Summary

The author reflects on the challenges and adaptations to long-term self-isolation, which mirrors the recent societal shift due to the pandemic.

Abstract

The article delves into the personal journey of the author, who has been living with self-isolation since 2013 due to health issues, including vision loss and mobility challenges. Initially, the author believed that the pandemic's social distancing measures would not significantly affect their daily life. However, as the situation persisted, it became clear that the lack of in-person interaction would continue to be a struggle. The author has attempted various methods to maintain human connection, such as support groups and meetups, but encountered barriers like transportation and physical limitations. Despite the challenges, the author remains hopeful and continues to seek personal growth, while also expressing a desire for increased empathy and understanding from society for those living in isolation even before the pandemic.

Opinions

The author initially underestimated the impact of widespread social distancing and self-isolation mandates on their life.
The author values personal interactions as essential for maintaining energy and focus, and their absence has been keenly felt.
Self-improvement and understanding oneself are important to the author, who believes that facing one's demons is part of personal growth.
The author has experienced frustration with the lack of opportunities for in-person connections, even before the pandemic.
The author feels that the current advice on coping with isolation does not address the long-term reality of living in such conditions.
There is an expressed hope that post-pandemic, society will offer more options for those living with isolation.
The author emphasizes the importance of human connection and its impact on one's quality of life.
The author encourages others to reach out to those living without much human contact, suggesting that such gestures can be deeply meaningful.

Self-Isolation — No Problem — So I Thought

Photo by Free-Photos courtesy of Pixabay

Social distancing and self-isolation did not concern me initially. What difference would it make? There is little in my life that requires a change to accomplish these mandates.

All I had to do was live my normal life.

My world began to shrink in 2009, and by 2013 social distancing and self-isolation became the way of my life.

I knew that it would be difficult for me to adjust to this lifestyle. I had tried a couple of times before to work from home only to realize how much I needed personal interactions to maintain my energy and focus.

My entire life, I have tried to improve my knowledge, not only in general but the understanding of myself. Why do I do the things I do, and what makes me tick? Our answers are there to be found, although it does take effort and a willingness to face your demons.

By the fall of 2013, I was almost entirely blind. I took an unfortunate step and broke my hip. Suddenly I could no longer work, and I could no longer drive.

It became my job to be still in order to heal.

No one was coming to ask questions, verify specifications, seek help in troubleshooting or assistance in developing new ideas.

There was nothing, just nothing.

And for several months, nothing was my job, and almost everything was beyond my ability..

Things are much different today. I have a good portion of my eyesight again, and I can move about on my own. But nothing is as it used to be either.

As I began healing, I looked into countless avenues for human connection. I made every attempt to return to normal functions, attending support groups, and attempting to start a support group. I have searched for meetups and other opportunities to connect with people in real life.

All have come up short for one reason or another. Often transportation is an issue. Other times, my limitations are a barrier to full participation. I’m still looking.

So, you see, it seemed that the emergency requirements for social distancing and self-isolation would have little impact in my life. I rarely have the opportunity to be around other people.

I found out that my assumptions were as off-base as most assumptions usually are.

When our governor enacted a stay-at-home order, it was still not of real concern. But a few days into that order, I realized that there would be no change in my situation for months to come. There was no point in me seeking out solutions for in-person connections.

Being squarely in the center of those at significant risk means that until the all-clear siren sounds, I have no options. I can’t even delude myself into online searches for activities for which I have spent seven years looking.

When I see all the helpful hints available today regarding living with this isolation, it seems that they miss the point. Sure, there are things to do that can help us get past this situation for a few weeks. But, how do you — live — in isolation?

Knowing that there will be an end to this isolation and some type of regular activity will follow can be of great help. For me, and others like me, that return to normal means more of the same.

Eventually, I will again l be able to search for possible opportunities and hope that they will materialize. I will once more be able to get my haircut and my nails trimmed. Both of which should have happened weeks ago.

But, other than those few things, the end of these distancing mandates will not significantly change how I live my life. I can only hope that after this experience, there may be more options available for people such as myself.

Whether that is the case or not, I will still keep working to better deal with my situation and grow as a person.

It would just be a much more satisfying and productive experience with some human connection.

This all may seem very strange to you. If you are following the rules or if you have been infected and quarantined, it may make more sense now than ever. Hopefully, you have developed a better appreciation and empathy for others who, like myself, already live with isolation.

If you know someone living with little or no outside human contact, take some time and reach out to them. Keep in mind how you feel in this isolation and realize that sharing your time is a gift and a blessing that person will cherish.

You may even help them save their sanity.