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ISOLATED, BUT TOGETHER We are each at home, isolated, even though we are social beings. Fear is contagious and we don’t need direct contact for that. We may exhibit unusual, negative behaviors. However, we can support each other during this time.

Andreea Chiru-Maga, psychotherapist and clinical psychologist, explains where our fears come from and how we can stay connected with others, even if everyone is in their own home.

Andreea Chiru Maga | Photo: Personal archive

What effects does social distancing and isolation have on our psyche? Do we behave differently or unusually? Do we have different attitudes?

We all sometimes want to be alone, but isolation can affect us significantly both physically (cardiovascular, hormonal, weight gain) and mentally, as well as in our daily lives (changes in sleep patterns, attention, eating habits, excessive smoking, need to eat a lot and often, loss of sense of time).

In terms of mental effects, consider that isolation in prisons was considered the harshest form of punishment. Following isolation and sensory deprivation, incarcerated individuals sought sensory stimuli, ended up singing, making noise, talking, but after a period of time, they began to experience panic attacks, anxiety disorders, extreme emotions, paranoia, obsessive thoughts, and visual or tactile hallucinations (for example, in the film “Cast Away”, the stranded character played by Tom Hanks personified a volleyball).

What happens in the brain when we are isolated/How behavior is affected

The brain is accustomed to working with daily patterns and a large amount of information, including sensory stimuli such as visual and auditory. When it receives less information due to isolation, it has to adapt and form new patterns, which are easily influenced by our emotional state. We tend to give a lot of meaning to information based on how it makes us feel.

We associate emotional experiences with how we relate to them. For example:

  • When a person displeases me (emotion), I choose not to interact with them (behavior).
  • When I am afraid of getting sick (emotion), I choose to buy a lot of medications from the pharmacy (behavior).
  • When I hear from the news that stores are running out of supplies (emotion), I go to buy food to avoid running out of it (behavior).

Thus, isolation associated with the pandemic context can activate negative emotions, and as a result, we may develop safety behaviors, many of which can be irrational.

However, in the current context, isolation is very different, given that we are in our own homes surrounded by many stimuli, such as internet access, phones, laptops, games, food, and television.

We are a “plugged-in” society, and the most important aspect regarding isolation depends on our perception of it and how we choose to relate to it based on that perception.

Can we approach isolation positively?

A positive perspective on isolation can help us have a much better emotional state (for example, when staying at home, I connect more with my family, have time to do more things for myself, etc.) or set constructive goals to keep our minds occupied (such as organizing, reading/watching/listening to things we didn’t have time for before, etc.). Establishing a daily routine can also be helpful.

We are social beings, and our psychological systems are often connected to a social network. This social network can be rich at certain life stages, but it has been shown that as we age, this network tends to shrink. Not surprisingly, the highest rates of depression are found during adolescence and old age, as these are periods when we have the greatest need for connection with others. A tragic example is the Romanian orphans of the 1990s, who were deprived of social contact from birth and thus experienced significant delays in socio-emotional development.

In the context of the pandemic, it depends on how isolation at home is experienced, whether we are alone or surrounded by people. Individuals who are alone or those who are in uncomfortable, toxic, or abusive environments may feel the effects of isolation more intensely. For some, isolation can be an exceptional opportunity, while for others it can be a significant source of stress.

Can we experience panic attacks or anxiety?

During this period, panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive behaviors, or depression can be triggered. Certainly, our perception of isolation can influence our emotional state. Fear is known as an emotional, behavioral, and physiological response to perceived threats. During this pandemic period, fear can be triggered by several factors:

  • Intolerance to uncertainty. Often, uncertainty is associated with negative outcomes, leading people to seek reassurance from others. However, increasing tolerance for uncertainty reduces worry and can alleviate feelings of fear. Therefore, I recommend using credible sources of information.
  • Worry, which can be supported by a set of beliefs we have about danger. We may overestimate the likelihood of negative events occurring, which can lead to dysfunctional behaviors.
  • Misinterpretations of the current situation.

When would it be advisable to seek specialized help?

  • When we struggle to manage daily activities,
  • When we experience extreme emotional swings,
  • When we feel sad and hopeless for a long time,
  • When we think about suicide,
  • When we are constantly worried, and it affects both our daily life and our sleep, following traumatic events,
  • When we excessively use stimulants such as drugs, alcohol, or medications
  • When we have irrational fears that affect our life.

How can we support each other during this period?

  • Follow the recommendations set by the relevant authorities in emergency situations.
  • Be responsible and rational, and avoid buying excessive or unnecessary products. Otherwise, such behaviors can create panic and anxiety among the population. Additionally, there is a risk of entering a vicious cycle: the more empty shelves there are, the more people may be tempted to adopt safety behaviors and buy more.
  • Fear is contagious, and it doesn’t require direct contact. I recommend paying close attention to the information we share online, as it can create significant sources of stress and panic.
  • By taking care of our own health, we also protect others.
  • Donations have positive effects and can connect us through a common goal. Where there are more people, the power grows! The purpose of donations is to bring about change, and when people come together as a team and feel that their donations make an impact, they become even more motivated to contribute. Examples like Dăruiește Viața or MagiCamp have brought together many people for a common cause. Our involvement, even from home, can be very helpful and provide us with a sense of well-being.

How can we stay connected with others, even if everyone is at home?

  • Maintain daily phone or video calls with family and loved ones.
  • Avoid changing our lifestyle; continue doing the same things we did before.
  • Forming or maintaining a healthy social network (friends, family, colleagues). Keeping in touch, both via video and phone, with these people can reduce emotional stress, strengthen our ability to cope with stressful events, improve mental health and self-esteem, help develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, and encourage adherence to a treatment plan.

This article is part of MedLife’s initiative – Isolated, but Together. Supported by doctors and specialists, the initiative aims to provide accurate information and offer medical and emotional support to those in need. #izolatidarimpreuna speaks about solidarity and how we can act responsibly during this time: through isolation, accurate information, and dedication, with empathy and warmth, we can overcome this impasse.

Together, we make adapting to these new conditions easier. Let’s overcome uncertainties, and be responsible and resilient in the face of the challenges we encounter. We learn to be united, present for each other, even from a distance, to protect ourselves and those in greatest need. Because within us lies the power to change the course of this period, and each of us can make a difference. If you think this article could help others, please share it.

Heading Photo Source: Sasha Freemind | Unsplash

Article Source: https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-izolati_dar_impreuna-23739358-izolare-sociala-comportamente-neobisnuite-andreea-chiru-maga-frica-este-contagioasa-fim-responsabili-rationali-nu-cumparam-produse-exces-sau-care-nu-sunt-necesare.htm