The concept of loneliness is complex and has many different causes, and its symptoms vary among people (Lim et al., 2020). Social isolation is one factor that increases loneliness in many people. Here are some tips to help you in “the new normal”…

As I recover from having COVID-19 late last year, I am stunned by how much shaming I hear and see. I'm sure I am sensitive to this because of my experience, but it seems that there is a lot more shaming than compassion and care. Let’s take a look at why people resort to shaming and what to do about it.

After months of socially restricting our interactions, we are restless and long for the company of family and friends. Some of us are even showing signs of more serious psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety. And, during the holidays, we saw people choose to ignore the advice from experts and participate in family gatherings, often flying to see them while others complied and stayed at home. So, why do some people comply and others do not?

Since the pandemic began, many people have only seen their friends and family on video calls or at a distance. While seeing others at a safe distance or on video may help, it is not a perfect substitute for being with others in person. With the upcoming holiday season, we are probably a little more frustrated than usual that we won't be able to be with our loved ones and friends. If you feel this way, new research indicates that our reaction may be more than just a psychological one, but may actually be biological, too.