Effects of Isolation: What Does Isolation Do to a Person?

What Is Isolation?

Isolation is when an individual is disconnected from others, whether intentionally or by circumstance.¹ The person may actively choose to isolate themselves for many reasons or may be excluded by others. There are many different factors that can influence isolation like geographical restrictions, social distancing, cultural isolation, and technological isolation.

As people have started working remotely and after the changes that occurred from social distancing, isolation has become more prevalent. Humans are social creatures, and isolation can have many mental, emotional, and even physical negative impacts.

Isolation Vs. Loneliness

Loneliness is a distressful emotion caused by feeling alone. Physical isolation is the act of being alone. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person is lonely.

Both can function outside of each other, and both can occur even when an individual is not physically alone.

In a crowd of people, when we sense an emotional disconnect or feel secluded, it can lead to a profound sense of isolation. If this internalized isolation persists, it has the potential to transform into loneliness—an emotional reaction rooted in a sense of detachment and alienation.

Signs of Social Isolation

It’s not uncommon to isolate ourselves from social interactions and to want solitude at times. Having time alone can be beneficial and relaxing. When Social isolation or self-isolation occurs, it is more commonly unwanted and impacts mental and emotional health.

Signs of social isolation include:²

• No longer attending events that you use to enjoy
• Feeling relief after canceling plans frequently
• Feeling anxiety or panic when thinking about social interactions
• Dreading social activities
• Feeling distress during times of solitude
• Spending the majority of the days alone or with very limited contact with others

Causes of Isolation

Isolation can be influenced by many factors and can impact anyone. It can be caused by life experiences or be a symptom of a mental health disorder, and once isolation starts, it can be challenging to break the cycle. Below are a few common causes of isolation.

Possible causes of isolation include:^{2, 3}

• Social anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Financial stressors
• Other mental health issues
• Are a caregiver
• Experience discrimination
• Loss of loved ones
• Grief
• Intimate partner violence
• Being in a remote location
• Unemployment

Physical Health Consequences of Isolation

As isolation occurs, it can also cause the person to feel trapped and unable to find ways to reconnect with others. Because of this trapped feeling, isolation can persist for extended periods of time. The longer a person experiences isolation, the more at risk they are for physical health consequences. People need connection and support and without it, the long term effects of the hormones caused by anxiety and depression take a toll on the body and mind.

Some groups, like those that have been historically marginalized and the elderly, are at an increased risk of physical effects when experiencing social isolation. The physical impacts of isolation can be an increase in heart disease, neurocognitive disorder, weakened immune function, and a shortened life span.^{4, 3}

Psychological Effects of Social Isolation

Social isolation has many negative effects, including psychological impairments. Connection has many positive effects on humans, and when that is cut off, it impacts our ability to regulate how we feel about ourselves, and leaves us vulnerable to mental health issues.

Psychological effects of isolation include:^{3, 5}

• Increased risk of depression
• Increased risk of anxiety
• Increased risk of suicide
• Increased risk of self-harm
• Increased risk of addiction and substance abuse

Depression & Anxiety

Those struggling with depression are at an increased risk of social isolation, which then exacerbates the symptoms. A study done with older adults showed an increase in depressive symptoms when separated from both family and friends.⁶ Similar results have been found with adolescents. One article mentions that depression occurs when the individual feels lonely during their experiences with social isolation.⁷

Similarly, anxiety can be caused by social isolation and also be amplified by it. Studies done on individuals following the pandemic showed an increase in anxiety.⁸ This was especially noticed in women, younger participants, and those who are single, divorced, or widowed.⁸ Social isolation has a severe impact.

Impact on Cognitive Functions

According to studies, long-term social isolation was associated with lower cognitive test results in older adults. This study was done over a 3-year period where the participants showed a decrease in cognitive functioning.⁹ This impacted the individual’s functioning in memory, attention, verbal communication, and problem-solving skills.

Social & Emotional Impacts of Isolation

As a person goes through social isolation, it can be difficult to reintegrate into social scenarios, especially if the mental health conditions have become exacerbated. Long periods of isolation can lead to emotional detachment and numbness, limiting the person’s motivation to attempt to reconnect with friends and family. If there was originally anxiety around socializing, avoiding those situations can heighten the anxiety’s physiological response when thinking about stepping out of seclusion.

Coping Strategies for Isolation

Isolation can be consuming and feel like a never-ending cycle. In order to maintain mental and physical health, it’s important to identify ways to break free and begin connecting and engaging in life again. This can look like creating a routine for yourself that involves moments of connection, even if simply asking the cashier how their day is going, engaging in movement, and seeking professional help if needed.

Ways to cope with and overcome isolation include:

• Reach out via text or social media to friends and family
• Resume an old hobby, or pick a new one up
• Establish a daily routine
• Find ways to get involved in your community
• Limit your time on social media
• Try to stay active
• Create to-do lists that give you reasons to get out of the house
• Limit screen time
• Let friends and family know what you’re experiencing

How Technology Can Help Prevent Isolation

Technology comes with its pros and cons, and even though it is important to monitor and limit screen time, it can be used to help mitigate the isolation. Technology removes barriers to social interaction like transportation, disabilities, and financial constraints, amongst others.

Technology can be a resource that allows individuals to connect more frequently, connect people that may not otherwise meet due to geographical location, and it can offer therapeutic support through groups, meetups, and teletherapy sessions. When used appropriately, it can be a game changer for mental health and social isolation.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to break the cycle of isolation, you’re noticing yourself feeling increasingly anxious about interacting with others or you’re constantly feeling down, a lack of energy, and not enjoying things that you did before, then it is time to consider seeking out professional help. Especially if what you’re experiencing is causing feelings of hopelessness or you are struggling to find a purpose in life.

Social isolation and the emotional and physical components that accompany it are serious, and there are specialists who can help you work through the underlying causes. online therapist directory and online therapy platforms can help assist in finding the support necessary. Seeking additional support with a psychiatrist can help offer additional assistance with managing the symptoms of isolation. Here is more information on online psychiatrist options.