By Michelle H. Lim / Swinburne University of Technology
Humans are innately social. We all need human connection and we’re used to routine. When we are deprived of something, even for a short time, the need sometimes becomes stronger. (And while I’m talking mostly about the need for human connection, many who live alone are less able than usual to get help from family or friends with practical essentials, such as getting food, care or medicines).
If you live alone—or with others to whom you are not particularly close—it’s important to find different and creative ways to connect with people while still reducing the immediate Covid-19 risk. And for all of us, it’s time to redouble our efforts to check up on family, friends, neighbors and colleagues.
Lockdown can make us lonely
We are partway through a yet-to-be published study aimed at understanding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on relationships, health and quality of life. We have surveyed 2,666 people at the first wave around the world.
The first wave data found that 1 in 2 Australians report feeling more lonely since Covid-19. Living with family during Covid-19 seems to be most beneficial for protecting against feelings of loneliness, depression, social anxiety and stress. Young adults aged 18-25 also reported the highest levels of loneliness compared with other age groups. We know from previous research that young people have high social needs.
And it’s not just people living alone. People who live with housemates (or those unrelated to them) may also be at greater risk of loneliness. People also have complex social needs. Some have said, “I love my husband and my kids but I’m desperate to see my friends.” These findings are preliminary and work is ongoing. These early results are from when we first went into lockdown—before many people had lost jobs and networks and before the shine had worn off Zoom social catch-ups. Data from the second and third round of surveys will tell us more about how things have changed.
Making your interaction count
So, what can we do?
There are many ways to have safe social interactions within the recommended guidelines. It might help to remind yourself often that it’s not forever. There will be lots of time we can have together when the immediate threat has passed. And right now, the immediate risk to public health is huge.
And it doesn’t have to be just about Zoom catch-ups. Try going for a walk while talking on the phone with a friend, making something for a friend, writing a letter to a relative, or exercising with a friend while observing physical distancing.
There are very few benefits to this crisis but it may help us rediscover flexible ways to relate to others. Maybe we can think more clearly about cherishing these moments of interaction. It’s not just having a conversation but rather having meaningful interactions. The top priority is managing this public health crisis and stopping the spread of Covid-19. Social health is extremely important but it can be managed even while social restrictions are in place.
I think if people are feeling a bit lonely, even if they are bunkering down with a housemate or a partner but missing their friends, it’s important to know it’s OK to feel that way. But humans are astonishingly flexible and resilient through times of crisis. We can find creative ways to connect with people while still reducing the immediate risk. The Conversation