By nature, humans are social creatures and do not do well in isolation, which has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, taking a toll on the mental health and wellness of several individuals. OSF HealthCare Psychiatrist Dr. Samuel Sears explains having social connections each day is very important:
“When you look at studies that are done on humans that have been isolated, they quickly become depressed or worse when put in those situations for a prolonged period of time. By finding ways to still connect with each other, to reach out and have that person to person interpersonal connectedness, even if we cannot physically be right there with somebody, the video call or voice on the phone is a far cry difference than from somebody stuck alone in their house, not able to have that outreach. One of the things I always like to remind people is mental health issues and substance issues act a lot like a mushroom at the end of the day. They grow best in the dark, isolated, away from everything else and just locked on their own devices. We really have to do our best to shine that light on what is actually going on, reaching out in a compassionate way to make sure that those we care about are okay. None of us are okay, but how not okay are you right now and finding ways to really be there for folks,” Dr. Sears informs.
