So during self-isolation you should stay in contact with your social network. Studies also suggest that without such social support, people may turn to less positive coping strategies, such as. Maintain social contactĪn obvious reason why isolated people may feel low or anxious is that they can’t draw on the support of friends and families to help them deal with the difficult situation and share their worries and concerns. Planning out activities and setting goals can also help keep you motivated and stop you feeling down. Having a set schedule for meal times and a set bedtime can help you to stay on track. To combat these problems, it is important to maintain a structure to your day. But some people who are self-isolating may have difficulties with sleep (insomnia), feelings of restlessness or sadness, or start to feel demotivated. Obviously, coronavirus self-isolation won’t be as extreme or as long as for those exposed to an Arctic winter and so the impact on mental wellbeing is likely to be much less extreme. One study found that in crews over-wintering, over 60% reported feeling depressed or anxious and nearly 50% felt more irritable and had problems with memory, sleeping and concentrating. We know from people who have spent a winter in a polar research station that longer-term isolation and confinement is linked to psychological problems.
Cabin fever meme movie#
Psychologists also believe that listening to upbeat music or watching a movie can also boost your immune function.įor some people, self-isolation might still lead to some mild mental health issues.
Exercise and getting enough vitamins can help here (although contrary to some internet sources, they’re not a cure). But during self-isolation it may be a good idea to try to improve your immune response. The good news is that the period of self-isolation needed for coronavirus should not result in any marked changes in how your immune system works. And studies have found that polar research crews can suffer from reductions in their immune system. For example, older adults who can’t leave their homes due to impaired mobility are more susceptible to illness, such as heart disease.
Research on the effects of loneliness suggest that when people lack social connections they are more likely to suffer from physical health problems. However, there are some simple measures that you can take to help you adapt. Observations from actual or simulated space missions or people living in confined spaces, such as those spending a winter on polar stations, also suggest that some people may find self-isolating more difficult than others. When people are stuck indoors for long periods of time, they can report getting “cabin fever” or feel like they are going “stir crazy”. For others, the idea of being cut off from the outside world, alone or with only a few close family members, will fill them with dread – ask any parent who has had to entertain two small children at home on a wet afternoon.
For some people, the idea of self-isolation may seem like a dream come true. People who suspect they may have come into contact with the coronavirus are being advised to self-isolate (stay at home) for 14 days.
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