Social isolationWhat does the evidence say about social isolation?Social distancing includes self-isolating at home, curbing travel modes and opportunities,closure of non-essential business and schools and restrictions on social gatherings, such asfunerals and weddings, to limit spreading the disease 84.Specific groups such as older people, young people, women, people living with a mental illness,Operators from Wesley Mission’s Mental Health and Resilience programinformed us during interviews that loneliness and isolation among older peopleis being exacerbated by the COVID-19 response. As older people are less likelyto have access to social media or possess digital literacy, their access to socialconnection can be severely limited.people with substance use issues, people experiencing homelessness, migrant workers, andpeople from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, can be disproportionatelyimpacted by social distancing measures 85.Links exist between social isolation and the experience of psychological harm 86. For example,post-traumatic stress symptoms are heightened by extended periods of isolation, financialdistress, and worry of contracting infection 87. Heightened anxieties due to pandemic fears canintensify existing mental health problems 88.44.44% of our survey respondents felt mental health and wellbeing in theircommunity has been negatively impacted, while one-third believed there hasbeen a strong negative impact. Respondents stated that this is a difficult timefor individuals with existing mental health illness, and mental health issues suchanxiety and depression can stem from social isolation.Recent research into the psychological impacts of COVID-19 highlight the damaging impacts ofsocial isolation and loneliness on mental health and wellbeing 89. The authors stated, “a majoradverse consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be increased social isolation andloneliness, which are strongly associated with anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicideattempts across the lifespan 90.”A little less than one-third of Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks’survey respondents (29.63%) believed that suicide has been negativelyimpacted in their communities, while one-fourth (25.93%) believed it has beenstrongly negatively impacted.44.44 per cent of respondents in Wesley LifeForce’s Suicide Prevention Networks survey 91 feltmental health and wellbeing in their community has been negatively impacted. Respondentsstated that this is a difficult time for individuals with existing mental health concerns and anxietyand depression can stem from social isolation. Respondents shared concerns that suicide hasalso been negatively impacted in their communities, reporting suicides among young peopleReducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemicJune 202022
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