PANDEMIC LONELINESS: THE LASTING IMPACT FIVE YEARS ON
By Nicole Fuge
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since the pandemic turned everything upside down. We’ve all experienced so much—from the lockdowns and social distancing, to figuring out how to work from home and move around in a whole new world. And while life has now returned to some semblance of normal, there’s one thing that’s still sticking around: loneliness.
It’s not something people like to talk about (it’s like Covid never even happened for some, even though it’s actually still around), but the impact of isolation during the pandemic is still being felt today. For a lot of us, even though lockdowns are long over and we can see people in person again, the emotional scars haven’t faded. It’s like we’ve been collectively carrying around this weight of loneliness that’s really hard to shake.
Now, I get it. Loneliness isn’t just a passing feeling. It’s a real issue that affects mental health, relationships, and even physical health. During the pandemic, many of us were forced into isolation, and that kind of disconnection can leave some lasting marks. For many, the struggle to rebuild relationships or even step back into social life is still there.
If you’re anything like me, working from home, especially if it wasn’t part of your plan, can leave you feeling isolated. You’re not just isolated from your colleagues—you’re isolated from the buzz of the office, the little chats in the kitchen, the spontaneous catch-ups by the coffee machine. With more of us working remotely, loneliness has become a regular visitor in our homes. A recent survey found that 42% of remote workers regularly experience loneliness and isolation, 31% feel more stressed and burnt out, and 28% have felt the need to access mental health and wellbeing support. Even though some people love the flexibility of working from home, there’s no denying that missing those in-person connections can take a toll on your sense of belonging.
Let’s not forget our older loved ones. For them, the pandemic was even harder. Many older adults spent months, even years, isolated from family and friends, the emotional toll of that is still being felt. And the long-term effects are serious—everything from cognitive decline to a higher risk of chronic illnesses.
I’d also like to talk about the women who were pregnant, gave birth and went through early postpartum at the height of it all. I was one of them. Going to appointments and scans solo, without the physical support of a loved one was stressful. Not to mention the beautiful beings who then went on to birth their babes on their own, or weren’t allowed to have visitors in the hospital, missing out on this vital piece of the whole puzzle that is forever lost. I was someone who was massively paranoid throughout the whole pandemic, scared of getting sick, of my baby boy getting sick, of my young daughter getting sick, of my husband getting sick. We lived in a bubble for a very long time, I didn’t go out for walks in the park like I did the first time around, I didn’t socialise, I didn’t even hug anymore. I became a recluse; staying at home where I felt safe and comfortable. And it’s where I stayed most days until last year, when my daughter started school and I was literally forced out of our home to do school drop off and pick up.
Then there’s social media. As much as it kept us connected during the pandemic, it’s not always the healthiest way to form bonds. Sure, Instagram and Zoom were lifelines at the time, but now? It’s almost harder to make the switch back to face-to-face connections. Studies show that excessive social media use feeds our feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and depression, and actually makes us feel more disconnected. Because let’s face it, online chats aren’t the same as the in-person hugs we all need.
So, how do we get through this? How do we tackle the loneliness that’s lingering around, even five years after everything started? Well, it’s going to take a bit of effort from all of us. Governments, businesses, and communities need to get creative in finding ways to help people reconnect. Whether it’s local events, mental health support, or encouraging more in-person activities, we all have a part to play.
And hey, maybe it’s time to start taking the pressure off social media a little and reconnect with the people who really matter. The pandemic showed us the importance of relationships—and now, more than ever, it’s time to really invest in them. So let’s do what we can to rebuild those connections, take care of our mental health, and start prioritising the relationships that truly make us feel seen and heard. Because in the end, that’s what’s going to heal us all.
MUSE PAPER
ISSUE 02