Increased depression during the COVID pandemic is happening across the world. If you are finding yourself struggling right now, you are not alone. It’s important to understand how isolation can increase depression symptoms and how effective tools and strategies to help you find relief.
Keep reading to explore three ways social distancing and isolation during the pandemic may be affecting your depression and what you can do about it.
COVID Isolation and Depression
Why is my depression getting worse? Why do I feel so alone?
You may be asking yourself these questions as you navigate a world in the middle of the pandemic. Amidst the struggles, so many people are facing right now, you may even have guilt and shame about your depression. Rather than beating yourself up for a natural response, take some time to understand these three ways isolation may be worsening your symptoms:
#1: Social Distancing Exacerbates Isolation
Social activities and engagement are vital to maintaining mental health and wellbeing. If you are practicing social distancing, it\’s natural to feel alone in the world, and you may feel like there is no end in sight to the isolation. Being alone for long periods of time can increase your feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and sense of dread.
#2: More Time on Social Media Increases Concerns and Anxiety
With more time at home often comes more time on social media. The combination of seeing the highlights of people’s lives on social media and reading the arguments about current events can make you feel even worse. Compulsive social media use during the pandemic can become an addictive behavior or an unhealthy coping mechanism. While you are striving to feel connected to others through social media platforms, often the opposite occurs.
#3: Turning Inward Instead of Sharing Worries and Struggles
Pandemic isolation has led many people who would normally connect with friends and family to turn inward. They may not return phone calls or may make excuses not to participate in video chats. They keep to themselves the everyday concerns and struggles they would typically share with others. It’s a negative cycle that can cause one to spiral deeper into depression.
How to Find Relief for Isolation and Depression
Normalizing what you are experiencing in your isolation and depression is a crucial first step. Next, it’s important to seek a qualified therapist who can help you implement tools and strategies to alleviate your symptoms.
At Positive Living Psychotherapy, our therapists will guide you through the process to increase your self-awareness and make the necessary behavior and lifestyle changes to bring peace and contentment back to your life. We strive to empower you through the counseling process.
Connect with our trained and experienced counselors today to learn more about why you are dealing with increased depression during COVID and to get started with therapy to improve your quality of life. Connect with us online now or call 770.552.0333 for a free phone consultation.