Coping With Isolation - Finding Solutions in Orange County
Human beings are social creatures. We’re here to help you combat loneliness and isolation in Orange County.
Quarantine.
It means to exclude, detain, or isolate for political, social, or hygienic reasons.
This term changed everyone’s life. As we work to navigate the social impact of the last few years, one thing is for certain — the social isolation and loneliness generated through quarantine has negatively impacted lives.
Many of us have begun to feel the strain of disconnection and loneliness. While our motivations were aligned through self-isolation and quarantine, many have lost their sense of wellbeing because of the change and unintended fallout.
Were we lonely before the pandemic?
Yes.
Many of us were lonely even before all of this began. According to a recent nationwide study by CIGNA (2018), 46% of adults feel alone or left out, 43% do not have meaningful relationships, and 25% feel like no one understands them.
The pandemic did not help but The Loneliness Epidemic was evident long before COVID-19.
Why is isolation so stressful?
Isolation can lead to stress and anxiety, especially in heavily populated areas like Orange County.
Disconnection creates deprivation, desperation, and depression - but, why?
It’s because connection is an essential ingredient for survival. Human life begins in relationship: child and caregiver. As babies, we have simple needs for survival, but we can’t meet those needs on our own. We must rely on someone else to take care of us. Our species survival depends on our capacity to take care of one another. Anxiety can become rampant when we feel like we have no one who cares or to care for.
But this goes beyond just our physical needs. Romanian orphans who were raised with plenty of food, water, shelter, but we’re never held or given affection, became unwell and even died. Additionally, even when we are isolated in adulthood, research has indicated that loneliness is deadly - some studies even suggest it increases the risk of death by 28%.
Neuroscience tells us that this is caused by the stress reaction in the body when one feels lonely and disconnected. Stress is supposed to motivate us to take care of our needs; but, when our needs go unmet, the stress remains.
Here we are in 2020, quarantining and distancing for the good of our society, which means that our needs are going unmet.
We are stressed and depressed, but we’re in it together.
If you or someone you love is struggling because of the effects of social isolation, we want to help. Contact us today, and check out these top three tips for dealing with disconnection.
Tips to Overcome Isolation and Loneliness in Orange County
Tip #1 - Rekindle
If you are feeling lonely and disconnected, you are probably not the only one. You can use this time as an opportunity to rekindle relationships that have faded away.
It’s time to pull out your social Rolodex and open up your Contacts app! Find five people that you haven’t talked to or heard from in a long time, and check in. A simple text, email, or phone call will do. Catch up on life since last you spoke. Share a memory that you created with that person, a tip you found helpful — or, just say hello.
Maybe nothing will come of your efforts. Maybe they won’t respond. But maybe, you will offer connection to someone who really needed it today, and maybe you’ll find connection for yourself.
Tip #2 - Reflect
A common tradition in some Native American cultures was the “spirit journey” - an arduous trek into the wilderness to find oneself and one’s purpose, completed in solitude. In many ways, you might be going through your own spirit journey right now. Without the usual social distractions and responsibilities, you may be struggling with being with yourself.
So, since you can’t go out and into the world, consider going in.
Take time to get to know yourself. Free write, journal, go through old photos. Think about the future and what do you want to do with it. Ask yourself questions: who am I, what do I care about, and how do I want to change the world? Consider working with a therapist in Orange County during difficult times.
Tip #3 - Reframe
We are experiencing a worldwide tragedy. The uncertainty has put us all on edge. Life has changed in so many ways, and we are all struggling to find a new sense of “normal.” And yet, this change provides an opportunity. This is (hopefully) a once in a lifetime experience. Many of us have the chance, the privilege, to live life differently right now.
Maybe, this is your opportunity to start reading or writing again. Maybe you can work on kicking an addiction or changing old habits. Maybe you can learn a new skill, take a free online class or finally start seeing a therapist.
This difficult time will not last forever – life eventually goes back to normal. We hope that, when that happens, you’ll be more than ready.
Being alone and feeling alone can be very different. It’s helpful to have options in Orange County when you’re feeling alone.
More Solutions to Deal with Isolation and Loneliness in Orange County
Social isolation can be challenging, especially in a vibrant and bustling area like Orange County — where there are a lot of people but also a culture that is highly individualistic. If you're feeling disconnected from friends and family or struggling with the lack of social interaction, there are several strategies you can use to cope and combat social isolation and the anxiety that often follows.
Explore Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of Orange County’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Go for a hike in the mountains, relax on the beach, or explore local parks. Outdoor activities can lift your mood, provide a change of scenery and help adjust perspectives.
Join Community Groups: Look for local community groups, clubs, or organizations that align with your interests. Whether it's a book club, fitness class, or volunteer opportunity, joining a group can provide a sense of belonging and social interaction.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Engage in mindfulness practices or meditation to help manage feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditation sessions that can be done anywhere.
Engage in Creative Pursuits: Explore your creative side by taking up a new hobby or revisiting an old one. Whether it's painting, writing, gardening, or crafting, creative activities can be fulfilling and help pass the time.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity can improve your mood and overall well-being. Try yoga, Pilates, or a home workout routine to stay active and boost your energy levels.
Seek Professional Help: If feelings of isolation become overwhelming, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists in Orange County can offer guidance and support tailored to your needs.Remember, it's normal to feel isolated at times, but there are always ways to connect with others and find support, even in Southern California's fast-paced environment.
How can OC Psychology Center help?
We’re here to help you overcome social isolation and loneliness. These feelings are widespread and common - luckily, we’ve got the tools and professionals that can help you overcome these issues and move past the anxiety that is often attributed. Our team of psychologists, therapists and counselors in Orange County can help you find a tailored approach that works for you and your life.
OC Psychology Center for Assessment and Psychotherapy is proud to offer online therapy to our clients and the community of Orange County. This can be especially helpful when loneliness has turned inward and isolation has become the norm. We can help you break free of that pattern and get back to living a vibrant and fulfilling life.
If you or someone you love is struggling in need of connection now, contact us today. We offer a wide-range of services for people from all over Orange County – people just like you – because no one should endure this hardship alone.
No matter how long you’ve struggled with loneliness and the impact of social isolation, we want to help. Contact us today.
