Finding Connections: Beating Loneliness In The Peace Corps
Learn small ways to start connecting and leave loneliness behind!
Loneliness is a very real and common problem for Peace Corps volunteers, especially when first at site. It is not only mental, but can manifest itself in other physical ways. Knowing more about this can help motivate PCVs to do what they can to reduce it as much as they can.
Loneliness triggers higher stress levels and decreases feelings of love and connection. This pushes volunteers to withdraw further, making it harder to find meaningful connections to end the loneliness. And the short-term effects of loneliness lead to more anxiety and stress. Fatigue and lower motivation for social connections can also occur.
It is so important to connect with people, even if it is small ways. For the new volunteer, that might just include walking around the community and saying hello. But other things can help like:
connecting with known people (other volunteers or PC staff)
instead of texting, (video) call people face-to-face
spending time in nature out in the sunshine or with animals
physical exercise such as running, hiking, or just simply going for a walk
finding activities which bring happiness (probably doesn't mean binging on videos)
But if the feeling of loneliness persists, it can cause other health issues. It it has been going on too long, reach out to your PSN volunteers or the PCMO. We all want you to succeed but to do that, sometimes everyone needs help from others.
Peace Corps is all about connections but they don't happen over night. Be patient and take care of your mental and physical health. With time, more language, and more experience in the community, you will find the feeling of loneliness is just a memory.
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References:
What Loneliness Does To Your Brain And Body | Insider Science
15 things to do if you're feeling lonely | MentalHealth.org.uk