2021: The Year of Social Pain
As the pandemic closes in on its first birthday, is there light at the end of the tunnel yet?
Current data suggests not.
And this prolonged period of intense measures to keep people apart is having some dangerous consequences to our mental health.
Neuroscientists call what you’re feeling: Social Pain.
In today’s issue of Divine Health Weekly, we’ll be diving into a hugely important topic for the season.
Your mental health. And what exactly is Social Pain (and how to cope with it).
Thank you for your readership and support
Pastor Andrew
He’s Lost The Ability To Be Happy
“Lately I’ve been feeling like wanting to give up, but I keep pushing forward”
You don’t need to look on the internet for long to find stories of people struggling with the lockdown measures.
This person was airing out their feelings.
How his depression has ramped up a few notches during the pandemic…
He’s started to lose interest in things and hasn’t been happy for a long time…
He’s got so much brain fog people think he’s drunk…
And, no matter who or what he’s doing, there’s a constant sadness.
Even moments of happiness feel fake.
Now…
What I’ve learned is that when a few people feel one way…
You can bet a whole lot more are too.
As Christians, this is painful to watch.
We’re called to bring light and encouragement…
But what if you’re the one feeling like this?
What can you do about it?
Before we look at some coping strategies…
Let’s try to better understand what’s happening.
This will give us a stronger frame of reference to beat this pandemic pain.
What’s Going On?
Never before in history have so many humans been forced to confine themselves for such a long time.
So, because of the extended social distancing, cancelled events, and the general chaos of our economy (and politics)...
These abnormal conditions are causing feelings of what neuroscientists call “social pain”.
Social pain refers to reactions to losses of relationship through rejection, abandonment, death, moving away or similar…
But it can also happen because of lack of contact.
So although we would normally only feel social pain in extreme situations…
We’re all feeling that pretty much every day.
You can see that clearly when looking at the call stats for ChildLine – a UK charity where children can call in for mental health help.
They delivered over 54,000 counseling sessions between April to December 2020.
That’s 225 sessions per day!
And that’s just children below the ages of 16.
As humans, we’re hardwired to be in community. To be in relationship. And to be in contact with each other.
Important Message From Our Trusted Partner
So What Can You Do About It?
Firstly, you shouldn’t ignore or try to suppress those feelings.
They’re real and they should be acknowledged.
So you can give yourself permission to feel the emotions.
But, understand that the pain is temporary and will pass.
Because while you do feel your emotions, your identity is not tied to them.
You are, above all else, a child of God.
