{"id":456,"date":"2020-10-06T02:08:34","date_gmt":"2020-10-06T02:08:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gentlecurrentstherapy.com\/?p=456"},"modified":"2023-04-14T09:15:44","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T09:15:44","slug":"dr-michael-dadson-socially-connected-but-physically-distant-vs-social-distancing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gentlecurrentstherapy.com\/dr-michael-dadson-socially-connected-but-physically-distant-vs-social-distancing\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Michael Dadson: \u201cSocially Connected but Physically Distant\u201d Vs. \u201cSocial Distancing\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

LANGLEY, BC CLINICAL COUNSELLOR RECOMMENDS MAINTAINING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS WHILE STAYING SAFE<\/h2>\n

LANGLEY, British Columbia, Canada \u2013 Dr. Michael Dadson is a registered clinical counsellor and Senior Clinical Director of Practice at Gentle Currents Therapy and Neurofeedback , in Langley, British Columbia. Dr. Dadson primarily counsels clients with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a focus on couples counselling, first responders, and male mental health.<\/p>\n

COVID-19-related mental health crisis could be mitigated by developing, nurturing social relationships<\/strong>
\nSocial isolation is a known threat to physical, cognitive, and mental health, according to psychologists, yet the term \u201csocial distancing\u201d prevails where hygienic standards, such as mask-wearing, hand-sanitizing, and physical distancing protocols are being observed. The term \u201csocial distancing\u201d, historically a euphemism for social prejudice, can be seen as a misnomer when referring to hygiene protocols for reducing the transmission of COVID-19.<\/p>\n

Dr. Michael Dadson states:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems unfortunate to me that the phrase \u2018social distancing\u2019 has come into use as a catchphrase. I think it would be much healthier to use the term, \u2018socially connected, but physically distant.\u2019\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Since early 2020, epidemiologists and politicians alike have adopted the term \u201csocial distancing\u201d when developing directives and regulations designed to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. A worldwide mental health crisis has ensued, as restrictions and isolation have left families and couples together, yet alone, in mentally unhealthy domestic situations.<\/p>\n

Mentally healthy approaches to pandemic restrictions and ensuing lifestyle adaptations<\/strong>
\nBritish Columbia has consistently been successful in containing the coronavirus outbreak and legal restrictions have been less austere in the province, relative to other parts of the world, yet uncertainty regarding an imminent \u201csecond wave\u201d of the virus prevails.<\/p>\n

According to Dadson:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cEmpathy is what helps us bridge the gaps of our differences but moral indignation just fuels conflict and keeps us apart.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dr. Dadson regularly sees clients in his Langley practice whose mental health has been negatively affected by societal, economic, and domestic changes resulting from the pandemic. He does not discourage the use of social media or any form of socializing during this time but cautions against moral indignation at a time when emotionally charged debates dominate most news and social media.<\/p>\n

Says Dadson:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is very important to feel connected and join in with our communities; in feeling together the effects of this pandemic, we clearly see that it is affecting all of us and we get through it together.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dr. Michael Dadson\u2019s certifications include:<\/strong><\/p>\n