As we celebrate and recognize Mental Health Awareness Month it can be helpful to reflect on important components of mental wellness and connectedness such as isolation and loneliness. This month’s article will examine isolation and loneliness to increase awareness of the role they play in our overall health and mental health in particular. Mental Health Awareness Month allows individuals to share their story, increase awareness of the critical role mental health plays in overall health and break the stigma associated with mental health.

Despite Mental Health Awareness Month being observed in the United States since 1949, stigma around mental health still exists and all too often individuals suffer in silence. When these barriers to accessing help occur people can experience a range of emotions and symptoms that can create or be comorbid with other health challenges. Isolation and loneliness are both important components to assess and treat in order to provide holistic mental health support.

Loneliness can be defined as feeling alone, disconnected, and uncared for. While loneliness can sometimes cause individuals to socially withdraw or isolate, there is a difference between loneliness and isolation. Isolation can be defined as being physically or socially disconnected from others. Sometimes but not always, isolation can lead to loneliness. Isolation and loneliness are both linked to numerous health problems such as reduced cognitive health, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. Isolation and loneliness can also aid in the weakening of the immune system, increased rates of chronic health problems and even higher mortality rates. For individuals with mental health difficulties, it can also worsen mental health symptoms and often make it more challenging to combat loneliness and isolation. Below is a chart to help illustrate the difference between loneliness and isolation.
Loneliness Isolation
Is a subjective feeling of emotional distress arising from a perceived lack of social connection or intimacy. Refers to a state of limited social interaction or withdrawal from others.
Can occur even when someone has social contacts, if they do not feel emotionally close or fulfilled in those relationships Can be caused by factors such as physical distance, lack of social support, or personal choice.
Is characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, and isolation. May involve a reduced number of social contacts and limited engagement with others.
 

Some ways to recognize feelings of loneliness or that you may be isolating:

  • Not engaging/engaging less in social activities or events
  • Feeling detached from others – feeling like an outsider – feeling like nobody knows the real you
  • Difficulty forming/maintaining relationships
  • Social anxiety
  • Feelings of distress (sadness, anxiety, low self worth, etc.)

Now that we know a little more about loneliness and isolation, we will get into ways to recognize when one or both are present, as well as ways to combat them.

If you notice yourself withdrawing from others, feeling lonely even when you are around people and increased feelings of anxiety and depression here are some reflective questions to ask yourself:

  • Have I reached out to others recently to foster social connections?
  • Do I have a supportive network of people in my life? It can also be helpful to evaluate the quality of relationships in your life.
  • Do I engage in social activities that are meaningful and fulfilling to me?
  • Do I need extra support and/or professional help such as counseling or therapy?

After you check in and reflect then you can begin to identify strategies that may help combat feelings of loneliness and find ways to cope with social isolation. A good place to start can be by becoming aware of our feelings and acknowledging that we are experiencing feelings of loneliness. From there you can begin to examine whether these feelings are causing you to isolate yourself.

Although these feelings are uncomfortable there are ways that you can cope with this experience. Below are some coping strategies for feelings of isolation and isolation;

  • Get outside
  • Reconnect with your interests
  • Practice self care
  • Check in with people you know

It is important to know that you do not have to live in these feelings forever, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges due to feelings of loneliness or isolation, our counselors at Capital EAP are ready and available to help guide you on this journey. You can reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to connect with our intake team, who can help you set up an appointment.

By: Meryl Tremblay, LMSW, EAP Clinician