SELF-ISOLATION: A MENTAL COLLAPSE?

In order not to attract any circulating contagious disease (COVID-19 being no exception), we are encouraged to shun the rest of the living world by either social distancing or self-isolation. To save our physical immunity - but with the risk of mental collapse. Read on to learn about ways out of the vicious cycle mentally.     

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

In order to at least slow down the spread of coronavirus or other infections,  we are encouraged to stay away from close  contacts with fellow human beings. For 2 interdependent reasons: not to get infected by others, and not to taint others in case we are already infected by ourselves.
 
Doing justice accordingly, there are 2 spatial ways: social distancing and self-isolation. With basic differences we better understand before following either way. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Social distancing simply does not mean to shun away from any contact with folks not belonging to your same household. Rather, to keep a distance of at least 6 feet between you and those ‘strangers’. Along with wearing a face mask. To avoid any potential spread – or receipt, vice-versa - of droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing in your neighborhood.
 
That’s why you should also avoid large events such as (music or other) festivals, sports games or theater shows. Equally to eschew close public gatherings at places like shopping malls, parks, restaurants. Unless 6 feet of distance is guaranteed.
 
In other words, social distancing is a physical distance of at least 6 feet and wearing a cloth face mask. It is not necessarily an emotional distance. Still staying mentally in ‘touch’ with the rest of the world - thus keeping your sanity.

BASICS OF SELF-ISOLATION

On the other side, self-isolation means, inter alia,
      *   Don’t leave your home physically unless you have a medical appointment  

• Don’t welcome any visitors
• If you live in a shared household, try to stay in different rooms
• Keep home deliveries in front of your door
  

This, however, not only enhances your feeling of loneliness but can potentially lead to serious mental issues over time such as
      *    anxiety

• depression
• schizophrenia
• dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease

           and even

• heart disease

 
According to research at, inter alia, the University of California in Los Angeles, CA, the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, and Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.
 
Starting with symptoms we may not always allocate to the status of self-isolation early enough. Such as
      *   poor sleep

• poor self-care
• aggressive behavior
• passive attitude

 
Potentially affecting more than 8 million adults in the U.S.

WAYS OUT OF MENTAL VICIOUS CYCLE

In order not only to stay physically de-corona-ted but connected mentally with the rest of the world, follow one or better more options our modern electronically developed world offers us in both cases – social distancing and self-isolation.
 
Inter alia,
      *   e-mail

• phone
• texting
• regular mail
• social media

        with special reference to

• skype

         &  

• video chat platforms

        where you can be seen and you can see the communication partner/s
        vice-versa. 

IN A NUTSHELL

In order not to attract any circulating contagious disease (COVID-19 being no exception), we are encouraged to shun the rest of the living world by either social distancing or self-isolation. To save our physical immunity - but with the risk of mental collapse. In this blog you learn about ways out of the vicious cycle.     

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DISCLAIMER

All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.