An explosive combination: stress and social isolation
‘Studies show that one in three Europeans suffers one mental health episode, such as anxiety or depression, per year. Health insurance companies have been pointing to the rise in burnout sick days, while employee organisations and unions have condemned the unreasonable demands placed on the working population. Sociologists warn of increasing alienation and the psychosocial consequences of globalisation and labour market flexibilisation,’ Dr Melanie Blasbichler explains. The clinical, neuro and health psychologist at the Park Igls health retreat has seen this trend intensify massively due to the pandemic.
In addition to the multiple burdens of working from home, home schooling and a growing sense of insecurity, social isolation is a major problem. ‘Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places love and a sense of belonging right above the need for food and safety. However, social relationships already tended to be neglected before the pandemic as a result of our unhealthy obsession with social media,’ explains Dr Robertson. The social isolation caused by the pandemic has merely reinforced this social disconnection.