The Impact of Loneliness and Isolation

Embracing Solitude: A lone figure standing amidst nature, reflecting the journey through loneliness and isolation.

Introduction

We can observe that loneliness and social isolation are a public health concern throughout the world. While everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their lives, some age groups are more vulnerable to loneliness, such as those who are in late adolescence or older. In addition to the rising number of older people, many are socially secluded and frequently feel lonely. The coronavirus outbreak  in 2020 brought even more significant challenges because of health considerations and the requirement for physical distance. However, It is possible to explain why these age groups suffer from greater loneliness and social isolation during these critical life stages, such as transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, declining economic and social resources, limited mobility, and the loss of significant others and relatives. This blog discusses various causes, such as health causes and possible treatments for loneliness.

How can being Isolated or feeling Lonely affect a person’s health?

People who are socially isolated or alone are more likely to be admitted to nursing abodes and the emergency room. Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with advanced threats for:

•  Cognitive decline

• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease

• Depression 

• High blood pressure 

• Heart disease 

• Obesity 

• Anxiety 

Someone experiencing chronic loneliness can feel threatened and distrustful of others. Emotional pain can trigger the same stress responses in the body as physical pain. When this goes on for a long time, it can lead to chronic inflammation and reduced immunity. It raises the danger of chronic illnesses and can leave a person more vulnerable to some contagious diseases. Social isolation and loneliness may also be bad for brain health. Also, little social activity and being alone most of the time may contribute to a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as driving, paying bills, taking medicine, and cooking.

Lonely Echoes: Amidst the vastness of an empty stadium, a solitary figure contemplates the echoes of loneliness and isolation.

Three actions to address loneliness:

These three actions were developed to ensure all sectors of society understand loneliness. It will provide evidence-based and cost-effective plans to assist lonely people and enable those around them to help.

Action 1: Develop a strategic framework for social connection

These three conducts were designed to ensure all sectors of society are united in their understanding of loneliness. It will guarantee evidence-based and cost-effective plans that can be applied to help people who feel lonely and allow those around them to help.

Action 2: Strengthen our workforce capacity across all sectors

It involves supporting our workforce to deliver evidence-based tutoring, training, and practical answers to people at risk of problematic or persistent loneliness. It consists of up-skilling front-line practitioners from the health and community sections and people who work in our academies and workplaces to pinpoint and help lonely people.

Action 3: empower our communities to help each other

It involves accelerating community awareness of the issue to ensure people of all ages and cultural backgrounds and numerous socially vulnerable groups feel capable of asking for the help they need and empowering them to aid others.

Silent Waves of Solitude: A solitary soul finds solace by the beach, navigating the depths of loneliness and its transformative journey.

Conclusion:

 In conclusion, the pandemic has significantly escalated feelings of loneliness and solitude worldwide. The impact of this on mental health is profound, as loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and other psychological health issues. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that there is stuff we can do to bust our feelings of loneliness and solitude. If you are facing a hard time or know someone closer who's struggling with loneliness, you or they can always talk to a mental health professional or therapists at Project C Foundation. We are always here to lend a helping hand.

Therapists/Counsellors from Project C Foundation:

• Sakshi Hiremath 

Specialization- Anxiety Management, Stress Management, Depression, Panic Attacks, Self Confidence And Self Esteem Issues, Self Care And Self Love, Relationship Issues, Adolescent Mental Health.

• Ananya Praveen

specialization- Anxiety, Depression, Career Counselling, Grief, Relationships, Mindfulness, Stress

Written By: Larissa Alphonso

Edited By: Sadaf Iqbal