Are you about to climb the walls because of cabin fever due to social distancing? Do you wonder how long social distancing will be the rule in our culture?  Do you wonder how it will affect your relationships? Your mental health? Keep reading, because I will answer all of these questions in my blog today. 

Social Distancing Is Everybody’s Experience Right Now

If it helps to know that most everyone in our culture is having to deal with social distancing in some way shape or form.  One of the reports that came out recently said about 2 billion people in the world are having to do some form of social distancing right now.  It can help to know you aren’t the only one having to deal with this, as well as that it is for everyone’s best interest to do this unless your particular area can afford to have 20% of the population hospitalized at one time.  Here in the US, the answer to that is a big fat “No!”  

What Social Distancing Does to Mental Health

The answer to this varies depending on your personal orientation.  I have some clients who are naturally isolative and having social distancing going on is no big deal.  For people who are single, or are extroverts, or need a lot of physical touch going on, it can be very detrimental to mental health.  It can also negatively affect your relationships because unless you are used to spending a lot of time with members of your household, it can be a big adjustment.  In fact, I have equated our current national crisis to an experience of grief and loss. What’s been lost is physical proximity to others, and depending on your personal or cultural orientation, it can be a hard thing to deal with.  All kinds of emotions can accompany it as well, including sadness, anger, anxiety, overwhelm, shame, loneliness, feelings of absence, just to name a few.  

How to Preserve Mental Health During Social Distancing

1.  We can’t be with everyone we care about, but we can make our best effort to stay in touch with others.  To the extent this is possible, having Face time or Skype calls with others is one good way of keeping out of isolation and warding off possible depression.   

2. You can also make sure you are getting enough exercise, and going outdoors to get it is one quick and simple way to help remedy cabin fever.  You may even be able to go for a drive in the country to approximate some of the benefits of being outdoors if this isn’t possible for some reason.

3. Having a daily schedule to build routine into each day can be essential, even if you’re somebody who resists this.  It certainly can help your immune system, but can also give a sense of security where you might otherwise be prone to anxiety and worry.  

4. Reassure yourself that that current situation is temporary and taking things one day at a time as much as possible.  However long social distancing is the rule, trying to think about how much longer it will last can only foster anxiety and overwhelm.  

5. Try to make sure you are getting enough sleep and good nutrition.  Taking medication as prescribed, herbs that promote good sleep, getting a good balance of nutrients that are helpful for mood is extremely important for not only your immune function, but also for mental health as well.  If you are prone to depression, nutrients such as curcumin, which is found in lemons and mustard, are helpful. Omega-3 fish oil can also help your mood, too.

What If I Need More Mental Health Help While Social Distancing?

If you have a lot of strife in your family relationships, you may need more help at this time because any existing conflict could be worsened by having to stay cooped up with those you have difficulty with.  That being said, more and more providers are offering online therapy at this time, so you probably won’t have a problem finding help. I offer online therapy to all of my clients and if you give me a call at my number above, or fill out the form below, I will get back to you as soon as possible and we can set up a free 20-minute phone consult so you can get a better idea about whether I can help your or not.  I use a HIPPA secure online portal to see clients, so you can rest assured your information will be protected and I can help you to get through this difficult period with seasoned, professional support that will help you find ways to manage and be more able to face life once this is all over, and it will be over eventually.  

About the author:  Scott Kampschaefer, LCSW is a private practice therapist in Frederick, Maryland.  He has an extensive background in working with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder at a for older adults with these disorders in Austin, Texas.  He now works with adults and adolescents 14 and up in private practice. His e-book is entitled Life’s Lessons from the Young and the Old and is available for purchase on Amazon.

Visit our page on depression therapy to find out more about how Scott can help you with depression.