Due to the pandemic, many social butterflies have been forced to isolate themselves to practice social distancing. Perceived social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic notably had a queer global impact, which unfortunately came with enormous psychological consequences. We all know that socialising is a fun thing to do, but most people are unaware that spending time socialising with people plays a vital role in your general health. Interaction in real life is often beneficial to your overall health – it has a significant impact mentally and physically.
However, due to changes in our daily lives, loss of jobs, financial hardship and mourning the loss of our loved ones in the times of COVID-19, people have never been more isolated. In an atmosphere of dilemma, it is necessary that clear and precise information must be offered about the problem of social isolation. But before you head out, we advise everyone to practice the use of PPE and hygiene.
Without further ado, here are 5 ways in which social isolation is bad for us:
5 Reasons Why Social Isolation is Bad for Us
Following are the risks that come with social isolation, which heavily impact the daily lives of many.
Health Risks Associated with Social Isolation
Social isolation has a wide range of adverse effects on both physical and mental health,including:
- The misuse of alcohol and drugs
- Brain function gets altered
- Progression in Alzheimer’s disease
- Antisocial behaviour
- Strokes and cardiovascular disease
- Regression of memory
- High risk of depression and suicide
- Heightened stress levels
- Making terrible decisions
Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
The impacts of social isolation on mental health are different for each individual. It depends on whether you have experienced mental health struggles previously in the past or not. If you did experience struggles, they might have now worsened. Another possibility is you may be feeling different in terms of emotion as a response to the pandemic. Here are some of the signs that you should take seriously:
- Sleep Disruption or Insomnia
- Severe feelings of loneliness
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety or Panic Attacks
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Effects of Social Isolation on Everyday Life
Social isolation negatively impacts your everyday life by reducing your bond and association with people. Your relation with your co-workers suffers, too. Due to social isolation, your work efficiency struggles as well. A study found that workers were much more productive as well as happy when they worked around familiar faces instead of being alone surrounded by the four walls of their home. Also, a factor that contributes to your mental well-being is face-to-face interactions, but as they have been tragically decreased under such circumstances, it could lead to feelings of loneliness. Furthermore, this directs to unhealthy habits such as alcohol dependence and smoking.
Effects of Social Isolation on Brain Function
Some people might know that actively socialising deferments memory loss as we continue to age. So, when one is socially isolated, the lack of strong social ties can destroy our brain health. Social interaction is a vital part of life as it keeps us mentally engaged.
Older adults who are socially isolated or experience feelings of loneliness regularly tend to have worse performances on medical tests such as thinking abilities or when they are required to process information as quickly as possible. It is believed social isolation may contribute to cognitive decline in multiple ways. This includes physical inactivity, inflammation, an increase in high blood pressure, along with poor sleep.
Effects of Social Isolation on the Body
According to a study published recently, highly social people are less likely to encounter a cold. It is an interesting fact that some researchers suggest that extroverts may even have sturdy immune systems. You can imagine the toll social isolation takes on the body when the opposite does wonders to the human body. Such individuals may also have weakened immune cells that have a hard time fighting off viruses. This makes them more exposed and vulnerable to several infectious diseases.
As a matter of fact, one study found people who participate in more social relationships have a higher life expectancy by 50 percent longer as compared to the people who are far more socially isolated.
Final Word
Social isolation can have a severe effect on your health, therefore, you need to be able to identify signs of social isolation that may prove to be harmful to your mind and body. It is best to avoid such signs by talking to loved ones on call, facetime, and more every day. You can even game virtually with friends and family. Just remember to keep using PPE and social distancing until you are sure it is safe for you and the ones dear to you.