Increasing social distancing does not mean losing human connection!

With the global impact of Covid-19, everyone around the world is being asked to exercise strict social distancing. We have seen the positive impacts of social distancing and the lower rate of transmission it has – it buys us time! And with the need to ramp up treatment, vaccines and health response – time is what we need.

But the unintended consequences or side effects of social distancing is that people feel isolated, alone, lonely and this leads to all sorts of well being and mental health impacts. Isolation and being left alone with one’s own thoughts can be devastating to many. For those suffering from depression and other mental health challenges, it can be unbearable and even risky!

Not only are our health teams scrambling to deal with the Covid-19 impacts, but we have mental health experts scrambling to deal with effects of the isolation and social distancing too. The reality is that the 2nd order incidents (mental health) relating to Covid-19 will add greater intensity and scars to our world.

The focus and stigma of mental health has only recently turned corners. And in some countries, its still not supported and seen as important as physical health with many individuals still facing barriers to working through their mental health challenges. But we have made strides, we have pushed boundaries, we have become more supportive and empathetic around mental health and its importance. And now, the call to do more is here! Let us not lose sight of this. Let us not lose fellow friends, families, colleagues, citizens to mental health struggles as a result of social distancing. Lets us focus on connecting and reduce emotional distancing while we adhere to the requirements of increasing social distancing.

Here are some ways to stay connected, be supportive and also manage your own well being:

·      Virtual therapy: There are a number of providers offering virtual counselling and therapy. Whether you are simply feeling lonely or whether you are suffering from something more serious, virtual therapy can be extremely beneficial.

·      Connect! Call, Speak, VC: You might not be able to see your loved ones physically, but don’t let this stop you from calling or VC’ing them. Many network providers have drastically reduced call and data rates. Some are even offering discounts on tech products that support VC functionality. Make sure you increase your connection time with your loved ones. Better yet – why not have a standard virtual hangout where you can connect with a group of friends or your broader family. Do it while eating a meal and get the kids involved too!

·      Communicate well: For those of you that are used to working remotely, you will know how important that art of communication is. Communication is key in any organisation and within any relationship. It becomes even more critical when working in remote environments. Be conscious of the message, the median and the tone in which you communicate. Try and pre-empt how the person on the other side will be left feeling. Decide whether the message is better suited for email vs a phone call vs a video call.

·      Reach out to the elderly to help: Unfortunately, the elderly are the ones most impacted by Covid-19 and therefore restrictions on them are the highest. Make sure to call your elderly relatives often. Offer a helping hand for those that are in self-isolation and cannot leave their room/home.

·      Maintain physical activity: While many will have to cut back on physical activity at gyms, we are still able to practice physical activity in our homes and in the outdoors, providing we maintain minimum distance with others. Physical activity can be a great mood stimulant. Why not do group yoga or cycle by VC?

·      Online support groups: There are a number of online support groups for individuals facing similar challenges. Many times, we just want to share our stories and feel heard by people who understand what we are going through. That alone, can feel therapeutic. And if you cannot find a group that suits you, why not create one!

·      Virtual dating: For those in the dating scene, there are many online dating platforms out there. It might not feel like the real thing, but will certainly give you the opportunity to really get to know the person deeply before meeting them – something that could prove to be a real relationship strengthener!

·      Ask / check in! Ask friends, family, colleagues and peers how they are doing. Something I like to do at the start of my meetings is to do a check in and see where everyone’s mindset and mood is. I started this practice long before Covid-19 came around and is a best practice when working with remote teams. I encourage you to try it out!

There are many other ways to foster connectedness and be supportive that I have not listed – I have shared with you my best practices. Let us all do our part. Let us be conscious of both our feelings and state of well being, as well as others. Stay safe and be well!

Zaheera Soomar is originally from South Africa but now resides in Toronto, Canada with her husband, 3 kids and 1 fur baby. She is passionate about emotional well being, women advancement, diversity and equal opportunities. Zaheera has travelled extensively and worked in multiple sectors such as resources (oil and gas, mining), tech, telecom, finance, government, education, health and consulting. She currently works with executives from Fortune 500 companies on ethics and responsibility, while pursuing her doctorate.