How Has the Covid-19 Pandemic Affected People’s Mental and Physical Health Essay Sample

Coming out of a dreary time as the result of the Covid-19 Pandemic the idea of social isolation should not be far off in many minds. Although this was a necessary step to help prevent the spread of the illness it, unfortunately, took many tolls on people because of the isolation aspect. The power of technology and social media was more prevalent than ever before and although people were locked up in their houses, they could still socialize with each other. But even with the use of FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, and more something still felt off. That is because it wasn’t true face-to-face interaction, and this is something that all people need even if they say they don't. Social isolation is dangerous because it eliminates the chance to build many different relationships in life. And without relationships, the need for significance and purpose is broken down. So how has the Covid-19 pandemic affected people’s mental and physical health because of isolation? And is it somewhat of a good thing? 

First social isolation was very high recently mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic that struck. Many rules such as the 6-foot rule and being quarantined after being in close contact can contribute to this. Although these were crucial to stopping the spread, they also created the problem of social isolation and more. But with that in mind, it was the necessary step towards attempting to end this pandemic. And in the big picture isolating might not seem as bad as getting sick, but little did many people know the side effects that isolation created. When lockdowns were enabled that meant everything got moved online. A lot of people’s everyday lives were now thrown and contained to their homes, “33 percent of the world population was under a stay-at-home order and to take a minimum of necessary trips outside” (Buchholz). So all those work, school, friends, family(not living with you), etc. connections were all only available through a screen.  So even though social distancing and quarantining is and was a necessary safe move it, just as all things, has a damaging side to it.

One part of the damaging side to social isolation is how it affects the relationships in people's lives. The importance of human connections is something that everyone needs even if they think they don’t. This idea follows the theory of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs consists of five levels starting with the most basic needs up to the complex ones. The importance of having a relationship with others is shown at the fourth level, “At the fourth level in Maslow’s hierarchy is the need for appreciation and respect. When the needs at the bottom three levels have been satisfied, the esteem needs begin to play a more prominent role in motivating behavior. At this point, it becomes increasingly important to gain the respect and appreciation of others. People have a need to accomplish things and then have their efforts recognized. In addition to the need for feelings of accomplishment and prestige, esteem needs include such things as self-esteem and personal worth. People need to sense that they are valued and by others and feel that they are making a contribution to the world.” (Cherry). This shows just how important the feeling of being valued by others is one oneself. Relationships can fulfill many human needs, “The social needs in Maslow’s hierarchy include such things as love, acceptance, and belonging. At this level, the need for emotional relationships drives human behavior. Some of the things that satisfy this need include:

Friendships

Romantic attachments

Family

Social groups

Community groups

Churches and religious organizations

In order to avoid problems such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety, it is important for people to feel loved and accepted by other people. Personal relationships with friends, family, and lovers play an important role, as does involvement in other groups that might include religious groups, sports teams, book clubs, and other group activities.” (Cherry). This is why it is important to have groups and relationships with others so it is possible to obtain some sort of significance. These connections that were listed are great ways to do so, and even though this is possible to an extent over social media it is not possible to create a relationship over a screen that is as strong as a relationship that is between people who see each other face to face, “The reality is that we’re living in a time of true disconnection. While technology seems to connect us more than ever, the screens around us disconnect us from nature, from ourselves, and from others. Wi-Fi alone isn’t enough to fulfill our social needs – we need face-to-face interaction to thrive. Technology should be enhancing our connection to others, not replacing it.” (CMHA) These replacements for meeting in person can not replace true face-to-face interactions and never will. In a time that technology has made many social connections possible it is only making people more unconnected actually. The importance of connections is not only mentally important but also physically, “In today’s age, we live busy lives, trying to strike a balance between work, school, hobbies, self-care, and more. Often, our social connections fall by the wayside. But connecting with others is more important than you might think. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk.” (CMHA) So like it or not everyone needs a friend and a connection in their life to achieve a feeling of significance and the feeling of purpose.

As stated a little before feeling important comes along hand and hand with a human connection. And social isolation breaks down those relationships. Feeling important has a lot of benefits for a person's mental and physical health, “When we feel important, there are a lot of other immense feelings that come along with it. You feel energized and motivated to do tasks and other needs.  Some examples would improve job performance, improve relationships and friendships, increased motivation, improved self-care, and increased resilience.”(Asayag). Having connections with others and creating relationships allows for a better self-image of a person and allows people to gain social life skills. So in essence feeling important and maintaining healthy relationships is very vital towards mental health and physical health and while socially isolated it is very difficult to do so.

Social isolation is not anything to be ashamed of because everyone does it! And it is not all that bad of a thing if used and managed correctly. Being alone with your thoughts and feelings is a great way to destress and calm down by watching a show or two as well. It is only a hazard once used excessively and taking the place of being with people face to face. Unfortunately, social isolation can create a confusing vicious cycle of feeling alone. When socially isolated for too long a lonely feeling can take place which in return makes a person want to be alone more. So by simply feeling alone, it can make some people actually become more isolated and disconnected. And sometimes the world can become too much at some points and people may need a break from it, and that is totally fine and this is why a healthy balance between having time alone and having an outside life is what needs to be the standard, and done to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many hardships into many lives, and reconnecting with friends and family should be the least of priorities. Having time for yourself is a great thing and is actually equally as important as having relationships therefore people must stay away from the excessive use of isolating and begin having more face-to-face contact if possible.