How Social Isolation Affects Your Mental Health

A scientific report has noted that the recent social isolation due to coronavirus outbreak can cause psychological health disorders. Social isolation also referred to as a social recession, associates people significantly with increased risk for premature deaths from all causes.

In reality, isolation and loneliness affect more older adults, but it appears that coronavirus will almost certainly worsen the problem. As the COVID-19 epidemic continues, millions of Americans are slowly adapting to becoming disconnected from society.

Experts are still not sure how long the epidemic will stay, but they have found that long-term isolation can cause both psychological and physical health problems.

How Coronavirus Has Caused Social Isolation

Coronavirus pandemic has led to the closure of bars and restaurants in at least 11 states, while more than 30 others have temporarily closed down schools. Just recently, in northern California, people in six counties were given compulsory orders to stay at home. Such instructions are one of the strictest measures established in the USA more recently.

Being lonely at home, having a small social network, and rare involvement in social activities such as gatherings or religious services have all led to isolation. Therefore, coronavirus has not only caused psychological health issues due to social isolation, but it has also affected so many businesses by allowing people to stay at home to avoid transmission.

The Dangers of Isolation

It is no secret that isolation can cause a decline in both psychological and physical health. Research indicates that relationships with other people can help us deal with stress issues amongst us.

Moreover, studies reveal that the absence of social interactions can increase the death risks by at least 50 percent. In some cases, isolation can buildup mortality risks by more than 90 percent.

These figures are shocking, primarily due to the physical and psychological health risks associated with loneliness. According to a meta-analysis researched at Brigham Young University, a lack of social correlation increases health risks such as frequent smoking and alcohol use disorder. The studies also found that social isolation is twice as harmful to psychological and physical health as obesity.

Additionally, the lack of social interactions create risks to the following psychological and emotional health conditions:

• Depression
• Cognitive decline
• Hallucinations
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Neuroticism

Furthermore, social isolation has been associated with risks to infections, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and overactive immune responses. Social isolation can also obstruct everyday functioning, such as interfering with sleep patterns, disrupting focus, and affecting both verbal and logical reasoning.

How to Overcome Social Isolation

There are a few ways of overcoming social isolation. An excellent technique is participating in professional rehab therapies, which can manage the psychological disorders caused by loneliness. Also, therapy teaches practical coping skills to manage isolation while developing interacting social skills with other people before the COVID-19 outbreak solution becomes evident.

You can also find professional help by contacting our psychological health services for support. With our excellent advice, therapies, and programs, you can get recovery from psychological health issues caused by social isolation linked with coronavirus outbreak.