A Call Cures the Blues

WHO reports that “the effect of social isolation and loneliness on mortality is comparable to that of other well-established risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.”

People may have never felt more social isolation and loneliness than during the COVID lockdowns.  One group of scientists wondered,  “Can we prevent or ameliorate depression and loneliness in older people during COVID isolation?” They did. 

Using an adapted BASIL COVID-19 pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 385 participants during and post the COVID pandemic, specially trained therapists delivered sessions remotely over the course of eight weeks to older adults 65 years or over.  Therapists used a simple psychotherapeutic approach to (a) increase engagement in rewarding and adaptive activities, (b) decrease engagement in activities that maintain depression, and (c) solve problems that limit access to reward or that maintain avoidance.

Outcomes were collected at baseline, one-, three- and 12-months using a series of loneliness, anxiety, quality of life, and health measurements.

The results at one- and three- months (12-month results are not currently available) include reduced levels of emotional loneliness and depression severity, improved quality of life and reduced levels of anxiety.

This study suggests that the next time you’re feeling the blues, don’t wait. Make the call. Telemental health treatment is available now more than ever before.