Loneliness, Isolation and Your Mental Health
Loneliness and isolation occurs when an individual lacks social connection. Whether the lack of connection is unintentional or desired, it can lead to mental health disorders.
Loneliness can start in childhood; children that who are not talked to may develop depression and learning disabilities. As adolescents hit their teenage years issues with loneliness can grow due to stress from peer pressure, mental and physical development, and school expectations. In teens, loneliness is typically associated with emotional changes such as feeling isolated, feeling worthless, low self-esteem, and trouble concentrating. If left untreated, these issues can develop into depression or anxiety disorders.
The issues with loneliness continue with age, as around 25% of adults report they are lonely and have no one to confide in. Additionally, loneliness in adults can led to a higher risk of depression, addiction, suicide, weight gain, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and other illness.
Loneliness is also a concern for many aging seniors (55+). According to an AARP initiative, contributing factors that lead to isolation include poor mental and physical health, loss of spouses and friends, and isolated living conditions. Many seniors have a lack of mobility or transportation which limits their social interaction with others.
While the interactions online appear to be combating loneliness, it’s not always the case. Online interactions offer a contrived social setting, which is not a replacement for actual in person socialization.
The first step to combating loneliness is to work on interpersonal skills. Many people shy away from social interactions or develop social anxiety because they lack communication skills. Breaking isolation means breaking out of a comfort zone. While therapy and counseling are a good place to start, smaller initiatives can help pave the way to become involved in social settings. Ask a co-worker out for coffee, ask an acquaintance to take a walk, or join a community or online group.
Once you get more comfortable talking to strangers, look for a fitness activity that you enjoy. Exercising is decreases stress, creates more energy, and boosts your mood, while also serving as a good way to interact with people.
Another way to beat loneliness is to find a cause to volunteer for or a local group that needs support. Not only will you get out and interact with people, which could lead to making new friends, but you will be doing something good for society.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985