I’m autistic. Trust me, being introverted isn’t a shield against the loneliness of social distancing

Chloe_Scope

If you’ve been active on Twitter recently, you’ve likely seen a plethora of jokes about introverts and the ease with which they will be able to self-isolate during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

For those who are instinctually averse to too much socialising, an extended period spent in isolation may seem like a blissful respite from the chaos of the outside world. 

However, from personal experience, I can tell you that far from being an oasis of calm and solitude, self-isolation in a confined space can devastate a person’s mental health to the point they may even struggle to recover.

You can read the full article: I’m autistic. Trust me, being introverted isn’t a shield against the loneliness of social distancing – The Independent

Are you introverted or extroverted? How have you felt in lockdown? What kind of things have helped? Let us know in the comments below! 

Odduck

This article is spot on! I'm pretty introverted, but phone and video calls are my lifeline right now. My routine has fallen apart, and I'm spending my days only half-awake. 

I live with ME/CFS, and it's weird to be well enough to go out, and then not go. I don't know what to do with myself, and can't focus on anything for more than 15 minutes. 

66Mustang

I have a bit of a double whammy because I am a bit introverted and so have already been practising a form of social distancing, but also had severe OCD (and still do have OCD, but not as badly) and so the hygiene standards which people have suddenly decided to adopt, I had been doing for many years already!

People used to stare at me because I wore gloves to go out and about, now lots of them are doing it!

OverlyAnxious

I'm definitely an Introvert...  Most of you know by now I have contamination OCD that makes any sort of contact difficult, not only touching but even trying to breath near other people, there's also something else to it as well, something I can't explain, I just don't have that desire for human contact that it seems 99% of people do.  I live alone and haven't had to have contact with anyone for about 2 months now, not a problem, haven't missed it at all!  

I can't do phones and definitely not video calls, just the odd email and Messenger now and then, but tbh none of us have anything to talk about in the current situation anyway lol!  I am also on another forum so guess I get some socialising from that.

Having said all that, I do still get 'lonely' and wish I could meet more people in real life...but that's been exactly the same through lockdown as before.  Seems paradoxical, I know!

April2018mom

This is how I feel every day. Since I'm a outgoing person, phone calls, emails and text messages are pretty much not a option. I have no clue of the time anymore either. Our trips out have stopped completely apart from a quick trip to a local park for some fresh air and exercise each day. I currently keep a diary describing my feelings in addition. I write in it each morning when I wake up.  
My Christian faith has also helped me greatly. I also like to listen to a Bible study class on a Christian radio show every night as a means of calming my mind down. I find that it helps me relax. Saying my prayers also helps. I pray frequently. 

Have you thought about taking up art @Odduck? It can also help. 

Odduck

Hi @April2018mom. I'm knitting a lot at the moment, and it is helping a bit. Thanks for the suggestion! 

Adrian_Scope

Odduck said:

This article is spot on! I'm pretty introverted, but phone and video calls are my lifeline right now. My routine has fallen apart, and I'm spending my days only half-awake. 

I live with ME/CFS, and it's weird to be well enough to go out, and then not go. I don't know what to do with myself, and can't focus on anything for more than 15 minutes. 

That's interesting. I have to admit, outside of the guiding hand of work to keep me occupied, I've struggled for concentration throughout all of this and I think it's all down to routine. I don't go out a lot at the best of times and because there's five of us here, phone and video calls aren't as important for me as they are for others. But the one thing I've realised was how important just going out to drop the kids off at school, or visit the local shop were for stress relief.

MADDOG666

I have a certain level of neuro-diversity, but was already locked down due to yet another medical review of my PIP rota of 2 year reviews, so while the NCOV is about, my DWP savings scheme gets paid into at a rate of £890pm. The UK Government currently owe me £13,350, and i-m still awaiting the tribunal, which will find in my favor again. So even though I live alone with no tv no media and nothing do do but think, I'm just waiting patiently for my DWP savings scheme to come to fruition. ? Motto? Always see the good in any bad situation.