For some, the hardest part of the pandemic has been the isolation. Humans are social beings & for some, losing this level of interaction can be very hard, even damaging. Many people living with HIV or other chronic conditions, even being elderly, already felt isolated.
The effects of isolation have been studied for decades. Many oppose solitary isolation in prisons. For some, the effects of being isolated are negligible. For other they can onset rapidly & be extreme.
This pandemic has caused the loss of social interaction for many. Even the most basic things; shopping, medical appointments, holidays... For introverts, this may be fine, but not for others. It can lead to depression & destroy social support systems. Consider recovering addicts who lean on others to maintain their sobriety. Consider the person who was already living alone.
Some think they can replace social interactions with virtual meetings. That may work for some, but not for others. Social interaction is more complex than simply hearing voices or seeing images. Immediate social interaction is far more emotive & intimate than a screen could provide.
I hope this pandemic ends soon. A lot of people need others. Streisand sang, "People who need people, are the luckiest people in the world..." I don't know about that, but I'm sure some folks feel that way.
Take care & be kind.
Cya...
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