Lack of social connections and loneliness may leaded by social isolation.

With the widespread pandemic and the amount of social cut-off has made several individuals suffer from the constant feeling of emptiness against their chest. This overwhelming feeling of solitude has led to numerous hesitant, indecisive and contrasting sentiments. ‘Loneliness’ is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is a lack of social connections. Social isolation can lead to loneliness in some people, while others can feel lonely without being socially isolated. Pop psychologists have coined the term ‘Social Media Paradox’ to describe how social media have allowed us to become more connected to other people than at any time in history and yet many individuals report feeling more lonely and isolated than ever before. Douglas Nemecek, MD, Cigna’s chief medical officer for behavioral health, said the findings of a study suggest that the problem has reached “epidemic” proportions, rivaling the risks posed by tobacco and the nation’s ever-expanding waistline.

“Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity,” he said in releasing the report.

The thoroughfare to explain how loneliness affects health is still quite strenuous to demonstrate. Though the three main pathways have been suggested: behavioural, psychological and physiological.

Social isolation and loneliness adversely influence activities of daily living that include functional status (individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities required to meet basic needs, fulfil usual roles, and maintain health and well-being) among older adults
Have a direct influence on health related physiology such as blood pressure and reduced immune functioning
People reporting loneliness have poorer sleep quality
Both social isolation and loneliness were associated with a greater risk of being inactive, smoking, as well as reporting multiple health-risk behaviours including physical inactivity and smoking
Loneliness is associated with lower self-esteem and limited use of active coping mechanisms

Loneliness and social isolation may affect health independently through their effects on health behaviours. In addition, social isolation may also affect health through biological processes associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.

Loneliness on physical health

Loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26%
The effect of loneliness and isolation on mortality is comparable to the impact of well-known risk factors such as obesity, and has a similar influence as cigarette smoking
Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke
Loneliness increases the risk of high blood pressure

Social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for the

Loneliness on mental health

Loneliness puts individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia
Lonely individuals are more prone to depression
Loneliness and low social interaction are predictive of suicide in older age
Loneliness and isolation are associated with poorer cognitive function among older adults

In a recent research it was found that people who are lonely and isolated are more likely to have heart disease and stroke, get immune system problems, and may even have a harder time recovering from cancer.

Arthur H. Brand, PhD, a licensed psychologist in Boca Raton, FL, said he is seeing the trend in his practice. Loneliness is not a clinical disorder, and it is different from more serious feelings of isolation and alienation, but it can be a sign of deeper psychological issues, he says.

“Loneliness is a feeling that may be transient,” he said. “Isolation/alienation is more of a condition that may be the result of chronic loneliness; withdrawal from relationships that can be self-imposed; and/or the result of rejection/shunning by others.”

Brand said face-to-face connection with others is the best remedy through support groups, civic activities, adult education classes, social groups, volunteering, faith-based activities, political activism, book clubs, travel clubs, and even dating websites. All can all be useful ways to combat loneliness and isolation.

A few tips one can follow to overcome these empty feelings are:

Reach balance: Getting the right amount of sleep, work, socializing with friends, family time, and “me time” is connected to lower loneliness scores.

Sleep: People who say they sleep just the right amount have lower loneliness scores.

Family time: People who report spending too much time with family are more likely to say that they feel as though they are part of a group of friends and they can find companionship when they need it.