How to stay well with new social distancing rules

[Wilee]

I have noticed my mood/mental health has gone down hill since the new social distancing rule has rolled out. I feel very alone and isolated. I live by myself and I normally keep myself active socially by in order to stay well. But literally everything social has shutter down, I find it extremely hard to feel that I am a part something or I should say I have lost the sense of belonging. Friends also have withdrawn themselves for social distancing. I understand all that is necessary but I really need some advise on what I need to do to get out of this feeling 😢

[quirkywords]

Wilee welcome to the forum and well done for starting your own thread.

t is hard when we have been told that social connection is important for mental health.

read that maybe we should say physical distancing not social distancing.

Is it possible to text friends and keep in touch via messaging or online groups?

There is so much we can't control but there tings we can control. We can limit the amount of news we listen to.

Is there a book , or a movie you have wanted to read or watch.

You are most welcome to post on your thread but you may feel like having a look at this thread:

Coping during the coronavirus outbreak. There are many people like you on the thread trying to cope with this difficult situation.

[Guest_1643]

hi Wilee, welcome and hope you are feeling okay today.
Your post is exactly how I feel, you are right it is inmportant to be connected to others and very challenging to do so.

Echoing quirky, people have some great ideas on the "Coping during the Coronavirus Outbreak."

It's easy to advise to call others or facetime but I know it's not the same, and can be a little awkward when not used to it. I like to go driving in my car or walking just to see shops or sites, even then I feel more a part of society. At home I agree movies and books, and even newspapers and art, keep me connected to myself.

It is a very hard time now for people who need to get out and about, like yourself, so I understand completely. There's less opportunities to get the benefits of being with crowds etc. But I guess now we have to focus on whtaever self-care things we can do from our homes. Good luck and I hope to hear more about your journey!

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Wilee,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post - such an important thread and I know you're not alone in this one. I think it's a strength on you to identify when your mood starts to go down - I know I can sense mine is too.

One of the biggest things I've helped is to try and reframe 'social distancing' to 'physical distancing'. In what ways have you been social before that can now start to go virtual? How can you feel that sense of belonging online or on the phone?

Maybe that could be as simple as a phone call, or even getting creative - like if you were to usually go out on a Friday night with drinks you could Skype at home with a drink in hand! I've also seen that people are playing games virtually and watching Netflix while chatting too.

I hope this helps a little. Your sense of belonging is not at all gone - it's just hidden for now.

rt

[Guest_1643]

I feel someties like this social distancing is like an assertiveness challenge for me - how strong can I stand up for what I know is right?
It's easier to stay alone completely, because when outside you have to be very firm with boundaries and remember them and assert them. THAT is hard