When we are experiencing something as devastating as mental illness, we need the support of friends, family, and community more than ever. Unfortunately, mental health disorders can increase the distance between people in crisis and their support systems, leading to worse outcomes. At The Pavilion, in Williamsburg, Virginia, we treat adults and seniors who are struggling with mental illness. We welcome our patients’ families to become part of the treatment process whenever possible.
Defining Loneliness and Isolation
Isolation and loneliness are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between them. Isolation refers to a lack of connections, relationships, contact, or support. Someone can be physically isolated but not necessarily feel lonely.
Loneliness, on the other hand, is the emotional experience of feeling alone or disconnected, even when surrounded by others. It often stems from a lack of understanding or a sense that one isn’t valued by those around them. For instance, a person might have hundreds of social media contacts but lack deep, meaningful friendships. They may feel they have no one to turn to during difficult times or to share their joys with.
Bullying, whether in person or online, can exacerbate both loneliness and isolation. It can create a sense of exclusion and further distance individuals from the connections they need to thrive. Recognizing these differences is important for addressing the underlying causes and fostering genuine connection and support.
How Loneliness and Isolation Impact Well-Being
Whether a person is lonely, isolated, or both, the impact on their mental and physical health can be devastating. Around a third of American adults report that they feel lonely and a quarter report that they don’t have adequate emotional or social support. This places them at higher risk for:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Mental illness such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, reduced cognitive performance
- Premature death comparable to other factors, including tobacco use, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle
Researchers attempted to learn whether isolation or loneliness was worse for a person and they learned that social isolation is more closely associated with physical health problems and early death, while loneliness more commonly contributes to mental health struggles.
Conditions Leading to Loneliness and Isolation
The risk factors that most commonly contribute to isolation and loneliness include:
- Chronic health conditions
- Mental illness
- Disabilities
- Experiencing tragedies such as violence, abuse, end of an important relationship, unemployment, or death of a loved one
- Having reduced access to other people because of language barriers, insufficient transportation, unsafe or rural location, or mobility barriers
Traits Commonly Found in Lonely and Isolated People
People with the following traits are more likely to be at risk:
- Being part of a group that is marginalized or faces discrimination, such as a racial or ethnic minority or the LGBT+ community
- Living in poverty
- Being within a certain age group
- Living alone
- Being a caregiver for an ill or elderly loved one or being a stay-at-home parent
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty with comprehension
As one might expect, senior citizens are at particularly high risk for isolation and loneliness. Retirement can lead to a lost sense of purpose and less human contact. Vision and hearing can become worse, as can mobility and memory. Many seniors experience the deaths of friends, family, and partners. They may also lose their ability to drive. All of this can culminate in feeling and being very much alone.
Ways to Manage Loneliness and Isolation
Since everyone experiences loneliness or disconnection for different reasons, the solutions will vary from person to person. To provide meaningful help, it’s essential to listen closely to the individual’s concerns and work with them to create a tailored plan to address the issue. Here are some potential strategies:
- Talk to a doctor: Encourage them to discuss their feelings with a healthcare provider, who might recommend therapy, medications, or other treatments.
- Connect with a spiritual community: Help them explore faith-based groups or spiritual communities that can offer a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Rebuild family and social ties: Assist them in reconnecting with family and friends. This might involve arranging transportation, organizing gatherings, or facilitating visits to their loved ones.
- Encourage hobbies and shared interests: Help them rediscover old hobbies or explore new ones. Joining clubs or groups with people who share similar interests can provide a sense of community.
- Boost technology skills: Support them in learning how to use technology to stay connected. Many libraries, community centers, and colleges offer beginner classes on using computers and smartphones. This knowledge can help them call, text, email, or engage with loved ones more easily.
- Consider a pet: A pet can provide companionship, reduce loneliness, and give them a sense of purpose.
- Explore volunteer opportunities: Volunteering can offer a way to meet new people, build confidence, and contribute to a cause they care about.
At The Pavilion, we offer inpatient, outpatient, and detox treatment for people who have been diagnosed with behavioral health and substance use disorders. Our trauma-informed services include psychiatric assessment, individualized care plans, a variety of therapies, around-the-clock nursing care, medication, symptom management, nutritional consultation, and aftercare planning.
