How To Help My Extrovert Friends During the Pandemic

The pandemic has defined this year in nearly every way. The world has been witness to a most challenging time, punctuated by illness and loss, as well as economic distress. One of the most difficult aspects of 2020 and going into 2021, that has impacted us all, has been the dismantling of our social life. As social creatures, it has been hard to accept the strict limitations placed on our movements. While the concept of distancing is logical knowing how viruses transmit, it still doesn’t make it any easier to accept.

People have responded to the health and safety guidelines in different ways. The ability to accept and abide by the limitations on our social life depends a lot on how we are wired, our personalities and temperaments. Some people are just more outgoing and extroverted by nature, so the social distancing policies are harder for them.

Extroverts feed off of human interaction. These folks thrive in social settings where they can engage face-to-face in shared experiences and conversations. Being holed up indoors for weeks on end goes against their very nature.

People who are less socially inclined have not struggled quite as much with the stay-at-home policies. Still, even the less extroverted among us have still bristled when told they can no longer convene for an outdoor meal at a restaurant, for example. Whether you are a Party Pete or a Stay-at-Home Sue, nobody enjoys the intrusion this pandemic has had on our comings and goings this year.

How To Ease the Pain for Our Extrovert Friends

For someone who is hardwired into FOMO and misses no opportunity to get out and mingle, the social distancing has been a real headache. Here are some ways to help your extroverted friends survive the lockdowns by remaining socially connected:

1. Plan some online social meet-ups. At least if we had to have a pandemic it happened at a time in history when there is the technology to support socializing online. Here are some ideas to help your extrovert friend stay connected:

• Online book club. Gather some reader friends and select a book to read and discuss. Set up a weekly Zoom meeting to share your thoughts and opinions about the plot, characters, and the author’s writing skills.
• Watch a movie together. Netflix has launched the Netflix Party app, where a group of friends can link up to watch a movie together. You can start to watch at the same time, and pause it at any time for discussion or a snack break.
• Cook together. Join an online cooking class on Zoom where a chef leads the group through the steps of cooking up a fabulous recipe. The list of ingredients is available a week ahead for ample time to shop.
• Host cocktail hours. Take turns hosting a weekly happy hour with friends. Each week the host can feature a mixed drink or a wine that everyone can also prepare at their homes, so you can enjoy the same drink together.

2. Take an online class. Most universities now offer online courses, either as an online class that you take independently, or as a Zoom class with other students present. Check out edX for a long list of college courses from top universities.

3. Arrange outdoor meet-ups. Yes, technology is great but there is nothing so good for the spirit as seeing your friends and loved ones in person. The extrovert will fill up his or her social tank with occasional outdoor meet-ups. The key to this is to adhere to the safety guidelines. So, gather 3 or 4 friends and take a nice hike, bike ride, or walk through the park while remaining 6 feet apart.

4. Touch base with loved ones. While stuck at home, many people begin to feel depressed, isolated, and lonely. Connecting with loved ones or neighbors via a phone call will allow you to check in on them while also enjoying the sound of their voice. Texting is fine, but nothing feeds the extrovert like an actual live conversation.

5. Join an online exercise class. There are many free or low-cost online options available for people who want to stay in shape during the pandemic. Go to Youtube to find plenty of videos where you can exercise, practice yoga, take a Zumba class, or work out with weights along with a group.

What to Do When Your Extrovert Friend Seems Really Down

Even considering all of the above ideas for maintaining a semblance of a social life, the burden of the physical distancing can get to even the most positive person. If you notice that a friend or loved one is beginning to withdraw, it may be a sign of depression.

Here are the symptoms of depression:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Change in sleep patterns
• Change in eating habits, sudden weight gain or loss
• Loss of interest in life
• Slowed thinking or movements
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of inappropriate shame or guilt
• Thoughts of suicide

If someone you care about is exhibiting at least five of these signs for more than a two-week period, they may have major depressive disorder. Suggest to them that they reach out to a mental health provider for an evaluation.

Treatment for Depression

During the course of the year 2020 the rates of depression have increased as the pandemic takes its toll. Depression, however, is highly treatable. During the stay-at-home period, mental health services are still available, as these are considered essential.

Treatment for depression will usually involve a combination of antidepressant drug therapy and psychotherapy. Many people will take advantage of tele-health services for therapy, just as an added measure of caution, versus an in-person session. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in helping people tackle their negative thought patterns, and this method of therapy is effective both online or in person.

If you have an outgoing friend who is really struggling with feelings of depression, don’t hesitate to guide them toward a mental health professional who can assist them.

About the Author

Steven Booth is the CEO and Founder of Elevation Behavioral Health in Agoura Hills, CA. Steven earned his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Economics. Before helping to co-found Elevation Behavioral Health, Steven worked in both private and public accounting. Like many others, Steven has seen firsthand the destruction that addiction can inflict on family and friends. He has also witnessed the extraordinary changes that can be made when addicts receive the necessary treatment. His passion is providing outstanding mental health care through his facility, and improving the quality of life of clients.