It’s funny how, even though we’re all so connected these days, a lot of us still feel pretty lonely. Long-term loneliness and isolation can harm our mental and physical health. It’s totally normal to feel this way, whether it’s about a friend who’s gone quiet online, a neighbour who stays indoors a lot, or even your own experiences. These feelings are becoming more common, and it’s a tough situation for many of us.
So, what impact does loneliness and social isolation have on mental health? And what’s causing these issues to become more prevalent in our world today?
Feeling lonely and being socially isolated: What’s the difference?
First, let’s clear things up: loneliness and social isolation aren’t the same, even though people often confuse them.
Feeling lonely is something we all experience. It’s that feeling you get when you’re surrounded by people but still crave those deeper connections.
Social isolation is the lack of social interaction, such as living by yourself or not keeping in touch with people on a regular basis.
It’s possible to feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people, like being at a busy party but still feeling out of place. On the flip side, you can be alone and not feel lonely at all, especially if you enjoy your own company. But when these two come together for a while, it can have some damaging effects.
The impact of loneliness and isolation on mental health
Feeling down and anxious
Feeling lonely for a long time can really affect your mood and lead to feelings of sadness and worry. When you don’t have a support network, it’s easy for feelings of sadness or worry to feel heavy. It’s a cycle—feeling alone can lead to mental health issues, and when you’re struggling, it’s tough to reach out and connect with others. Feeling isolated can really make these issues tougher to deal with, and it can be hard to break free from that way of thinking.
Cognitive decline
For older adults, feeling isolated can really affect their thinking and may even lead to dementia. When people don’t have regular social interactions to keep their minds engaged, they might notice their memory fading faster and find it harder to solve problems. It feels like the brain just takes a break when it doesn’t get enough stimulation.
Stress and your body
Feeling lonely for a long time can raise stress hormones, such as cortisol. Feeling stressed all the time can really take a toll on how you think and feel physically. It can really take a toll on your health, leading to issues like high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, and a weaker immune system.
Feeling down about yourself
When you’re feeling alone, it’s common to start having negative thoughts. It’s easy to feel like you don’t deserve connection, or that people just don’t care about you. As time goes on, these thoughts can bring down your self-esteem, making it harder to connect with others and get your social life back on track.
What’s making us feel more lonely and isolated?
There are a few things happening these days that make people feel more lonely and isolated.
Tech and social media
Even though social media and technology are supposed to bring us together, they sometimes end up doing the exact opposite. We often find ourselves scrolling through countless posts and sending quick messages, but it just doesn’t feel the same as chatting in person. Sometimes, online connections can seem a bit surface-level, and that might make us feel more alone over time. As we spend more time online, we tend to put less effort into our real-life connections.
Ageing populations
As we get older, it’s common to see our social connections fade away. As people get older, friends move away, family is far, or they face some physical challenges. When people retire, they often miss out on the daily chats and connections that keep loneliness at bay.
Growing cities and evolving neighbourhoods
As cities grow, many people feel more disconnected than ever before. It seems like a lot of us don’t really know our neighbours anymore, and those close-knit communities are becoming less common. Living in a busy city can make it tough to form close connections, and it often leaves people feeling just as lonely as those in the countryside.
The COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic really brought to light how lonely and isolated people can feel. Social distancing, lockdowns, and the worry about getting sick kept us away from each other for a long time, making many of us feel lonely, even if we hadn’t felt that way before. For a lot of people, those feelings have stayed around and affected their mental wellbeing.
Who’s most at risk?
Older adults: They often face tough times with the loss of loved ones, challenges with mobility, and fewer chances to socialise. For a lot of us, days can sometimes feel a bit repetitive and lonely.
Young adults: It’s interesting how many young adults say they feel really lonely, even though they’re always connected online. A lot of people really want those deeper, in-person connections that you just can’t get from online platforms. Moving into adulthood can be tough, with friendships shifting and new responsibilities popping up, and it’s normal for young people to feel alone during this time.
People who are single or live alone: Living alone can be a unique experience. It doesn’t necessarily mean you feel lonely, but it might make you feel a bit more vulnerable, especially if you don’t have a solid group of friends around you. After a long day, getting back to an empty home can really make you feel lonely.
People with disabilities or ongoing health conditions: For people with disabilities or chronic health conditions, dealing with physical isolation can be a tough part of everyday life. Having mobility issues or not having enough accessible social options can make it really difficult to keep up with regular social interactions, which can lead to feeling more isolated.
What can we do about this?
Feeling lonely and isolated doesn’t have to last forever. Here are some ways to tackle the challenges:
Build stronger connections with friends and family
A great way to feel less lonely is to create a solid support network of friends and family. Talking to people, whether face-to-face or on the phone, can really help.
Therapy and Counselling
Getting support from professionals, like through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or group therapy, can help you change negative thinking habits and build meaningful connections.
Using technology for good
Technology can be a great way to connect with others. Video calls, online support groups, and social apps can really help connect people who might feel alone.
Getting involved with the community
Communities can make a difference by creating welcoming spaces where everyone can connect and feel less alone. Getting involved in local events, volunteering, and joining neighbourhood activities can really help you feel connected and reduce those lonely moments.
Feeling lonely and isolated can really impact your mental health, but it’s definitely something you can work through. Reaching out to a friend, joining a community group, or just checking in with someone can really help in the battle against loneliness. Small efforts can truly make a big difference.
You may also be interested in:
The Link Between Depression and Old Age – How you can Help a Friend or Loved One
Childhood Mental Illness: How Parents can Spot Early Signs and Access Help
