Time Social Club - Social Isolation

What Is Social Isolation?

Social isolation is not necessarily bad; most people crave solitude at least occasionally. Being alone can be relaxing, meditative, and rejuvenating. Social isolation typically refers to solitude that is unwanted and unhealthy.

Socially isolated people may lack friends or close co-workers, and they often feel lonely or depressed. They can suffer from low self-esteem or anxiety. The following symptoms associated with social isolation are warning signs of unhealthy social isolation:

Avoiding social interactions, including those that were once enjoyable
Canceling plans frequently and feeling relief when plans are canceled
Experiencing anxiety or panic when thinking about social interactions
Feeling distress during periods of solitude
Feeling dread about social activities
Spending large amounts of time alone or having extremely limited contact with others

Social isolation can involve emotional isolation: an unwillingness or inability to share one’s feelings with others. When socially isolated individuals lack emotional interaction and support, they can become emotionally numb — detached from their own feelings.

Preventing Social Isolation

Engage in relaxing activities. Exercise and stretching, reading, listening to music, meditation and prayer, journaling, and hobbies can help relieve stress that can be associated with isolation.
Follow a routine. Daily routines promote a sense of purpose and normalcy.
Maintain healthy habits. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity can promote better mental health.
Stay connected. If conditions limit in-person contact, then calling, emailing, texting, using social media platforms, and videoconferencing can be used to stay in touch.
Stay informed. Staying in the loop can be particularly important for those isolated due to a dangerous threat, such as a disease outbreak. Learning the facts about their risk can help people avoid feeling panicky. That said, controlling media consumption is also helpful –– too much exposure to negative news can feed anxiety.

When to Seek Professional Help

Individuals who experience any of the following should consider consulting a medical or mental health professional:

Confused thinking
Delusions or hallucinations
Excessive feelings of anger or fear
Extreme swings in emotion
Inability to cope with daily problems
Major changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Numerous unexplained physical ailments
Prolonged depression
Social withdrawal
Substance misuse