I got a call today from my workers union, checking in to see how I was doing and if I was getting proper support. As we got talking, the representative admitted that the extended periods of isolation had left her feeling in desperate need to talk to people, hence why she was ringing members to see how they were going. We had a nice chat, swapping anecdotes of the strange behaviours our neighbours had been exhibiting, how we were coping with the lock downs and what might happen from here.

After hanging up the phone, I found myself appreciating the time she had taken to reach out and connect with me and that, in turn, I could provide her with some semblance of relief, if only for a few minutes. It made me think about the video call I had had with my parents the night before. It was my dad’s 60th birthday. We talked to them for over an hour, watched a video of him blowing out his candles and, of course, chatted about the general state of things.

A friend of mine, who I would see every fortnight, messaged me today saying she missed my face. I miss hers too. Had there been no virus, we would have been making plans to go to the annual Easter Show here in Sydney whilst eating noodles from our favourite restaurant as we have done for over a decade. We realised tonight that the restaurant is probably gone now.

Pity. They had the best noodles.

Reaching out and talking to people, whether it be a text, a phone/video chat or a friendly hello from a social distancing neighbour has kept me sane and mentally strong these past few weeks. My interactions with people have been incredibly meaningful, as being told to stay away from each other in an existentially terrifying crisis leaves one feeling so alone. I find myself checking in with people every day, just to know they are okay and that, like them, I miss them too.

Take the time to send a message to someone you know. Stream a game together. Have a drink. Stay connected.

How are you coping with self isolation? Do you check in with other people? Let us know in the comment section below. And join us on Sunday evening for our Quackchat at 5:30PM(EST)! We’ve been checking in with you all so come say hello.

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