Social-Isolation-Loneliness

Date: 13th of April 2022

Happy Wednesday, Readers! How are you all doing today? I hope you had a terrific Wednesday and staying well.

We are on the third day of the week, and it seems like the days are going faster than ever.

During the lockdown, I am sure most of us felt what true "loneliness" feels like because we couldn't meet any of our friends or family or go outside.

We all had to stay indoors and find creative ways to keep ourselves active so we don't go crazy or create mental problems.

As human beings, we are social beings, and that is why we always crave interaction with others, and failure to do so may cause problems for us.

There is a reason why the top prisons in the world always isolate their prisoners and put them in a white room; when a person stays in the same place without human interaction for a long time, they lose themselves.

Many people out there choose to isolate themselves from society, not because they are forced but because they feel better that way.

Firstly what is "Social Isolation"

Social isolation isn't wrong, and most people desire solitude at least periodically. Being alone can be relaxing, soothing, meditative, and rejuvenating.

In some cases, social isolation can be extremely unhealthy and unwanted. It may lead to a lack of close coworkers, friends, relationships, and feeling lonely or depressed. 

People who isolate themselves from society may have low self-esteem or anxiety.

Some symptoms shown are:

• Dodging social interactions, including enjoyable ones

• They are distressed during times of privacy

• Dreading social activities

• Spending considerable amounts of time alone or with a finite amount of people

• Experiencing panic and anxiety when thinking about social interactions.

Social isolation may also lead one to "Emotional Isolation," which means the incapacity or hesitation to share one's feelings with others.

When socially isolated people lack emotional interaction with others, they become emotionally numb- disconnected from their feelings.

These people may show little to no emotion even when dealing with the worst or saddest situations in their lives.

Loneliness and Isolation 

Social isolation is a factual lack of social relationships/connections or infrequency of social contact. 

It is possible for a person to be socially isolated but not feel lonely, and it is also possible to feel lonely even when surrounded by people.

Isolation and Loneliness are somewhat linked.

What causes social isolation!

Many things may cause one to become socially isolated or 

choose social isolation.

• Social Media: Social media may have tons of benefits, but it also causes problems such as this. Social media helps us connect with people without leaving our homes, and this may lead to isolation if it becomes a replacement for face-to-face conversations and in-person socialization.
  

• Loss of Loved Ones: Social isolation may happen after losing someone close or a friend, especially seniors who have lost a lot of people in their groups.

• Mental Health Issues: Personal issues such as depression, anxiety, and low-self esteem may cause social isolation, but they also result from it.
  

• Physical Impairments: Physical challenges that limit mobility can decrease an individual's ability to interact socially. Some people with physical disabilities feel embarrassed about their appearance or disability, making them reluctant to step into the outside world and interact with others.

• Unemployment: Shame that comes from losing one's job or being unable to find new employment may lead individuals to choose self-isolation.

Preventing/Managing Social Isolation

• Engaging in relaxing activities: Exercise and Stretching, listening to music, reading a book, meditating, praying, journalizing, and hobbies will help relieve the stress that comes from isolation.

• Create a Routine: Follow a daily routine that will help your gain normalcy and purpose.

• Maintain healthy habits: Getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activities will help promote one's mental health.

• Staying Connected: It is always important to contact people through in-person contact, phone calls, texting, and videoconferencing.

• Stay Informed: Always keep in the loop of things, and know what is happening around you.

Thank you for reading!