The effects of isolation on mental health can be devastating. Severely limited to one or more social circles, people with few contacts in their lives may feel as if they have no one left who understands them. Mental and physical well-being are intertwined. Sleep deprivation and a weakened immune system are only two of the side effects of social isolation on one’s health. Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of sadness, anxiety, and suicide.
A study headed by an epidemiologist at Newcastle University found a link between social isolation and an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Loneliness has been linked to a 40% increase in dementia risk, according to research published in The Journals of Gerontology.
Despite the lack of complete understanding of the link between social isolation and major medical disorders, there is adequate data to support the hypothesis. Social isolation has been related to an increased risk of early death by an American Journal of Epidemiology research. People who are lonely or alone pose a significant public health concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that having a strong social support system may have a substantial impact on one’s health. As a matter of fact, several countries are increasingly focusing on loneliness as a health issue.
Mental and physical health are intertwined when people are socially connected. Relationships, according to some studies, may even be a biological necessity for our health and survival.
Some of the dangers to one’s mental health
Loneliness and isolation can be alleviated with the help of a trusted source.
- Depression\anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Suicide\sdementia
- The Alzheimer’s condition
Loneliness has been linked to a number of health issues, including heart disease and breast cancer.
Mental Health, Isolation And Covid
Even by cautious projections, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 have yet to peak and are likely to survive the present pandemic.
Most prevalent mental health issues include anxiety, panic attacks, OCD symptoms, sleeplessness, and digestive issues as well as depressive symptoms, and PTSD. Not only are they directly linked to the outbreak, but extended social isolation, or the absence of connections with others, is also playing a significant role. The medical journal The Lancet has released an article that paints a bleak picture of the long-term implications of even a few days of isolation, with the existence of mental signs up to three years later.
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