Columbus Dispatch: Living Alone Adds to Social Isolation During COVID-19

While social distancing and avoiding gatherings are important during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can also be quite challenging for many. 

“Being socially isolated is a significant risk factor for suicide, and we know that it can also really contribute to depression for many people. And it can really worsen anxiety for some people,” said Megan Schabbing, MD, medical director of psychiatric emergency services at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, in an interview with the Columbus Dispatch.  

Social isolation, that lack of physical connection, can lead to lonliness and other physical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and death.  But, there are ways to still feel a sense of connection.

One way, as Dr. Schabbing told the Dispatch, is that people should take advantage of technology.  Use things like Zoom and FaceTime to see faces while you're having a conversation. 

"This is one of the times where we can take all this tech that’s so pervasive in our daily lives and let’s use it to our advantage,” she told the Dispatch. “I really recommend for people who are isolated to do a daily check-in with someone, whether it’s a family member, a friend or even a neighbor.”

“It's all about checking in with yourself, getting to know yourself better and being a little more deliberate about doing things," Dr. Schabbing said. "

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