Why We Should Say "Physical Distancing"

Here are some other articles that my post will most likely reiterate: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wired-love/202004/social-vs-physical-distancing-why-it-matters

https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2020/04/08/13/47/social-distancing-vs-physical-distancing#:~:text=While%20%E2%80%9Csocial%20distancing%E2%80%9D%20is%20still,from%20others%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Dr.

*For those who suffer from mental health concerns and have been reserving their peace, this one is for you*

I want to shout it on the mountain top... 

START SAYING PHYSICAL DISTANCING!

In this post, I will focus on the mindset and psychological portion to the best of my intellectual ability and anticipation. Telling (and bullying, which I will get to in another post) people to make sure they are "social distancing" is subconsciously being insensitive. We have to be honest that when we go out in public, we are attempting to keep our PHYSICAL bodies distanced from each other. If we go to the store, we are still talking and SOCIALIZING with one another. There's no SOCIAL DISTANCING anywhere in sight but there are people adhering, for the most part, to physical distancing.

                 START SAYING PHYSICAL DISTANCING!

For those who battle with anxiety, depression, and isolation, hearing "social distancing" does something cognitively. It further enforces what they have already been battling with before COVID19 and PHYSICAL distancing started to be mandated. I saw post after post of ways people were coping with the new norm. A colleague of mine, who was grieving the passing of her husband, stated that her going to Lowe's and other stores were her way of coping and getting out to socialize with others. If she stayed in her house, the memories and thoughts of her husband and her grief become too much to handle alone.

                 START SAYING PHYSICAL DISTANCING!

This is the time for suicide rates to increase and abuse in all forms- domestic, child, financial, elder, etc. can manifest in more ways than before. Telling possible victims and survivors to "social distance" when they are free from areas of this abuse or solitary might be sending them the wrong message. Imagine being in the house all day with the abuser/perpetrator and getting groceries is your only way out and way to breathe from the suffocation happening in their households. 

                 START SAYING PHYSICAL DISTANCING!

This is difficult and abnormal times. We are not used to quarantines or being subjected to staying in our houses without the individualized freedoms we once had. Because physicality is not an option, we have to find ways to compensate for that by socializing virtually. That is difficult for those whose love language is physical touch. We cannot omit the importance of physical or social interactions. The physical part may not be as difficult for some as it is for others. However, socialization should not be taken away because the physical part is. 

START SAYING PHYSICAL DISTANCING!

Overall, the appropriate words you are searching for when it comes to adhering to COVID-19 prevention are "physical distancing." That's the true vocabulary word for the definition and intention people are stating. It's time for us to start correcting ourselves and be more aware of our neighbors and fellow community members who may be affected during this time. If you or someone you may know needs anyone to talk to, please call any of the following resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline- 1-800-273-TALK
National Alliance for Mental Illness- 800-950-6264
Anxiety and Depression Association of America- 240-485-1001
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance- 800-826-3832
National Domestic Violence Hotline- 800-799-7233 

Thanks for coming to my TED Talk Part 1.

Stay Tuned to my next Talk...