Humans, and especially New Orleanians, are by nature social beings. In this time of forced isolation and social distancing, it is normal to feel anxious, sad, fearful or lonely. The “stay at home” mandate can be especially difficult for people who live alone.
Janet E. Johnson,
M.D., MPH
HOW TO DECREASE FEELINGS OF LONELINESS
Text and call loved ones.
Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime loved ones. These apps are free and available on most phones, tablets and computers.
Read a good book.
Watch a movie or a series that brings you joy.
Go for a walk (keeping at least 6 feet distance from others and wearing a cloth mask)
Consider fostering a pet if feasible for you.
Keep a journal and document events of the day, feelings and emotions, plans for when the stay at home order is lifted and funny or uplifting things you’ve heard.
Listen to music. If you are a musician/entertainer consider doing a virtual concert or live streaming performance via social media. If you’re a fan, watch and support a musicians’ live stream event.
Don’t put overly high or unrealistic expectations on yourself. This is a stressful and uncertain time and for the vast majority of us, it is not the time that we are going to learn a new language or become a master chef. It is enough to just take care of yourself and your loved ones and and maintain your physical and mental health.
WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP
If you experience several of the following symptoms for two weeks or more that make it difficult for you to function, it is important that you contact a medical or mental health professional.
A depressed or sad mood
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Difficulty with thinking or concentrating
Agitation or feeling slowed down
A marked change in appetite (increased or decreased)
A loss of interest or pleasure in things you previously found pleasurable and interesting
A sleep disturbance (either difficulty falling and staying asleep or sleeping excessively)
Thoughts of self-harm, suicide or a preoccupation with death ALWAYS require intervention.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.8255
Metropolitan Human Services District (24/7)
504.826.2675
Text HOME to 74174
JANET E. JOHNSON, M.D., MPH
As a psychiatrist specializing in trauma recovery who has worked with Mercy Corps in China and Haiti, Dr. Johnson has been one of the NOMC’s vital advisors and providers since Hurricane Katrina when she founded a non-profit organization, “Project Rising Sun” to provide therapeutic drumming circles and mental health screenings for our musicians’ community.