How To Deal With Lockdown Loneliness

Living alone during lockdown can put a huge strain on your mental health. More than a quarter of people are feeling lonely in lockdown, according to a recent survey by the Mental Health Foundation.

- Punteha Van Terheyden

And with no clear end to the pandemic in sight, keeping our spirits up feels like a full-time job.

Clinical psychologist Dr Kate Mason says: “We’re social creatures by nature and that goes back to caveman times when we did things in groups for survival – hunting for food, finding mates and avoiding predators.

“Being social is instinctual, and having no physical contact is denying the brain something it has deemed vital since the dawn of man.

“Studies have shown the brain of a socially-isolated person displays activity similar to a person experiencing physical pain, like severe hunger.

“Being lonely literally physically hurts, so it’s no wonder people are struggling with this prolonged period of isolation.”

Dr Mason adds: “Our interactions with others shape our ideas and boost our self-worth.

“We like to be liked and having social contact is a key prompt for our bodies to release the ‘cuddle’ hormone, oxytocin.

“Being alone for many weeks will send us into a chemical lull, with reduced serotonin and dopamine – the ‘happy’ and ‘pleasure’ hormones. A reduction in these during lockdown will lead to feeling depressed, low and listless.”

Dr Mason says long periods of isolation can also cause people to feel emotionally flat – and lacking in motivation may be a key sign you’re struggling.

Here she shares some simple tips to help you cope with enduring lockdown in isolation.

Keep active

It might seem obvious, but getting out for a daily, hour-long walk is very beneficial.