Isolation

Isolation refers to the separation of an individual from other people or a larger social group. This separation can be voluntary or forced, physical or emotional/mental, and complete or partial. Experts say isolation can cause physical and mental harm because people have a built-in need for social interaction, but the effects of isolation depend on its circumstances. For instance, someone who is isolated because a group of friends gets mad and excludes them will be more likely to suffer negative effects of isolation than someone who chooses to move to a cabin in the woods to study nature. Psychologists also use the term isolation to refer to people who intentionally distance themselves from others as a defense mechanism.

Background

Experts say humans have an inherent need to be part of a community with others. Studies have shown that people are generally happier, more fulfilled, and more productive when the basic need to be connected to a group is met. On the other hand, people who feel like they are excluded or cut off from the people in their family or community are more likely to become upset, depressed, or sad.

This type of isolation happens when people are separated from their community by force or circumstances. For example, a person might be forced into isolation because they do something that angers others, causing the group to withdraw their friendship from the person. Older people can become isolated after the death of a partner, or when their adult children move away. During the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020, many people were isolated because they lived alone, and government restrictions imposed for group safety forced them to spend more time than usual by themselves. In each of these cases, the person who is isolated may become depressed or upset because of the isolation.

Isolation does not always involve physical separation. A person can feel isolated after a traumatic experience, often because they feel others cannot understand what they are feeling. For example, a person who experiences a miscarriage or an individual whose spouse dies young may feel isolated and alone because their friends are having children or still have their spouses. They may be isolated by their feelings that no one else understands what they are experiencing. In these cases, the person may not be physically isolated but may perceive themselves as being isolated by their circumstances.

Psychologists identify other forms of isolation as well. They note that some people intentionally isolate themselves as a defense mechanism. People sometimes self-isolate when they feel depressed, threatened, inadequate, ashamed, or have other negative feelings. They draw away from the community as a way of protecting themselves from what they anticipate will be negative reactions from other people. They essentially attempt to protect themselves by distancing themselves from something or someone they think might hurt them.

In these instances, the isolation may be complete, such as staying home and avoiding all contact with others, or partial, such as when a person lives with others and goes to work but avoids social contact. In some cases, people will put up mental barriers to attempt to isolate thoughts or memories they see as dangerous or potentially harmful, essentially isolating aspects of their mind and emotions from themselves. Some people also engage in emotional isolation, where they continue to be physically present but keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves. Fear of criticism, fear of being hurt, and lack of trust in others are common reasons for a person to become emotionally isolated.

Overview

Nearly everyone experiences feelings of isolation from time to time. These experiences can be short-lived, such as during the first days following a move to a new place, or more long-term. No one is immune to the potential for feeling isolated, but some people are more likely to experience it than others. Those who have fewer close friends, who are older, who are physically distanced from friends and family, or who are in groups outside of the cultural norm are more susceptible to feeling isolated.

Studies have indicated that some younger people are also more likely to feel isolated. This often comes from the perception that they are failing to meet expectations, either their own or those of society. Experts say some of this is driven by social media. People tend to make social media posts when they are doing something fun or accomplishing something. This triggers people to compare their lives to what they think their friends are experiencing and can cause feelings of isolation.

The effects of isolation are not limited to emotions and feelings. According to medical studies, isolation can lead to loneliness. The effects of loneliness can be as severe as the physical effects of smoking more than a dozen cigarettes a day and can have the same lasting effects as high blood pressure.

Isolation that results in loneliness can cause insomnia and trigger the release of stress hormones such as cortisol that cause inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is known to be a cause of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Developing these conditions can make a person more susceptible to developing a permanent disability and lead to early death. Loneliness can also cause depression, which, in extreme cases, can lead to suicide. People who are forcibly subjected to isolation, such as people who are imprisoned in solitary confinement, have been known to experience hallucinations as well.

Not everyone will experience these problems from isolation. Individuals who choose isolation, as some people do for personal or religious reasons, are less likely to experience loneliness and the negative effects of isolation. Their sense of control over the situation and their personal choice in the matter counter the negative outcomes experienced when isolation is imposed. However, even people who choose a solitary life are likely to need some sense of connection with others. They may feel lonely from time to time and may need some sense of connection with others.

Experts say that people who are experiencing loneliness and other negative effects of isolation can and should take steps to reduce the stress it causes. Using technology such as video calls can provide face-to-face interaction and help individuals stay connected with loved ones. Joining groups with similar interests to make new friends can help those isolated from past communities. Those who are self-isolating because of negative feelings about themselves or their past, or who are experiencing depression because of their isolation, can benefit from psychiatry or other forms of professional help from a therapist or counselor.

Bibliography

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