Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. If you are in poor health, you may be more likely to be socially isolated or lonely.
Health Risks of Loneliness
Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia. Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
Loneliness raises levels of stress hormones and blood pressure. It undermines regulation of the circulatory system so that the heart muscle works harder and the blood vessels are subject to damage by blood flow turbulence.
"Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits," Valtorta says. "In addition, loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also augment depression or anxiety."
The main outcomes reported were anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality and physical inactivity during the isolation period. Cognitive strategies and increasing physical activity levels using apps, online videos, telehealth, are the main international recommendations.
It is clear that the chronic experience of social isolation escalates the risk of depression and dementias, as well as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer6,7,8.
Isolation is a result of anxiety and depression in that some individuals use it as a self-induced coping mechanism to deal with excessive worry and avoid human interaction.
Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
Health effects of social isolation, loneliness
Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death.
Loneliness has been associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. It can also weaken our immune systems, which helps protect us from getting sick. Luckily, understanding stress and loneliness and how to manage them can help.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS
Loneliness and social isolation are also associated with increased blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels, depression and, if that weren't bad enough, decreases in cognitive abilities and Alzheimer's disease. Humans evolved to be around others.
Spending time alone can be a chance to focus on your mental health. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, it can be a chance to work on your self-care. Mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves just as much attention. Improve your mood with some solitude.
Poor social skills often lead to stress and loneliness, which can negatively affect physical as well as mental health.
When someone feels lonely they are more likely to try to distract themselves with the other things in their lives. So if your colleague is always talking about their stamp collection, or always flying away on exotic solo city breaks rather than spending weekends at home, they might be feeling alone.
Tell your friend or family member that you're concerned and that you want to help and listen. Just having someone express that they care and are worried is powerful. Understand and make clear that you aren't there to fix your friend or tell them what to do. Check in, listen, and be compassionate, not judgmental.
Reasons People Self-Isolate
“being embarrassed” “not feeling understood, or feeling different or disconnected from others” “feelings of worthlessness, self-doubt, and helplessness” “prominent fear and anxiety (phobia) or stress”
Loneliness is a significant and growing problem with substantial physical health and mental health impacts. Research has found that loneliness and social isolation may be as bad for your health as obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day and significantly impacts mental health.
Our fears and difficult past experiences can make us go to great lengths to avoid people, settings and activities. We instinctively want to protect ourselves, and we can feel like isolating ourselves is the best way to do that. We might feel safer and more secure when we are alone.
Living alone gives you the opportunity to explore your true self and develop a sense of being comfortable in your own skin. This might be the simple act of being comfortable in your own company. Or being able to spot what triggers negative feelings and (most importantly) what you can do to counteract them.
While you can recover from social isolation, some of the consequences severely impact your health. Take a read through these five consequences that can come from social isolation: Emotional pain weakens our immune system and mental health. Higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
If you find yourself spending more and more time alone because you believe others don't understand you or that you will struggle to connect, you may be experiencing one of the more subtle symptoms of trauma.
Definitions of troglodyte. one who lives in solitude. synonyms: hermit, recluse, solitary, solitudinarian.
It can also push into overthinking mode
Loneliness can make you an overthinker, leading to unsavoury feelings like anxiousness, aggression, and irritability.
In extreme cases, isolation may pose a threat to physical health and wellness. Isolation can lead to depression, which in turn can lead to troubles at work and job loss, financial problems, lack of self-care and failure to seek medical attention.