Is Time to Turn to Other Options to Keep in Touch

The pandemic drastically changed our daily lives. This situation affects the way we work, socialize, learn, and interact.

While the way we relate to family and friends is different, maintaining connections, have become critical to our mental health.

Get out of your comfort zone

If you were used to only being in contact with loved ones in person, try to find other friends you can communicate with. Finding virtual happy hours, coffee groups, or meetings is a great way to improve your social life during the CORONAVIRUS pandemic.

Take advantage of this quarantine and find new hobbies, whether it's cooking, sewing, gardening, or taking an online class. Find something every day that makes you happy.

How is the pandemic changing the way we interact socially with people?

We are disconnected from our usual social support. All the people we used to interact with during the day, like friends at work or the people we meet at the coffee shop, are no longer part of our daily lives.

People have activated what psychologist Lisa Damour calls their social system backup generators: old friends and reaching out to people you haven't been in contact with for a long time.

As we lose our daily support, we regain those relationships that are truly valuable and powerful.

Also read: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL INTEGRITY

"We should take it as an honor to be someone's backup system and to be theirs," says Damour.

These connections are more important than ever before. When we reach out to people with whom we have been close at other times in our lives, it is our way of letting them know that they have an exceptional place in our hearts.

What to do if you are struggling with social distancing

The psychologist says that if you feel lonely, you should look for a powerful connection. "I would like people to attend to their social needs in the same way that they would attend to a need for physical help." Some of her tips are:

-Get the social support you need.

-Contact with friends and family.

-Connect with others.

Avoid negative coping strategies

The expert warns that it is unhealthy if someone is holding on and does not contact anyone or use substances to manage emotional distress. Also, not getting out of bed or being in a bad mood with the people around you are alarming symptoms.

If you don't have the social support you need and need mental health care, you can get it now. Since the pandemic, many countries have activated a public service to take care of citizens' mental health due to the stress and anxiety caused by the confinement and the pandemic itself.

If you haven't heard from someone at this time, don't make assumptions about what they are about. Some people are going through a lot, dealing with serious losses. Give your loved ones the benefit of the doubt, especially at times like this. They are doing their best, and they may be going through more than you imagine. Reconnect with your friends and family and respect them if they aren't ready to socialize like they used to.