This Mental Wealth Trialogue event was the second virtual one to take place, on 19 August, as part of the Mental Wealth Academy online pilot funded by the National Emergencies Trust. Nine people attended. Artwork is by Claire Holloway, inspired by themes brought up in the discussion.
Question: How can we be more compassionate to ourselves and others in dealing with loneliness?
Sense of tenderness, accepting loneliness and meeting it with tenderness
Ease their loneliness, phoning them or sending cards
I’m extremely vulnerable
Sympathy not enough, don’t do anything about it
Lack of physical contact is very hard, although I do a lot of zoom it’s not a substitute for that personal contact
Find an excuse to make contact with people, feel the urge to talk to strangers
A lot of people feel like that, only too glad to reciprocate
Also felt a lot a anxiety, never felt this before, don’t beat yourself up for being anxious
Accepting anxiety current circumstance raised anxiety never felt before
Important to forgive ourselves be compassionate
Compassion has grown for the older generation who were usually housebound. Here there is a realisation regarding the loneliness that this situation has highlighted
Society has become more aware regarding mental ill health and it has heightened social problems
Anxiety is raised whilst wondering what the situation is now
It is now easier to meet family by anxieties are raised by going out
We are no longer in the same boat. Maybe loneliness is now more acute for some
The first step can be the hardest
Compassion is needed not only for ourselves but also for others, it shows itself in the new politeness. Making way for others, greeting each other and talking in the queue are all more commonplace
Smiling is very important although masked by masks
People still seem to be taking things a little bit slower
Are there things we can do to help include people?
Exercise groups in Parks, the experience of meeting people again was lovely
Being compassionate to others increases wellbeing
It has always been an issue trying to reach people who are isolated, how to contact these people is a bigger question now.
The increase in anxiety means they’re more likely to stay at home, is there a way of connecting with people?
Some just can’t use the Internet so word of mouth becomes important
Some volunteers Phone isolated people because those people have made themselves known
Is this down to being neighbourly?
Several neighbourhood apps have become available encouraging us to call and others to check in
It is better to check than not, leaving the door open
For those anxious about going out online is still best. Was being able to see faces on zoom e.g. Is helpful
Compassion to ourselves is to notice our feelings
Using tools we have learned, being open about it and community spirit that didn’t work before
Self-Compassion can show in a willingness to ask for help when we need it this can be hard when it see you then usually helps others.
Dreadingwinter when going out isn’t so easy
Faith groups also have been wonderful
We are now in training for winter