Effect of loneliness on mental health
Loneliness is a feeling that most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. It is not just mentally taxing and exhausting, but also bad for our health. According to research, loneliness is associated with an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders, as well as physical health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can occur suddenly or gradually, last for a short time or linger for months or even years, and be extremely taxing when it is constant and intense.
What is loneliness?
Loneliness is defined as a lack of close relationships with people in your life. Isolation from others can be detrimental to one's mental health. Loneliness differs from social isolation, which is having less contact with people due to certain circumstances. Loneliness cannot be alleviated by using the internet, because the underlying issue is a sense of disconnection from others in life.
Loneliness is a problem that goes unnoticed because it is difficult to detect, but it is more prevalent than most people realise. Loneliness-related mental health problems are on the rise among young adults, according to research. This is because of two reasons: 1) we have become more aware of others' lives through social media, or 2) we spend less time interacting with people one-on-one.
Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic-related social distancing and the new prevalence of working from home, people have had a lesser chance to interact with others in person. Even though the restrictions have been relaxed, people are still finding it difficult to socialise. Loneliness, if unchecked, can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health.
Loneliness among the elderly and teenagers
Loneliness can strike at any age, but it is most severe in the late 20s, mid-50s, and late 80s. Loneliness raises the risk of dementia in the elderly. Teenagers feel isolated and vulnerable when they are separated from their families.
Seniors who are lonely may find it difficult to interact with family, friends, and community members. Furthermore, because the elderly are mostly confined to their homes, it is difficult for them to find activities that keep them engaged. In such cases, older people should consult a doctor or a therapist to discuss their difficulties.
Loneliness can contribute to or exacerbate the following conditions:
1. Stress, depression and suicidal
2. Alzheimer’s disease
3. Alcoholism and abuse
4. Bereavement
5. Personality and sleeping disorders
6. Hypertension and coronary heart disease
7. Obesity
8. Physiological ageing
These are just a few of the health consequences of loneliness.
Types of loneliness
There are mainly three types of loneliness. They are as follows:
1. Situational loneliness
1. This is a type of loneliness caused by changes in a person's life. These can range from cross-country relocation to job changes, the loss of a loved one, changes in physical ability or sudden disability, and so on. Situational loneliness can be temporary as people adapt and adjust to the things that life throws at them, but it can also become a long-term problem with long-term health consequences.
2. Developmental loneliness
This is a type of loneliness that occurs when we do not believe we are developing at the same rate as those around us. Everyone grows and develops at their own pace, but it can be difficult to make social or intimate connections with others when we feel like we're lagging behind. Developmental loneliness is associated with feelings of inadequacy because a person may feel "less than" when compared to their peers.
3. Internal loneliness
This is loneliness that arises within an individual. It is deeply personal and may be rooted in one's personality and inability to connect meaningfully with others. Some people would never feel lonely if they were physically alone. Instead, loneliness stems from their fears of being alone. Personality traits, low self-esteem, perceived status, low self-worth, guilt, and poor coping mechanisms are all factors.
What are the various causes of loneliness?
What triggers loneliness for one person might not be the cause for another, but there are some common circumstances that can lead to loneliness, and they are as follows
1. Major life changes, such as relocating, retiring, getting divorced, the death of a loved one, a break-up, or financial difficulties.
2. A social, intellectual, developmental, or emotional disconnect from others.
3. Developing or managing an existing chronic illness or disability.
4. The ageing process including entering teenage or elderly or facing end of life.
5. Inadequate social bonds or relationships, such as a lack of connection in marriage or love life.
6. Mental illness, including borderline personality disorder.
7. Frequent discrimination, prejudice, or oppression based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or other factors.
8. Frequent use of social media, compromising personal connection.
These are just some of the reasons; there are many more depending on each person's triggers.
Loneliness and mental health issues
Many people believe that simply reconnecting with people will help them cope with loneliness. Unfortunately, that is not the reality, as the link between loneliness and mental health disorders is strong and can have serious consequences. It can increase feelings of worthlessness, self-criticism, and disconnect from others.
The link between loneliness and mental illness is so strong that researchers call it "social isolation syndrome." It worsens depression and anxiety and can be harmful to one's overall health, leading to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and sleeping disorders. Loneliness can set off a downward spiral of negative thoughts and feelings, which can lead to negative behaviour and even more loneliness.
Signs of loneliness
If you’re lonely, you may feel sad, empty, or as if you’re lacking something important when you spend time by yourself. Some of the signs of loneliness include
1. Decreased energy, body aches, and frequent illness.
2. Insomnia, interrupted sleep, or other sleep issues decrease appetite.
3. Feelings of self-doubt, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
4. Interpreting others actions as signs of rejection or dislike.
5. Anxiety or restlessness, or the inability to focus.
6. Substance misuse
7. Increased desire to binge-watch shows or movies, or increased use of social media.
8. Frequent feelings of frustration, anger, or annoyance.
How to deal with loneliness
There are many ways to tackle loneliness, including:
1. You can try joining clubs and organisations, starting a hobby, or pursuing relationships with friends and family.
2. Increasing your resilience and boosting your low self-esteem may help you control your symptoms.
3. Consult a doctor or therapist to gain a better understanding of what triggers your symptoms and maintain regular medical care.
4. Inform your family or friends of your warning signs.
5. Sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and regular physical activity are needed to maintain a healthy life.
6. Try to stick to a routine.
7. Get comfortable being in your own company.
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure, so it is always preferable to recognise the early signs of loneliness and take appropriate action before it worsens.
Nurses Group Homecare employs carers who have prior experience working with people who have mental health issues or disorders. We can assist you in overcoming mental health issues or loneliness.