Loneliness: Post Pandemic

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INTRODUCTION

One of the most climactic events in recent times was COVID-19 pandemic. The manner in which this event affected the wellbeing of people around the world could be felt throughout the holistic spectrum, especially in terms of loneliness.

Due to lockdowns, a huge portion of the population was stuck indoors with very few opportunities for social interaction. As a result of this isolation, the impact of loneliness became one of the medical community’s biggest concerns.

This pamphlet discusses some of the many ways that the loneliness brought about by the pandemic has affected the global population, what we’ve learned from all of this, and how life as we know it has changed to this day.

The Many Health Effects of Social Isolation

This unprecedented situation demonstrated what the result of such a wide-swept phenomenon of loneliness could do to a population, and how these impacts can still be felt years later. The social isolation of the pandemic resulted in generally poorer physical health, higher mortality rates, fluctuations in weight control levels, and negative mental health effects across populations.

Studies found that in a very short time, negative mental health symptoms increased across a huge portion of the population. In the US, there was close to a 500% increase in people seeking mental health screening in 2021, which, in turn, revealed higher rates of mental illness, including anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and depression.

However, although the onset of COVID-19 was an extreme and difficult time, there are also many things that the scientific community have learned through the course of this pandemic about how to cope with loneliness, and how to curb the effects of social isolation.

How the Pandemic Affected Different Age Groups

As the COVID-19 pandemic prompted governments to introduce social distancing, self-isolation, quarantining, and lockdowns to contain the virus, the impact these measures had on various age demographics varied.

Many parents noticed that their toddlers and preschoolers became more cranky and anxious and seemed sadder during the lockdowns. The lockdowns also disrupted their sleep patterns. A study conducted in Italy revealed that parents reported significantly delayed bedtimes for their children.

Young people, particularly teens and those in their early twenties, faced the challenge of adapting to the restrictions on socializing, missing out on important milestones, such as proms and graduations.

Notwithstanding, many young people demonstrated remarkable resilience, watching TV and films or using streaming services and socializing over the internet to remain connected.

Middle-aged individuals were not exempt from the effects of the lockdown. A lot of them had to assume additional duties at work to guarantee business continuity and harmonize work from home while still tending to their children. In a globally representative survey of middle-aged and elderly participants, 61.6% reported decreased contact with friends and relatives, and 22.2% reported an increase in loneliness.

The elderly population was particularly impacted by the lockdowns. To safeguard their health, many older adults had to remain indoors and avoid public spaces. A survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the elderly worried about the lockdown as they were more likely to have difficulty obtaining essential items, such as food and medicine. A survey conducted by the UK’s Office for National Statistics showed that 36% of all respondents experienced loneliness at some point during the pandemic.

How Life Has Changed

For many people, the introduction of lockdowns was the first time they experienced isolation or developed long-term loneliness. To mitigate the impact on their day to day lives, many senior citizens learned how to video chat with their loved ones, young adults attended school from their rooms, and many workplaces switched to virtual offices. However, Professor Angelina Sutin, a Behavioral Scientist at Florida State University, points out that, “although the pandemic was stressful for everyone, it disrupted the normative tasks of [adolescents], such as school and the transition into the workforce and being sociable and developing relationships”.

In 2020 Jean Saldanha, Director of the European Network on Debt and Development, noted that our global cooperation skills and willingness would be tested by the pandemic. In many respects, our lives have changed, and we have adjusted to new lifestyles quickly. Although numerous subsequent studies have highlighted a significant drop in performance, reduced concentration ability, and reduced motivation for people during the lockdown, there has also been no shortage of qualities that we've managed to nurture through these tough times, as we became more sensitive, helpful, caring, and became more mindful of ourselves and other people.

The Pew Research Center surveyed Americans throughout recent years, and among 180,000 answers, 41% of those surveyed said COVID-19 affected their personal relationships. This was in no small part related to the fact that there were a lot of social and cultural activities we had to temporarily let go of, such as working out at the gym and going to concerts, theaters, or even for a coffee.

FITNESS CENTER

Every cloud has a silver lining though! During the restrictions, many households experienced the development of closer bonds with their loved ones, having spent much more time together than before. Some Americans mentioned that they continue to feel strongly connected to their spouses and children today, as a result of the relationships developed during this time. According to this American poll, 26% of those surveyed revealed they slowed down, started new hobbies, and learned to relax, achievements many of them would have deemed close to impossible pre-pandemic!

Loneliness: Post-Pandemic

What We’ve Learned

Now that we’ve seen how the COVID-19 outbreak was a major determinant of people feeling lonely, alienated, and isolated, we’ve slowly come to terms with a new way of living! Though it has been more than two years since social distancing and self-isolation became part of our everyday language, some of us have grown distant from friends, while others need new forms of social connection.

The constant changes in our lifestyles are inevitable with or without a pandemic. Whether it’s choosing to work remotely, experiencing emotional fluctuations in our personal relationships, or even noticing that our personality has altered - all are perfectly normal phases.

Luckily for us, it’s something we’re in together; the world in its entirety is learning to adapt to the changes caused by the pandemic! From the scientists and researchers who have been examining efficient ways to help us cope better with loneliness, to the people who have never given up on us.

Let's continue to look out for one another and stay connected.

Check out our other brochures for more information on loneliness, loneliness and social anxiety, and the link between loneliness and social media!

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