Chester County Medicine Winter 2021 - 28

www.CHESTERCMS.org

Social Isolation and our
Mental Health During the
COVID-19 Pandemic
BY TRACY BEHRINGER, COMMUNITY LIAISON FOR CHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
MENTAL HEALTH / INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

hen the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, there
was an immediate focus on physical health and safety.
Now, as we enter the second year of the pandemic and
our first COVID winter, the impact of the social isolation on our
mental health is a focus. It is of particular concern among older
adults and other vulnerable populations.
Social animals by nature, humans have relied on each other
to survive since the days of hunter-gatherers. Working together,
members of prehistoric societies were able to fend off predators
and other dangers as they built their communities. Social
connections are still crucial for our health and wellbeing, but even
before COVID-19, social isolation and loneliness were on the
rise in the United States. According to the United States Census
Bureau, the number of single-person households has steadily
increased since the 1960s. Today, more than 36 million Americans
live alone.1 The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
even released a comprehensive report that describes the current
state of social isolation as a " public health crisis " in October.2
Among other things, the report notes that seven out of 10 adults
agree that the pandemic has made it difficult for them to connect
with friends and two-thirds of those surveyed say the COVID-19
pandemic has caused their stress and anxiety levels to increase.
The AARP findings are no surprise, when decades of research
have identified both the biological and psychological benefits of
social connections. Healthy relationships are shown to reduce
stress and anxiety; boost our self-esteem and our immune
system. Conversely, social isolation is linked to higher blood
pressure, obesity, depression and even a greater risk of developing
Alzheimer's disease.

28 CHESTER COUNT Y Medicine | WINTER 2021

So how are we to get through this long, cold winter after
months of quarantine and isolation in a pandemic? Recognizing
and accepting our feelings nonjudgmentally is a good first step.
When we can identify our feelings of isolation and look at them
as natural reactions to this unprecedented situation, we can gain
perspective. We know humans crave connections, and we know
isolation is necessary for our safety at this time. This state of
awareness, or mindfulness, is an effective way to be present and
remain calm during challenging times. There are many different
ways to practice mindfulness, and many ways to learn more about
it, from books to phone applications.
Remote connections with friends or family members may not
be as satisfying as our in-person relationships, but since the first
days of the pandemic, they have given us a chance to share our
feelings and comfort each other. Most of us have felt some " device
fatigue, " but it's important to maintain these remote connections
too.
Reaching out beyond our close ties is another way to cope with
isolation and feelings of loneliness. Chester County residents are
fortunate to live in an area rich with social services and resources.
A comprehensive list of local resources to address needs during the
pandemic is available through the county's Department of Human
Services' website, www.chesco.org/226/Human-Services. The 18page Resource Guide is updated regularly, and lists organizations
that may offer needed services and support, as well as volunteer
opportunities.
1
2

The United States Census Bureau
The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report

http://www.chesco.org/226/Human-Services

Chester County Medicine Winter 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chester County Medicine Winter 2021