SPR30831 WLF SPA WhitePaper v12 - Flipbook - Page 22
Social isolation
What 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 as
funerals 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 program
informed us during interviews that loneliness and isolation among older people
is being exacerbated by the COVID-19 response. As older people are less likely
to have access to social media or possess digital literacy, their access to social
connection can be severely limited.
people with substance use issues, people experiencing homelessness, migrant workers, and
people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, can be disproportionately
impacted 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, financial
distress, and worry of contracting infection 87. Heightened anxieties due to pandemic fears can
intensify existing mental health problems 88.
44.44% of our survey respondents felt mental health and wellbeing in their
community has been negatively impacted, while one-third believed there has
been a strong negative impact. Respondents stated that this is a difficult time
for individuals with existing mental health illness, and mental health issues such
anxiety and depression can stem from social isolation.
Recent research into the psychological impacts of COVID-19 highlight the damaging impacts of
social isolation and loneliness on mental health and wellbeing 89. The authors stated, “a major
adverse consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be increased social isolation and
loneliness, which are strongly associated with anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide
attempts 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 negatively
impacted in their communities, while one-fourth (25.93%) believed it has been
strongly negatively impacted.
44.44 per cent of respondents in Wesley LifeForce’s Suicide Prevention Networks survey 91 felt
mental health and wellbeing in their community has been negatively impacted. Respondents
stated that this is a difficult time for individuals with existing mental health concerns and anxiety
and depression can stem from social isolation. Respondents shared concerns that suicide has
also been negatively impacted in their communities, reporting suicides among young people
Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic
June 2020
22
