Intersecting Realities:
The Impact of Social Distancing on Mental Health
“Social distancing” is a public health practice that has been implemented nationally to slow the spread of COVID-19. While necessary to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and maximize public safety, stay-at-home orders have drastically disrupted the way in which people function on a daily basis. Distancing radically defies the universal norm of prosocial behavior, which is a driving force of good mental health.
Though the pandemic has affected us in unique ways, prolonged social isolation may have enhanced consequences for individuals who suffer from mental health conditions. The inability to assemble with others may prevent these people from engaging in normal routines, including their autonomy to go outside and socialize, which are otherwise recommended strategies to alleviate a range of symptoms. Although video-chatting has been a highly prominent medium to nurture interpersonal needs, studies show that video-chatting with others does not positively impact people with depression to the same degree as face-to-face interaction does. This suggests that it does not sufficiently replace in-person time. An exacerbation of existing emotional distress is also a concern. According to one publication from the International Journal of Mental Health, social isolation can cause individuals with mental illness to experience worsened feelings of anxiety and anger.
Inhibiting social congregation may also reinforce gross social inequalities, which can have devastating psychological consequences. The mentally ill and other vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, families with low socioeconomic status, racial minorities, women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are already more likely to experience disproportionately lower access to healthcare. The combined impact of this disparity along with stigma, racism, and financial difficulties, may further hinder these individuals’ mental capacity to navigate pandemic-related hardships. Therefore, these intersecting realities must be viewed holistically to identify the ways in which social distancing measures can cause serious mental harm. COVID-19 is certainly much more nuanced than a purely biological problem. A recent survey conducted on over 2000 people experiencing mental illness revealed detrimental effects of social distancing on aspects of well-being, including increased anxiety, depression, stress, general negative feelings, and concern about economic instability. Tellingly, the prospect of contracting COVID-19 ranked below that of issues related to the social and psychological implications of the pandemic.
Though the pandemic has affected us in unique ways, prolonged social isolation may have enhanced consequences for individuals who suffer from mental health conditions. The inability to assemble with others may prevent these people from engaging in normal routines, including their autonomy to go outside and socialize, which are otherwise recommended strategies to alleviate a range of symptoms. Although video-chatting has been a highly prominent medium to nurture interpersonal needs, studies show that video-chatting with others does not positively impact people with depression to the same degree as face-to-face interaction does. This suggests that it does not sufficiently replace in-person time. An exacerbation of existing emotional distress is also a concern. According to one publication from the International Journal of Mental Health, social isolation can cause individuals with mental illness to experience worsened feelings of anxiety and anger.
Inhibiting social congregation may also reinforce gross social inequalities, which can have devastating psychological consequences. The mentally ill and other vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, families with low socioeconomic status, racial minorities, women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are already more likely to experience disproportionately lower access to healthcare. The combined impact of this disparity along with stigma, racism, and financial difficulties, may further hinder these individuals’ mental capacity to navigate pandemic-related hardships. Therefore, these intersecting realities must be viewed holistically to identify the ways in which social distancing measures can cause serious mental harm. COVID-19 is certainly much more nuanced than a purely biological problem. A recent survey conducted on over 2000 people experiencing mental illness revealed detrimental effects of social distancing on aspects of well-being, including increased anxiety, depression, stress, general negative feelings, and concern about economic instability. Tellingly, the prospect of contracting COVID-19 ranked below that of issues related to the social and psychological implications of the pandemic.
Image Source: Logan Weaver
Many recent publications aim to lessen the mental health burdens created by social distancing. One multidisciplinary approach proposed an action plan addressing several aspects of the pandemic’s impact on psychological well-being. To lower the risk of emotional stress associated with the virus, the study suggested improving methods to monitor and report rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, as well as implementing video-conferencing psychotherapies to ensure widespread availability of psychiatric treatment. The authors also proposed ways to improve general psychological functioning, such as mobilizing online mental health resources for wellness support. In addition, they proposed action items to address the mental health needs of vulnerable groups. These included implementing outreach methods to support those at risk of abuse at home, and quickly providing psychiatric care for frontline healthcare workers exposed to inordinate stress and trauma. To promote maximum adherence to pandemic regulations while minimizing distress among the masses, the authors also suggested enhanced dissemination of public health information.
Even after the acute severity of the pandemic subsides, the need to deconstruct social barriers will remain as a path to improving mental health. Long-term goals should focus on instituting programs that promote good mental health practices. These ideally include providing greater accessibility to virtual programs, as well as encouraging self-compassion, gratitude, and other applications of positive psychology—all aspects that we can use on a daily basis.
Even after the acute severity of the pandemic subsides, the need to deconstruct social barriers will remain as a path to improving mental health. Long-term goals should focus on instituting programs that promote good mental health practices. These ideally include providing greater accessibility to virtual programs, as well as encouraging self-compassion, gratitude, and other applications of positive psychology—all aspects that we can use on a daily basis.
Featured Image Source: AhmadArdity
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