FELDSTED –- Maintaining social contact during a very stressful time is critical for our mental health

During a crisis, when we face the highly contagious and potentially deadly COVID-19 virus, we find ourselves in great anxiety, fear and uncertainty.

Our enemy is invisible. We can’t avoid it or strike it down. We find ourselves helpless to do other than avoid others who might be infected and infect us.

Isolation, which is contrary to our instincts, adds to our anxiety. We are social animals, who for many millennia have gathered in families and tribes for the benefits of community strength including protection from our enemies.

“It takes a village . . . . ” is much more than a cute phrase. It speaks to our core as civilized humans and our interdependence. The child is safe within the community.

Isolation, by banishment from the community, has been a punishment for those who commit capital crimes against members of the community for centuries.

Prolonged isolation is both unnatural and unhealthy. We need our community to maintain psychological balance and sanity.

Maintaining social contact during a very stressful time is critical for our mental health. Bridging the physical gap by whatever means we have can offset anxiety and stress.

Do your part to maintain psychological health by reaching out to touch others every day.

Make a phone call, post to Facebook, send e-mails, send a postcard, write a letter – set aside a time of day where you will spend 30 minutes engaging in outreach.

Enjoy the satisfaction of taking action to help yourself … and those you care about.