In the Therapist.com 2024 article, “Isolation, Loneliness, and Mental Health,” a team of therapists writes about isolation, loneliness, and how they impact our mental health.  According to the article, spending time alone isn’t necessarily negative.  It can give a person the chance to unwind and relax.  However, when people are alone too much, they can lose connection with family, friends, and the community.  Isolation is defined as being alone or separate from others or things.  Social isolation occurs when you have very little contact with others.  The article lists the following signs of social isolation:

1. Turning down invitations or opportunities to socialize
2. Agreeing to plans, then canceling them
3. Not having any close friends
4. Experiencing anxiety around socializing
5. Feeling depressed or anxious when alone
6. Low self-esteem
7. Only interacting with others when it is required

Anyone can find themselves experiencing social isolation.  Some risk factors are:

1. Age – due to living alone, loss of a partner, hearing loss, or dementia
2. Family disconnection – negative interactions, estrangement, divorce
3. Distance – living far away from family, friends, or in a remote area
4. School or job changes – moving or switching work or school
5. Financial – lack of funds can reduce our access to education or social networks
6. Prejudice – people who are discriminated against can encounter social isolation

Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness.

Loneliness is defined as being without company or feeling sad due to being alone.  Loneliness is considered a state of mind.  Loneliness can worsen when people have mental health issues such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Addiction
• Stress
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation
• Insomnia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorders
• Psychosis
• Dissociation

Loneliness can be difficult to identify.  Some people can spend quite a bit of time alone and not be lonely.  Others can be with family or friends socializing but feel quite lonely.  Due to a lack of outward signs, it can be hard to know if someone is experiencing loneliness.  The article lists some physical symptoms that can be observed.

Fatigue – studies suggest that loneliness can be associated with poor sleep.

Social media – people who feel isolated spend more time on social media

Less “smiling back” – people’s automatic instinct to return a smile lessens when they feel isolated or lonely.

For questions about mental health issues surrounding isolation and loneliness please contact Dr. Chen.