The nightmare of modernism, loneliness, has reached an explosion point with the pandemic. Loneliness has become the global breaking point of psychological tension. We can escape this feeling by helping without expecting anything in return.
Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, drawing attention to the significant worldwide effects of loneliness caused by the pandemic, emphasizes that this situation must be addressed in a timely and effective manner. Uskudar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, made evaluations regarding the effects of the pandemic process on loneliness and isolation…
We need to see the pandemic as a crisis. We are facing the biggest global epidemic in human history. There have been plague epidemics before, but these remained confined to a single continent. But this is an intercontinental, global epidemic.
HAPPENING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Being affected to this extent by an epidemic is happening for the first time in human history. Its occurrence in the 21st century will mark a new era. The global impacts of the post-pandemic era related to health, physical health, vaccines, etc., are always discussed, but what will be its effects on mental health?
We are opening this for discussion on an academic platform. We have determined the main theme of the International Loneliness Symposium, which we will hold for the second time this year, as Pandemic and Loneliness. At the symposium to be held on December 4-5, we will gather with numerous scientists from various fields, both domestic and international, to discuss loneliness in the context of the pandemic.
What we are experiencing now is a crisis. There are two important rules in crisis management. The first rule is that a crisis, in a moment of crisis, resembles a chain. This is like the chain of time in social life.
The strongest point of the chain is its weakest link. When there is tension or stress, the chain breaks at its weakest point. Similarly, if we consider society as a chain; when a crisis occurs, society becomes tense, and a break begins at its weakest point. One of these weak points is currently loneliness.
The nightmare of modernism is loneliness. I predict this crisis will erupt from loneliness. There aren't enough statistics, but there were global precursors to this. Here, loneliness has become the global breaking point of psychological tension. There are other possibilities, but this is the most important one.
THE CURE FOR THIS LIES IN DOING GOOD
In our culture, there is the word 'ihsan'. The word 'ihsan' is derived from the root 'hüsün' (beauty/goodness). A person possessing 'ihsan' has two characteristics: they do good and create beauty. However, the word 'ihsan' does not only mean beauty. It is important that goodness and beauty are done spontaneously. Doing them in return for self-interest has no meaning. Societies that spread these values will, in a sense, have received an education in wisdom in the post-pandemic period. Because the greatest need of the post-pandemic era will be 'irfan'. The word 'irfan' also comes from the root 'marifet' (knowledge/skill). This word also stands for wisdom and knowing. Within the word 'irfan' there is both wisdom and 'hikmet' (prudence/divine wisdom). A person possessing 'irfan' does good, but a person possessing both 'irfan' and 'hikmet' does that good at the right place and time. Knowledge ('ilim'), insight ('irfan'), and wisdom ('hikmet')... It is necessary to combine and revive these three values.
Source: Sabah Newspaper
News link: https://www.sabah.com.tr/saglik/2020/11/30/pandeminin-en-buyuk-hasari-yalnizlasma-olacak