Social isolation and need online company

The pandemic and related lockdowns/anxiety have caused much isolation @Codex1

I am fortunate that I'm approaching the twilight of my professional career. But I worry about younger people and particularly those living alone. For them, the isolation would be extra-ordinarily difficult.

Much of this is not discussed by the political leaders making decisions on how to manage this pandemic.

We need more support! They need more support.

Let's be grateful for the gift of a coffee and a moment to reflect.

I feel you @Codex1 about the judgemental comments people make.

I think sometimes people get so concerned about following the rules that they forget we are all human beings with a need and desire to connect. And the uncertainty around this all makes it so incredibly difficult.

Something I've done to help with socialising is virtual movie nights with friends! We all grab our snacks and hit play on the same movie on netflix at the same time, and then message on Facebook about it. 😛

The pandemic has definitley forced me to get creative with my social life because it really seems like it is that or like you said, become more isolated.

Keen to hear others ideas!
- periwinklepixie

Hello @Codex1 , @Carlo , @Former-Member

and other members visiting this thread

Great thread title and topic @Codex1 . I do believe that the thread may also be of interest to people who, while they may also be isolated because of covid, may be isolated for other reasons.

What I like here is that the thread has begun with some positive suggestions about dealing with isolation, not just commiserating with each other about the reasons for and application of sanctions.

In my situation, covid has had little affect on the community activity. I live in the Mid-West Region of WA. It is very sparsely populated. I live in a small country town, where the main influx of people, from other locations, occurs during the wildflower season, covering a period of about three months, from August to October.

The main issue that I face is the lack of desire, or even a distinct feeling of resistance to going out and engaging in social activity. I am fortunate that I join a small singing group twice a week, a church gathering with lunch each week and being a country town, even shopping is a social activity. So, through these activities I have maintained some social connection

A lot of my time, over the past 12 months, has been occupied in correspondence with other members of and involvement in this forum community. I feel reluctant to go outside. It is unlikely to be a social phobia, but rather a contraction, partly due to physical limitations and partly, psychological and grief, after the loss of my Mum about 2 1/2 years ago. I don't think that these factors really have affected me more because I am older, but rather that there are no longer evident, around me, the social and other pressures that would be likely to motivate a younger person to move forward.

As a result of ongoing discussions with a counsellor, my correspondence, interactions and involvement here on the forum, and the support of a few people in the community, I am gradually beginning to feel motivated to actually going out and being more engaged with the 'world' outside my home. And simply being "out there".

What is apparent, to me, is that my involvement in this online community has been challenging, uplifting, rewarding, frustrating, enjoyable, pleasant, self-developmental and expanding, through mental challenges and intellectual stimulation and much more.

I hope that these thoughts may be supportive and encouraging to others.

Thank you also @Codex1 for your interest in and review of material on various threads and for your acknowledgements by "support", of many of my posts. Very much appreciated.

with Best wishes

@HenryX

Hello @Codex1 🙋

Thanks for tagging me. I'm too late for the breakfast party but I've gained some much needed perspective from reading your post and the replies.

I'm glad to hear you've had some answers to your questions today.

Living in the bush (as I do) brings its own sense of isolation, a possibility mentioned by @HenryX .

This combined with the current social restrictions means that I'm lucky to get an hour or so of in person interaction per month during my visits to town for essential supplies. I always try to engage positively with everyone I do meet, but sometimes get the feeling they just want me to complete my purchase and move on.

Like @MDT I too have lost contact with friends. This is partly due to an intermittent mobile phone signal, my being depressed and withdrawn and partly due to natural processes over time (I think). Whatever the reason it isn't a nice feeling.

That said, I do have a beautiful daughter in another state with whom I stay in touch and this forum provides me with the opportunity to connect with, be supported by, and to support others.

The challenge for me is to stay well and focused enough to participate effectively in the forum and life. As this post proves I am currently winning the battle.

Take care, RedHorse 🌹🐴