COVID-19 is not the only virus which is spreading right now. There is a wave of loneliness which is sweeping across the world and the way we respond to it starts with you, and it starts with me. We are its hosts. So, what’s the antidote? For many of us, we haven't experienced anything like this before; limited social interaction, being stuck in one location, a slowing of our day-to-day routines. Our generation thrives on busyness and spontaneity. But we must question, how many of our daily rhythms had become distractions from the solitude which we feel and our deep need for companionship? Loneliness isn't a new feeling or emotion, but the reality of isolation has amplified it by stripping back our safety nets of work, routines, rhythms and companionship.
The effects of this new pandemic of loneliness are expected to not just effect our immediate homes, communities and countries, but there has also been a global shift in productivity. Society as we know it has ground to a halt; after all, the system thrives on our ability to be workers. We are the system, but how can we possibly uphold a system when this wave of loneliness is expected to, and is, triggering major mental health problems all around the world. For example, we've watched the United States, a global super power which the rest the world relies upon, declare over 2.5 million confirmed COVID-19 cases. The effects of this are going to be catastrophic on the world economy; the people are its lifeblood and so many of them are unwell, mourning and suffering the mental health effects of loneliness. In Wuhan, China there have been a dramatic increase in domestic violence, boredom, depression, anxiety, PTSD and insomnia.
You see, one day, hopefully soon, we will overcome COVID-19; death tolls will go down (and stay down), shops will open back up, the NHS will no longer be overwhelmed with patients and people’s bodies will heal and recover. However, the effects of loneliness on our mental health will take longer to heal. It will take time for us to readjust to ‘normal’ social interaction, people will feel anxious about seeing friends again and many will be hesitant to go back to work. If this lockdown has taught us anything, it has taught us that very little in life is constant. Our routines and the people within our lives can change within an instant; this can often leave us feeling displaced, uprooted and vulnerable.
Where do our safety nets lie when the things which we insulate ourselves with can no longer protect us? I believe the Lord turns all to good, and he is using this time to draw us closer to him; he is the only constant presence within our lives, the only one who will never leave us, the only one who is able to understand the depths of our heart in ways which even we do not. He is with us in times of loneliness and is a constant reassurance that although the world may move, we are routed within His plan and safely secured with His goodness. He says, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentled humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yolk is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28).