Dear COE community,
In the last two weeks, we are returning once again to greater social isolation with the surge in numbers of COVID-19 and the renewed requirements to shelter at home. Many of us live with other family members and we are not all by ourselves. Others in our college community, however, are all alone, and are understandably lonely. Even those of us living with others may be lonely for our extended family members in other parts of the country. And we may all be experiencing a different kind of loneliness for a past that does not currently exist.
I have heard many touching stories in the last weeks of how members of our college are checking in each other, especially those who live alone, to offer support and keep connected. As an additional resource, Lisa Firestone has written an article entitled, “10 ways to fight loneliness while sheltering at home” in Psychology Today, April 28, 2020. She states, “With 95 percent of Americans ordered to shelter in place, many of us have found ourselves trudging through new levels of loneliness. It’s a strange paradox that one of the most globally impactful events in our lifetime could force us to be our most isolated rather than bring us together. Yet, here we are, taking each day as it comes, doing our best to keep ourselves and one another safe. Part of this effort should be taking care of our mental health, finding ways to ease our anxiety, and cope with feeling lonely. Here are 10 powerful and effective ways to feel more resilient in the face of loneliness.” If you are experiencing loneliness or know someone who is, please view Lisa’s article for self-care tips to counter loneliness in the link below.
And please continue to look at our self-care website for additional resources at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
I am thankful that we are here for each other in spirit as we continue to be apart physically.
Warmly,
Shari and Josh