Editorial: Maintaining a social and mental well-being alongside your physical well-being

With the state of Virginia entering stage three of reopening on July 1, it is essential that we still take precautions physically in order to maintain our physical well-being. However, we must also take the steps for our social and mental well-being during this transition.

For far too long, mental illness has been overlooked and brushed aside by society. Most people just say that a person is “crazy”, not understanding the difficulty and diagnosis for those who truly have a disorder. Facing the reality, we all had some sort of social withdrawal and disconnect with society because of this pandemic. And now, we must be able to be able to transition back into it in a safe manner.

As restrictions continue to be in place, we have to look at the impact of how difficult it has been to be away from ones who we care about. Heading into a deeper train of thought, we must also realize that no matter how much we stay away from each other for our body’s physical safety, our mental and social needs are not being met.

With schools, restaurants, and other businesses reopening soon, it’s going to be very hard to keep apart from each other because of the social aspect. For example, the proposal is to allow young students back within the school buildings. Can you honestly sit down and tell a five-year old they can’t play with their friend because of distancing? Or how about telling a group of kids that they must climb the jungle gym one person at a time so that you can wipe it down so that others can’t get sick? It’s unfathomable and more than likely, improbable.

The same thing can be said for other areas. Religious gatherings at buildings often feature interaction with people where hugs and handshakes are exchanged. How about seeing family members as well? Some family members that you haven’t seen in a long time due to safety concerns may need that hug of comfort. It is painful, but it’s a realization that we need those emotional connections.

Recreational activities also need that social interaction. From playing sports to boating, there has to be dialogue in order for that extra sense of relief to be expressed. Being a part of a group and interacting in society is what makes up the nature of being a human being. We thrive off of comfort, interaction, and communication in person. If we do not have that, we feel secluded, lost, and feel as if we have been overlooked or become an outcast.

As we take the next step into the “new normal”, be mindful of who you are. Never get lost in losing your identity. It is tough, I will admit that. We need that social interaction and it’s honestly up to you as a person to experience that and outweigh the risks. For me, I will continue to practice social distancing but if somebody needs that compassionate hug or a handshake from me in order to feel whole again, then I’m going to offer it.

You can’t be afraid to live life. It’s more than a physical risk with this pandemic; it’s a societal risk as well.