Coping with Loneliness During COVID-19

With social distancing comes a feeling of sorrow, deeply rooted in my chest, weighing down my mind and body. I feel sorrow for those suffering in my community, my country, and the rest of the world. 

On Zoom calls and FaceTimes, I see friends, teachers, and classmates, yet the digital barrier creates a great sense of disconnect between me and the rest of society. 

Without having a sense of routine or normalcy to distract me, my mind wanders into the depths of the unknown. I ask myself, “How long will we have to be isolated from each other? How many more lives will be taken from the virus? Will life ever return to the way it was before?” 

It is unsettling not knowing the answer to these questions and not knowing what the future holds. While reading news articles filled with statistics about mortality rates and numbers of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, it seems impossible to escape from a cycle of grim thoughts. 

But I have to remind myself that we all are experiencing an individual obstacle, some much more serious than others. During this time of feeling lonely, the world is unified to help prevent the spread of the virus and to help save the lives of loved ones, neighbors, and strangers. 

My mind has been forced to sit still–which is something I don’t often do. With this stillness, I have re-discovered passions from the past: Cooking, baking, writing, and making art have all helped me remain somewhat positive during these seemingly apocalyptic times. 

While disconnected from others, I have been given the opportunity to connect with myself and further connect with my immediate family. 

This time of isolation is not easy, but I remind myself we are all alone, together.