My Loneliness Is Killing Me
This week's blog title is a Britney Spears lyric and also very much the truth. Loneliness is a pretty awful feeling, but did you know it can also impact your long-term physical and mental health?
In fact, recent studies have found that "social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity" and that "loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide."
Additionally, older adults, people of color, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQIA community are at greater risk.
The global COVID shutdowns gave many of us our first taste of prolonged social isolation. However, there are many circumstances that lead someone to become isolated, including:
Intimate partner violence - People in abusive relationships sometimes avoid contact with family, friends, or coworkers because of an unwillingness to reveal their true situation.
Loss of loved ones - Isolating after the loss of friends or family members can be common, especially among seniors who have lost many loved ones in their age group.
Mental health issues - Issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem often result from social isolation, but they can also cause it.
Remote location - Individuals who live in remote areas or who are geographically separated from family and friends due to job duties (military service, for example) can experience feelings of isolation.
Physical impairments - Physical challenges that limit mobility can reduce an individual’s ability to interact socially. Some people with physical disabilities feel ashamed of their disability or appearance, which can make them reluctant to interact socially. Hearing and vision impairments can also create a sense of isolation.
Social media - Communication via social media helps some people stay connected to others, but it can lead to isolation if it becomes a substitute for meaningful conversations and in-person socialization.
Unemployment - Shame associated with losing a job or being unable to secure new employment can lead individuals to self-isolate.
So how can we protect ourselves from the negative effects of social isolation?
It may seem obvious, but the most important thing is to stay connected as much as possible. Even if in-person socializing isn't possible, use other methods such as phone, text, social media, or video conferencing to communicate with loved ones.
In addition, keeping up with self-care, maintaining a daily routine and practicing healthy habits (eating well, sleeping adequately, and exercising regularly) can help promote good mental health.
Seeking therapy is also a good way to to address both the root causes and impact of social isolation.
Is there anything limiting your ability to socialize as much as you'd like? What strategies are you using to take care of yourself?
