11/04/2020
Social Distancing versus Emotional Distancing
The last close to 30-days have been challenging to say the least. We have experienced an overnight transition from a world of abundance and options to a world of “limit 1-per-customer please”. We are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing to lessen the likelihood of becoming infected with COVID-19 or accidentally infecting others with COVID-19. In any case, social distancing for many of us has provided the opportunity to limit interactions with those that we have known for some time are unhealthy for us, either emotionally, physically, or financially. Social distancing has forced many of us to take a long, hard look at those interpersonal relationships we have maintained and decide “are they worth it?”.
However, this social distancing does not equate to emotional distancing. See, with emotional distancing, we must completely detach in a way that is so intimate that it can feel psychologically devastating. To emotionally disconnect from a person or persons means to completely relieve yourself of any feelings of concern, compassion, or consideration. Emotional distancing means you are no longer available emotionally to that person, and likewise, you no longer feel the need for that person’s emotional connection. Many of you may be thinking, so what does all this mean?
It means that as we embark of this new way of day-to-day living, we want to make sure that we are not emotionally distancing ourselves from our support systems. Our support systems are those folks and entities that have been there in the past to help keep us emotionally regulated, the ones that have laughed when we laughed and cried when we cried. Although you may not be in that person’s physical space, you can remain emotionally connected. You can do this through social platforms, emails, texts, and even a good ole’-fashioned telephone conversation. In short, watch the emotional distancing because the emotional distancing is what can lead to depression, emotional isolation, and potential triggering of suicidal ideations and thoughts.
Call a friend.
The Doc
