Social isolation involves being cut off from contact with others. This can include physical isolation, but it can also refer to feeling emotionally disconnected from social interaction.
People can become socially isolated both intentionally and unintentionally. Although the level of social contact may change over time, long-term social isolation can damage mental and physical health.
Humans are social creatures, and a lack of support and contact with others can lead to loneliness, cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression.
Isolation is also associated with an increased risk of medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and overall shortened lifespan.
The relationship between social isolation and mental health
Research has long linked social isolation to mental health. People with strong social connections have a lower risk of depression than people without strong social and emotional support.
People who are socially isolated also tend to experience more work-related stress, are more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol, and have lower life satisfaction.
There is a two-way relationship between social isolation and mental health. Isolation can also cause changes in the brain and contribute to the development of mental health conditions. When social support is inadequate, people may find it more difficult to manage stress, which can also have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing.
At the same time, social contact and support can help people combat symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Spending time with others and feeling connected fosters a sense of belonging.
Recognize the signs of social isolation
Social isolation has become more common during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As people increasingly work from home, a common side effect is reduced social contact. If you’re spending more time alone, it’s important to recognize the signs that you’re becoming too isolated from others.
What is social isolation?
Signs that you or someone you know may be socially isolated include:
- Dropping out of a social activity or event that you previously participated in
- Spending a lot of time alone each day with little or no contact with others
- Not having anyone to turn to when you need help or advice, or having a friendly person to talk to.
- I rarely communicate with others by text, phone, or video calls
- lack of meaningful, intimate connections with other people
- Feeling lethargic, sad, or rejected
- Hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli
social isolation and loneliness
However, despite the connection, it is important to recognize that there is a difference between social isolation and loneliness.
- social isolation Refers to isolation from others and lack of social contact.
- lonelinessOn the other hand, it is a more subjective experience. Lonely people feel cut off from others, even if they have regular physical and social contact. People can feel lonely even when they are surrounded by people.
Solitude is different from solitude, which is spontaneous and enjoys spending time alone.
summary
Although social isolation and loneliness are different, both can have a negative impact on a person’s psychological health.
The impact of social isolation on mental health
Social isolation and loneliness can have a major impact on mental health, especially when prolonged.
The potential effects of social isolation and loneliness include:
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- deterioration of physical health
- Increased risk of depression
- high risk of suicide
- Changes in brain function
- antisocial behavior
- Heart disease
- high stress level
Social isolation can also affect a person’s health habits, further impacting their mental and physical health. People who are socially isolated tend to exercise less, sleep less, and eat more dietary fat.
Causes of social isolation
Social isolation may have direct and obvious causes, such as divorce or illness. In other cases, it occurs gradually and can be a symptom of other problems in the person’s life.
In reality, many factors often contribute to social isolation, including:
- depression
- disease
- social anxiety
- stress
- trauma
depression
Social isolation is a common symptom of depression. People with depression often experience low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, hopelessness, and loss of motivation, all of which can make it difficult to maintain social connections.
disease
Chronic health conditions can also cause people to become isolated. This situation can affect mobility and make it difficult to participate in social activities. Factors such as stigma and shame can cause people with health conditions to avoid social situations.
social anxiety
Social anxiety causes people to have strong fears related to social situations. People with this type of anxiety tend to cope with their anxiety by avoiding social interactions. This can severely limit your ability to maintain relationships and social connections.
stress
Major life stressors are a common cause of social isolation. For example, divorce often leads to a loss of social connections, which can cause people to become withdrawn.
The death of a spouse, financial problems, unemployment, and retirement can also lead to changes in a person’s sociability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful event, leading to increased social isolation for people of all ages around the world. Social distancing, isolation, and remote work have cut off many people from their usual sources of social connection and support.
Impact of the pandemic
Some studies suggest that social isolation due to the pandemic is contributing to increases in anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and drug use.
Even stressors that are often considered “good stress”, such as going to college or getting married, can cause significant life changes that interfere with a person’s social functioning.
trauma
It is common for people who have experienced traumatic events to isolate themselves in order to cope.
Depending on the nature of the trauma, some people may have difficulty trusting others and fear being hurt again. People experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may avoid social activities that trigger memories of the traumatic event.
Coping with the effects of social isolation
Combating social isolation isn’t always easy. But there are things you can do to reconnect with others and feel less isolated.
consult an expert
If you or someone you know is experiencing social isolation, talking to your doctor or mental health professional can help. We can diagnose medical or mental health conditions that are causing social isolation.
A therapist can help you deal with the emotional issues that lead to social isolation and develop strategies to combat isolation and strengthen social skills. All of these things can help you feel better about participating in social activities.
Find ways to participate socially
Start by taking small steps to reconnect with others. This may require calling or texting friends and family to reconnect. One study found that even short video calls can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Check the community event board for upcoming activities that may be of interest. Volunteering with an organization that aligns with your interests is also a great way to reconnect.
ask for help
Reach out to your closest connections, even if you are far away. Consider talking to them about how you’re feeling and suggest you’d enjoy the opportunity to talk to them, or even meet in person.
Social activities don’t necessarily have to revolve around big events. Instead, just having regular opportunities to talk, whether it’s via text, phone call, or video chat, can help you feel more connected to others.
Consider adopting a pet
If you can take care of a pet, owning a pet is a great way to overcome feelings of loneliness. Interacting with animals has a variety of mental health benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood.
In one study, researchers found that owning a dog led older adults to spend more time with others while walking their pet.
Join a support group
Also, consider joining a support group online or in person. There you will have the opportunity to talk to others who may be going through similar experiences. This is a great way to meet new people while getting support, encouragement and helpful advice.
take care of yourself
While reaching out to others is important to overcome social isolation, it’s also essential to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Loneliness often leads to a disruption of normal routines, so focus on giving your day some structure.
Create a routine that includes getting enough rest, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and making time for the things you love.
A word from Berrywell
It will take time to emerge from social isolation, so it is important to be patient and move forward, even when it seems difficult. Remember that forming friendships and maintaining interpersonal relationships is something many adults struggle with.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support, whether it’s a loved one or a mental health professional. Be kind to yourself and remember that you have the right to have caring and supportive people in your life.