Coronavirus Is Having A Mental Health Impact On Everyone--Especially Seniors!
By Alistair McQueen **Please Subscribe and Share
Covid-19’s detrimental influences on our mental health is no secret, nor should it be. However, there is something to be said regarding how different age groups may deal with feelings of hopelessness, loneliness and depression, as well as the advantages some age groups may have, which other age groups should make use of.
Despite the rather large increase in the number of people going into self-isolation and severing their much-needed doses of human contact over the past months, younger generations may be somewhat at an advantage when it comes to maintaining a mentally healthy, social lifestyle as they tend to be more engaged in social media.
Social media is a growing phenomenon, tethering people together throughout the globe, and while more Seniors have acclimated to using these different forms of online connection over the years, there are many who don’t know how effective social media can be to help prevent feelings of hopelessness, loneliness and depression.
Seniors may not realize how easy it is to connect with others online.
There are countless online groups out there, tailored to practically every person’s social needs.
You want to talk about sports with someone, but you can’t meet up with your friends due to the social distancing?
You want to talk about art, but don’t want to risk going outside to go to that art club you’re a member of?
You want to engage in Democratic activism, but can’t demonstrate in person due to medical conditions?
Hop online, and find others, who are in the same position you are in, who share those interests and who are positive. Connect by joining groups. Who knows, you may even make some really strong friendships that last a lifetime.
Facebook and Twitter are just two examples of online sites that can accommodate your social needs, but if you dig around a bit, you can find countless other sites.
For anyone reading this article, who knows someone of an older generation (or anyone in general), who is self isolating at home all day, let them know just how many tools they have at their fingertips.
Consider calling them or simply forwarding this article to them.
Give them a gentle push in the right direction, and make their world a more social place.
If you or someone you know are in crisis get immediate help:
Call 911
Disaster Distress: 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
The Eldercare: 1-800-677-1116
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text: 8388255
Please share this far and wide. Thank you.