Loneliness During COVID-19

The entire world went under major life alterations in the year of 2020 following the global pandemic, COVID-19. While some have adapted better than others, there are millions of individuals who feel like they have lost a part of their life. From having a regular schedule each day, to waking up and being unable to move out of your bed waiting for a reason to sit up, this pandemic has not only affected everyday living, but our mental health as well. It’s extremely hard going from seeing multiple faces everyday, to being locked up in your house with no one at all. Having a living space with family or friends is a blessing right now, even if it seems frustrating at the current moment. There are some who have been home alone for almost 10 months, unable to see anyone. Being grateful for everyone and everything around you is important, and telling yourself that you are lucky and thankful helps, but there’s no escaping your real thoughts. Running away from any harsh feelings will only make things worse, and hopefully seeing that you are not the only one feeling this way will help. So basically, let’s talk about the ongoing struggle of feeling lonely during the Coronavirus pandemic.

First of all, it is important to remember that you don’t have to physically be alone to feel lonely. Do not try to force yourself not to feel a certain type of way just because you feel like you don’t “qualify” since you are not actually by yourself. No one but yourself can tell you how you are feeling. Some people may not understand, and that’s okay. The validation of others for your raw emotions is not important. Adjusting to a completely new lifestyle is difficult, and going through the changes mentally will come at you, even when you least expect it. From someone who went from seeing hundreds of faces a day, to only seeing the three members of my family in my house, it was a big change that I honestly am still getting used to even 10 months later. I stuck to my own friend group throughout school and never needed anything more, so I thought not being able to see people for the regular hangouts and lunch dates would never affect me. But the way I thought I could trick my mind into feeling less lonesome, drained me. Over a period of time, I noticed I only had the energy to keep up with one friend, who I have stayed close with for years so we were practically connected at that point. I saw I only had one true friend to talk to, vent out my emotions to, listen to, and stay with. So if I had my family members and a best friend that is pretty much family at this point, I couldn’t help but ask myself, why am I feeling so lonesome? Being lonely was honestly not new to me, I always felt as if I was missing something in my life, whether it was not having the most friends or not having a romantic life, I never felt complete. But I assumed after a while, it would fade away. I was wrong. Then add quarantine on top, it’s a mess. So my usual loneliness turned into corona loneliness, fun, I know. Don’t get me wrong, I have people that love and care about me, but sometimes, all you have and all you’re grateful for starts to feel smaller. It’s hard being cooped up inside with all of these thoughts running wild in your head and as much as you wish to switch your brain off, it’s difficult and ultimately draining.

Whatever you are feeling, you are not alone. It’s not bad to be feeling these things, and beating yourself up about it is no help. Letting my emotions out to others was always a difficult task for me, I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by saying I feel alone and empty while they have been continually standing by my side, but it’s much more than that. If someone confides in you with this topic, they are not telling you that you are not enough, if anything you have been more than enough to help through this time. What this feels like is beyond words and all you can do to support them is let them know they can trust you and pour out any emotions they might be holding inside that is practically suffocating them. I’m hoping by releasing how I have been feeling will allow whoever is going through this or something similar, to feel as if they are not the only one right now, and it is okay to be feeling like this. We are all human, we have our lows, but we also have our highs, and we will get back on top to one. Getting through this is tough, but finding others to talk to and guide you through this is important and will make a difference. I know with the holidays and current travel restrictions, it is very tough for those who are not able to see family this Christmas, but pushing through is key and you will get past this. Face timing loved ones and being with them from afar is always an option, use whatever makes you happiest and makes you feel more whole.

Section 9 is a safe space, I am yours for whatever you may be battling, so messages are open, if you ever feel like you have no one to talk to or are struggling, our DM’s are fully open for you and will be completely private, just between us! This feeling is not a selfish act, you do not have to feel guilty about any thoughts you may have, even if at first it may come across as that. I was always told to look at the glass half full rather than half empty, and this applies to all of you. Focus on positive thoughts, and if that is almost impossible find ways to distract yourself. Some of my favorites for this are meditating, painting, listening to music, and even working out. Know that you are not alone, we are always for you, just keep going, this will pass.