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At our group psychotherapy practice based in Arlington, we see how people are coping with isolation, change and uncertainty. Two traits that appear to have a strong impact on household harmony are extroversion and perfectionism. How can you cope best, and how do you navigate the reactions in your household? Psychological science and the experience of psychotherapy practitioners can point the way.
The absence of opportunities for gatherings can make distancing particularly tough on extroverts. “I am an extrovert,” said Jennifer McGinley, of Hunt Valley, Md. “This isolation has been so hard on me.” She, like other extroverts, uses video, phone and social media to maintain social networks, which can help guard their mental health.
If you’re an extrovert, keep active by exercising outdoors if possible, and indoors if it’s not. Dancing to high-volume music might work well for extroverts. And be certain to take time to laugh; watching a comedy could be just what the doctor ordered.
Introverts, who get energy from solitude and solitary efforts, may in fact be adjusting better to the pandemic. But some people report that the lockdown has been hard for them too. Introverts also need to maintain their relationships and contacts to preserve their emotional well-being. A recent study indicated that they felt improvements when they tried out more “extroverted” behavior.
But scheduling several video meetings in a row or trying to catch up with friends and family in one weekend could seriously tax and introvert. Research shows that too much of this kind of stimulation can cause them to feel unhappy, fatigued and inauthentic.
If you or someone you know are perfectionists struggling with the coronavirus crisis, you could be risking burnout. Sticking to your pre-lockdown standards can cause depression and anxiety disorders. Boost your resilience by striving for “good enough” in most of your efforts. This might be a good time look past work as the major measure of success and focus more on family, friends, nature and spirituality.
