Isolation: How Do We Handle it?

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Mar 16, 2020

As boundaries are being mandated in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, these boundaries are affecting every area of our lives. Many hospitals, assisted living facilities, places of worship, libraries, restaurants, community centers are being closed to visitors and public gatherings. For many of us, these keep us from our typical ways of connecting with others and engaging with a supportive community.

What are you doing to keep yourself connected?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

As to being at home, I like to remember to practice simple of listening " ... to others, and to the still small voice within me.
Since I still work outside my home, I try to "practice simple acts of being present. " blessings.

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@shortshot80

Nancy Shortshot) Hi Colleen It is really hard to be alone. No one calls on the phone anymore, and of course doesn't stop by (for which I'm grateful) computer helps some with visiting.) But again it's still lonely!..News! My book is being printed, you can get one if you wish. Go on amazon add name of book "Shortshot" and I think you can pay $14.00 and get the book if you are interested. That has been the only thing that has kept me sane. Nancy

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Oh, my! A newly Published book author...Wow! Going to go check it out on Amazon now. Congratulations!

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@shortshot80

Nancy Shortshot) Hi Colleen It is really hard to be alone. No one calls on the phone anymore, and of course doesn't stop by (for which I'm grateful) computer helps some with visiting.) But again it's still lonely!..News! My book is being printed, you can get one if you wish. Go on amazon add name of book "Shortshot" and I think you can pay $14.00 and get the book if you are interested. That has been the only thing that has kept me sane. Nancy

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What is it about?

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@nickhubchak

I have never felt less productive than during the outbreak.

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nickhubchak: don't feel alone about being less productive! I have worked out of my house for 30 years and I feel less productive! Thinking about it, it may be because the customers and vendors I usually deal with are either shut down or in the case of some of my vendors are working on shorter schedules. Some work three days a week, or some have Fridays off. All kinds of different schedules.
I'm here in my office every day from 6 - 8 hours every day.
It's very hard to keep a positive additude!
I know nothing like this has ever happened in the last 73 years I've been around! I was not here during the GREAT DEPRESSION, I was here for the so called GREAT RESESION! It was nothing like this!
I just want to wake up and it all be gone!
My main complaint is the media keeps saying our Life will be totally DIFFERENT! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?
Why can't we strat the engine again and we start going down the highway? You just adjust to what's in front of you AND DEAL WITH IT! Reminded of the Old saying "THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME"!
I JUST DON'T BUY INTO ALL THE FEAR!
Richard (aka Sundance)

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@wisco50

What is it about?

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Hi,Wisco, I checked on Amazon for Nancy's book Shortshot but didn't find it listed...may be just my limited search. I'd be interested in the what the book is about also.

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@sundance6

nickhubchak: don't feel alone about being less productive! I have worked out of my house for 30 years and I feel less productive! Thinking about it, it may be because the customers and vendors I usually deal with are either shut down or in the case of some of my vendors are working on shorter schedules. Some work three days a week, or some have Fridays off. All kinds of different schedules.
I'm here in my office every day from 6 - 8 hours every day.
It's very hard to keep a positive additude!
I know nothing like this has ever happened in the last 73 years I've been around! I was not here during the GREAT DEPRESSION, I was here for the so called GREAT RESESION! It was nothing like this!
I just want to wake up and it all be gone!
My main complaint is the media keeps saying our Life will be totally DIFFERENT! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?
Why can't we strat the engine again and we start going down the highway? You just adjust to what's in front of you AND DEAL WITH IT! Reminded of the Old saying "THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME"!
I JUST DON'T BUY INTO ALL THE FEAR!
Richard (aka Sundance)

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Hi Sundance, I find it somehow personally comforting to read your post saying that although you've worked out of your house for 30 yrs, you, too, are feeling less productive now. I've been retired from the marketplace for several years and have adjusted to a much more solitary and less social way of life. However, with the stay-in-place that so many of us are thankfully! adhering to now, I also feel more like a sleepy slug than a motivated marvel!

At 76 yrs, I've Never been a fan of being told: "I must; I should". My inner rebel child wants to strike back and say or think: hmmm, well we'll see about that. vbg However, in this extraordinary time of present and future uncertainty, I am thankful for the scientists and infectious disease docs who warn and caution us to all distance ourselves and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this invisible enemy.

A close friend seems very preoccupied with worries about how life will be changed in the future. lol I tell her it is enough for me to decide how many days I can wait before emptying my snail mailbox out on the street curb. Another friend in NYC is increasingly and understandably concerned about leaving her multi-family high rise condo to take the elevator down to the floor of the communal mailbox room.

Frankly one of my greatest concerns is that too many folks will begin resuming their "before virus" jobs and lifestyles before this devil is brought under better control. When tests can show quickly that people are not infected or are well from the virus, I'll be very encouraged to see those people gradually re-entering the non-essential workforce. Until then, I plan to "stay put" and work at finding ways of stretching the food and supplies I have on hand.

It is good to hear that someone like you, who is accustomed to working a regular business day from home, is also finding that these new restrictions are making you feel less productive. Always good to know we are not alone, yes?

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With all of this social isolation I am also isolated from my grandson. We are both in serious withdrawal. To help with this painful separation I did a drawing of him. I take candid photos when he is here. So glad I do. Some of what I do with isolation.

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@parus

With all of this social isolation I am also isolated from my grandson. We are both in serious withdrawal. To help with this painful separation I did a drawing of him. I take candid photos when he is here. So glad I do. Some of what I do with isolation.

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What a beautiful drawing, @parus! He is an adorable little guy. I'm sure you miss him, but how wonderful you can create his image as you did!

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Bravo!what an artist you are!

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