been discovered by the medical community that older adults, particularly those over the age of 85, are some of the most at-risk individuals in terms of having significant, even life-threatening COVID symptoms. The risk is also very high for those people with serious underlying medical conditions. There have been tens of thousands of people across the country who’ve suffered hospitalization, intensive care, reliance on ventilators and, in the worst cases, death.
It’s helpful to remember these realities when faced with the stress and loneliness of social distancing efforts. By prioritizing the health and safety of those around you, you become an integral part of the fight against this dangerous pandemic.
What impacts might social distancing have on your mental and emotional health?
Even though the reasons for practicing social distancing now and into the future are both meaningful and important, there’s no doubt that following these recommendations can have harsh repercussions on your mental health and emotional well-being. Social distancing can and unquestionably has caused people of all ages to experience:
Your ability to cope with these types of issues may hinge largely on the level of support you receive from family, friends and your community. Even so, no one is immune from the reality of pandemic-related stress and isolation. It can affect anyone, at any age, anywhere and in any way.
According to the CDC, people who may respond more strongly to the stress of this crisis include:
What techniques are recommended to manage the stress of COVID-19?
However burdensome they may feel, social distancing efforts are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to effectively manage the resulting stress and help others do the same.
Below are some of the ways the CDC suggests to cope with social distancing and the stress COVID-19 may cause:
For additional tips on senior health and lifestyle issues, check out our blog. If you’re interested in learning more about United Methodist Homes senior living community, contact us today.