Right now, the world is mostly under lockdown. It is gradually being relaxed, but social lives are still a long way off from being what they once were. While gatherings of up to six people in an outdoor space are now allowed, private gathering at home are still prohibited - unless it’s in the garden - and everybody still has to stay at least 6 feet apart from anybody who is not in their immediate household. Social distancing measures are definitely for the best right now in order to save lives and protect the NHS, but this new state of solitude can really affect people’s mental health, especially those who live alone, or for people who have been unable to see and get intimate with their partner during this time.
Loneliness itself can cause a range of mental health issues, such as depressive symptoms, feelings of helplessness, substance abuse, and even suicidal ideation. It can also cause a range of physical symptoms including decreased sleep quality, poor general health, and a lower immune system.
If you’re feeling lonely during the current crisis, the first thing to know is that you’re not alone.
Singles - Try Online Dating
When you’re single and looking for love, it might feel like your dating life has to be put on hold for the time being, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, online dating is booming right now as singles take advantage of the extra time on their hands to meet new people. And even if you don’t end up finding ‘the one’, you might meet people who will become solid friends in the future.
Get Intimate With Yourself
If you are missing a sexual connection right now, either with a partner or from hooking up with strangers on a night out, you’re not on your own. Sexual contact with somebody who isn’t from your household is top of the list when it comes to the most efficient ways to spread the virus, and whether you’re single or living apart from your partner during this time, physical intimacy might be the one thing that you are missing the most. But you don’t have to miss out completely. In fact, you can use this time to get intimate with yourself and get to know yourself better sexually.
There’s no shame in masturbating and pleasuring yourself sexually; in fact, it’s often required for healthy sex life. Sex toys like vibrators or fleshlights can help you make the most of your solo sessions; you can find them on this site with something to suit everybody. Sex Toy Saver is a great place to start with a range of sex toys from beginner-friendly to more adventurous. And if you’re physically apart from your partner during this time, introducing some sex toys to your phone calls or video chats can keep the spark alive, even when you can’t touch each other.
Reach Out to Friends
Of course, loneliness isn’t always about missing sexual contact and getting intimate with a partner. Sometimes, you might just miss hanging out with your friends or going for a coffee or lunch. Don’t let this time where you have to physically stay apart keep you from spending time with your friends. Reach out to them and arrange video group chats or even a socially distanced trip to the park together. If you’re feeling lonely because you realize that you don’t have very many friends, you’re not alone. Many adults don’t have a large circle of friends and that’s totally OK. Why not use apps like Bumble for Friends, where you can meet people in your area and start new platonic relationships? You can swipe through just as you would on a dating app and pick potential friends based on shared interests, hobbies, and more. Or, reach out on social media; community groups are booming during this time and there’s bound to be somebody in your area who is also looking for a new friend to talk to during these uncertain times.
Consider Professional Help
Feelings of loneliness can often be underestimated when it comes to the profound effect that they can have on our mental wellbeing. If you have been suffering from loneliness during the pandemic and it’s caused symptoms like feelings of depression and helplessness, or you’re struggling to enjoy the things that you use to, then it might be worth considering professional help. Remember that your doctor is still there to help you during this time.
Be sure to call your health provider beforehand so that you can get instructions on what to do if you want to speak to your doctor about how you are feeling; they may be able to offer an appointment over the phone or a video call.
Telephone and online counseling are also available. This might be useful to help you talk through how you are feeling with a trained professional who can validate your feelings and help you come up with healthy coping mechanisms.
Loneliness is not uncommon for anybody going through the current crisis on their own, but while you may be physically alone, remember, that there are others around you to help.