Staying sane sans human touch
Whether it is families building “hug shields” to help kids maintain physical contact with their grandparents or the elderly having balcony parties and video calls with friends, one common thing missing is the human touch. And for those quarantining alone, such social isolation and loneliness is giving rise to mental health concerns. Life coach Dr Ramon Lamba says, “As a species, we are wired to feel safe when there is human connection and touch. So it’s very normal to dip into bouts of anxiety and depression during the lockdown.”
Clinical psychologist Gunjan Ryder says, “Touch conveys love and care. When you think about a parent-child bond or romantic partners, a lot of the ways in which we connect and collaborate are founded in touch.”
Gestures such as a partner’s embrace, a friend’s hug or a random pat are being dearly missed in these times of social distancing. Dr Rupali Rohatgi, fellow in child psychiatry, endorses ‘virtual hugs’ and says,
“It is important to compensate in novel ways to maintain a sense of connection. In a video call, make time to hug yourself to them, and they back to you. It will encourage feelings of comfort and belongingness.”
Another clinical psychologist, Naina Bhardwaj, recommends meditation and yoga in order to counter stress. She suggests, “Spending time in the lap of nature would help in soothing feelings of anxiety and help us connect to our own divine inner being.”