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Key Takeaways
For many,the pandemic intensified loneliness concerns.
These findings can better inform government programs to address loneliness and improve mental health among adults.
For these people, its like being knocked down before you’re able to even get up.
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“Loneliness and isolation can become a form of self-neglect.
Pratt notes that if not prepared for it, people find that retirement can be hard.
This stigma often stems from others misinterpreting that isolation.”
Since most may not want to burden others, Pratt notes that they may withdraw.
Expecting family and friends to provide sufficient support to promote mental health may strain relationships, according to Pratt.
In other words, isolation doesnt have to be a matter of being physically apart from people."
“This difficulty can lead to loneliness, which can lead to mental health issues.
Human beings are social creatures and we are meant to be around other human beings,” he explains.
Loneliness andsocial isolation increase the risk of mental illness, according to Lagoy.
Lagoy highlights, “There is stigma with loneliness and mental health in our society.
This is worth noting because sexual orientation and ethnicity do play a crucial part in mental health.”
“I would re-emphasize that we need to destigmatize loneliness and mental health,” he says.
While medications can help patients who are lonely, Lagoy notes that connection to others is needed.
“The sooner we recognize the problem, the sooner we can get real solutions.
But this is not without consequences.
“Repeated avoidance of social activities leads to diminishment of our relationships over time.
This can evolve into diagnosable and debilitating mental health conditions such associal phobiaoragoraphobia,” he says.
Merrill explains, “Human well-being is in many ways tied to social interaction-based relationships.
We often find these close relationships among family members and similar bonds can form in work configs.”
In many ways, the antidote to avoidance-based fear is to re-approach the same potentially anxiety-provoking social situations.”
Safe and supportive social interactions are key to long-term mental health and well-being, according to Merrill.
Logid explains how mental health challenges can contribute to isolation from others.
“It can be a scary and difficult cycle to break,” she says.
Logid highlights, “One of our basic needs as humans is connection with others.
It is a huge part of why therapy can be so helpful.
Therapy is based on a healthy, consistent, truthful connection with another human.”
“A safe person is someone who provides support and validation,” she says.
Logid explains, “People may not even realize how much social interaction affects their mental health.
Breaking the cycle of loneliness starts with an awareness of how important social connections are to mental health.
The way we reach that goal is different for each person.”
Without social interaction, Logid notes that individuals often do not have a healthy community.
“If you are suffering with loneliness, start with reaching out to someone you trust.
Feeling alone in the midst of mental health struggles is part of why it is so difficult.
Withdrawing from social interactions can also be detrimental to your mental well-being.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with loneliness, it is crucial to seek support.
