These are some strange and down-right scary times we live in. For many of us, especially those of us in densely populated urban areas, the concept of “going out” is becoming an increasingly distant memory. Physical distance, isolation, and quarantine have quickly become the new standard. Battling anxiety and thirsting for authentic human connection is a natural feeling during a global crisis.
With varying degrees of success, we are all adjusting to technology in order to connect with one another. Though it doesn’t compare to in-person get togethers, it is possible to enjoy activities and virtual hang outs (and minimize those feelings of loneliness).
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures
At Brooklyn Minds, the vast majority of our staff is now working remotely. All staff meetings occur via Zoom and all client appointments (save for TMS treatments) are being conducted by video. Physically, we are further from each other and from most of our clients than we have ever been but all of us, including the most hardcore tech-skeptics, have no choice but to adapt.
Of course, this transition hasn’t been flawless, especially with the stress of the current health situation which continues to escalate, but clinicians and patients alike have expressed surprise with the high level of human connection and closeness that’s possible with a sprawling, apathetic, and data-driven tech infrastructure.
As we adapt to this changing situation, it’s essential to find new ways to maintain vital emotional and personal connections. No matter if you’re an introvert or not, you can learn a thing or two about the power of digitally connecting from the comfort of home.
What drove us apart now brings us together
Technology has been playing an increasingly complicated role in all of our lives, so it’s only natural that we’re approaching it with some skepticism. On a backdrop of near-constant media narratives that once established a connection between technology and isolation, we’re now relying on these same technologies to bring us together socially.
This global crisis is calling on us to be as creative and innovative as possible in order to find new uses for the digital tools that were lucky to have at our disposal. Rather than scrolling meaningless Instagram posts, we can now attend live concerts, engage in cooking sessions, and share yoga practices. We can even play board games together, all while staying at home.
The impact of this digital shift is already being felt among our staff and in the community where we’re serving. It’s thrilling to see growing attendance in a variety of digital panels and support groups. These virtual events bring the community together and offer a safe space for individuals to connect and share their experiences. In some ways, these online gatherings have become a digital “town square” of sorts, giving our community members somewhere to congregate.
Technology is driving new opportunities
Since transitioning to telehealth, we’ve seen a rise in engagement with more and more staff members weighing in on the chat feature during team meetings. There is a renewed sense of solidarity and team focus that comes with the shared experiences. Our team, though remote, has continuously stayed connected by phone, text, and video. Even in the absence of physical closeness, we are maintaining vibrant relationships.
Sure, a digital happy hour with your friends might not be the same as what they were in person, but they still offer the change to connect, to commiserate, and to be together in some capacity. With virtual chats, you can share screens and play trivia. You can try multiplayer video games. You can play virtual bingo. You can develop your own island village as I have using Animal Crossing.
The human spirit is alive and no amount of physical distance and digital barriers can crush it. What we get from technology is what we put into it, and now more than ever, we have the opportunity to fuse our love, uncertainty, laughter, and passion into the digital realm and build an even stronger community.
No matter if you’re alone, or feeling lonely in a crowded space, technology offers the power of connection, whether through FaceTime or Zoom or over teletherapy sessions. Behind the screen, there are many humans aching for contact, just like you, and all it takes is one click (or maybe two) to make the connection.
