Expert offers tips for those experiencing loneliness during the pandemic, holidays

While many have felt isolated during the pandemic, that loneliness may be magnified during the holiday season.

But health experts say there are steps you can take to help avoid the holiday blues.

Many of us have canceled trips, said no to a party or are making the tough decision to not see loved ones over the next couple weeks.

"We have some virtual game nights planned," said Jennifer Lindquist, who lives in Golden Valley. "Decided not to go home and see family this year, not risk it."

For some, it’s creating a time of isolation. But even before the pandemic, loneliness was a problem. A recent survey by Cigna of 20,000 U.S. adults found more than half admitted to feeling lonely.

"The pandemic has certainly brought it to the forefront and exacerbated the problem," Dr. Sabine Schmid, an assistant professor of psychiatry in the University of Minnesota Medical School, said. "There are people absolutely who have never experienced anything to this degree."

Dr. Schmid said there are tips you can use to help. First, it’s about identifying where your loneliness comes from.

‘There is hope and there is help’: Widow urges everyone to talk about suicide, especially now

"We can’t fix anything that we can’t understand," Dr. Schmid said.

One thing experts recommend is not focusing on what you can’t control and being thankful for what you do have. For instance, technology allows us to communicate with family from afar. Along with connecting virtually, try to "buddy-up" and communicate with someone in a similar situation, or spread kindness by sending a gift or volunteering if it’s safe to do so.

"To not only spread kindness and bring support to others, but it’s strangely rewarding for ourselves," Dr. Schmid said.

It’s an especially hard time for those who’ve experienced loss.

"We lost our mother in January, so it’s the first Christmas without her," Lindquist said.

Dr. Schmid believes it is important to grieve.

"It’s also not a good idea to do that on your own, again, staying connected is important," Dr. Schmid said.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to loneliness but experts encourage checking in with others because we’re all living this new reality together.