“Coronavirus and quarantine”, psychiatrist: Loneliness Is Infected

Deutsche Welle: Many countries are hardening the measures until the halt to limit the spread of the Corona virus. How does self - control, or the so - called Social Distancing affect our psychic health?

Prof. Dr. Manfred Spitzer: We should see specific measures differentiated. First of all, we know that quarantine - the preventative form of self-insisting - can actually cause psychic concerns even in normal people.

There are long - term studies in this regard showing that after a quarantine intensification of such concerns as fear, insomnia, or a posttraumatic stress disorder is higher. There is no difference between old or young, between men and women. All can suffer as a result. So the recommendation for setting such measures is that they be decided only if necessary.

As far as Social Distancing is concerned. A number of scientific studies have been conducted on how he coped with the world's various aspects, mainly in China, the spread of the new Corona virus. These studies prove, for example. The restriction of travel does not lead to anything, but in fact, social distance really affects the frequency of the virus. But it's worth noting that social distance is actually not exactly the choice of words. What's important in this case is psychological distance.

How long can such measures last so as not to cause further health damage?

Each individual must decide for himself what his situation is. The most important that anyone to face the Corona virus is his immune system. We know what strengthens the immunity of one of the factors is the exit to nature. Best in places where there are no people. Like. In the woods.

Of course, it is proven that an hour's walk in the forest significantly improves immunity. Staying at home harms the immune system. This is especially important for families with children.

Can social networks replace social contacts for people in isolation?

I look at social networks with critical eyes. But they certainly are a way to keep the contact. But, please, you shouldn't be following all the bullshit that's spread on social networks all day long. The phone is probably the best tool for preserving social contacts right now. Twitter and Facebook are not very good. Just a lot of strangers you're facing on these platforms are not good for you.

Social media contacts work better, the better people know each other. With Grandpa's grandmother, your father's mother, your best friend or friend, you can call.

In your book “Vetmia ʹ unknown disease” you write that it can be contagious. How is that possible?

Loneliness is contagious. This was first discovered in 2009 by a working group that analyzed a large quantity of data. The study found that smoking is contagious, that overweight is contagious.

The latest finding in the study, respectively, was that if my friend is alone, then it is greater the possibility of me becoming lonely myself in the years to come. This fact in psychology is well - known. Emotions are really contagious, because we humans are social beings, so we get each other's emotions and emotions.

People with a weak immune system have a higher risk to climb cold viruses or Corona virus. Likewise, those who need protection from the virus need to be protected more now by a group that is more sensitive to depression and sadness.

Many people now engage in helping the elderly, doing the shopping to them. At the same time, there are people who fear and withdraw without the courage to offer help to others. What accounts for this in psychology?

People are different in their fear level. There are always people who, when they hear about a disease, immediately isolate themselves and even buy panic. But there are others who are not interested at all. They go outside and meet friends. There are also people who are criminally using such situations to win. But most people, at least 70 percent, are positive by nature in relation to social contacts.

I personally hear positive things during these days. People talk to each other, keeping the distance two meters and often congratulate each other: be healthy. Four weeks ago, this expression was not used, so it's a pity and a sense of concern for the other. I think these days this expression is not just corthesia, but rather, people say it feeling and seriously.

Prof. Dr. med. Dr. hil. Manfred Spitzer has been a professor at the Psychiatric Center at Ulmit University since 1997, and is conducting the clinic for psychiatrics and psychotherapy at Ulmi's university clinic. He has written many books, among other things, “Vetmia ʹ unknown disease: pain, infectious and deadly”