Isolation

Isolation

Isolation is the process of being separated from people. Separation can occur in different forms. Social isolation refers to the situation where there is a complete or a nearly complete disconnection between an individual and the society. Emotional separation occurs where there is a strong connection between a person and the community, but the individual does not feel connected. Emotional isolation is a state of mind. Separation can also be advised by medical practitioners where deemed necessary, for example, in cases where one suffers an infectious disease, and there is a risk of spreading it to others. Isolation does more harm health-wise and psychologically to the individuals being isolated.

Various factors are attributed to different kinds of isolation. A family crisis in that family members neglect a person as a result of issues like conflicts amongst themselves contributes to social isolation. Unemployment also makes one distance himself or herself from society. Unemployment makes one suffer psychologically and makes one think that they cannot fit in the community. Poverty also makes one distance themselves from the society (Stewart et al. 188). Domestic violence also leads to social isolation in that the perpetrator distances the victim from society and uses this as a controlling tool.  Some people do not embrace their disabilities and end up distancing themselves from the community. In some individuals, social isolation may begin in childhood, and in some, it may start at an advanced age. Trust issues in individuals also make them distance themselves from people. Emotional isolation can occur as a result of social isolation at one point in life.

Isolation has adverse effects on individuals. Disconnectedness leads to stress. People who dissociate themselves suffer a lot of pressure and cannot open up to others. Disconnection leads to increased anxiety and tension and may escalate to a point where they are unable to cope. Emotional support is vital in such hard times. During hard times one tends to make irrational decisions such as suicide that would have been prevented during interactions with other people. Segregated people have natural feelings of loneliness and make them vulnerable to depression. Isolated people are also unhappy are dissatisfied with life in general, and in turn, it makes them irritable. Social isolation affects the day to day activities since it results in disrupted sleep and lack of focus. , therefore, should be avoided at all for the well-being of people.

Children undergoing isolation also have self-esteem issues. Children and adolescent who do not accept themselves are affected negatively by even slight comments from people and may end up performing poorly in school (Matthews et al. 229). Segregated children may not try out new things which would impact them positively because they are not confident enough. Such children lose interest in activities and are afraid of failure. Kids deal with their loneliness differently. Others become angry quickly, therefore, pushing others further or even pulling away from others. Kids also tend to engage in risky behavior such as vandalizing property and other risky things that may make them feel accepted. As a way of seeking solace, isolated people may turn to drug and substance use.

Isolation is also a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Isolation can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Separation increases the stress hormone which later increases blood pressure (Courtin and Knapp 805). Loneliness, therefore, forces the heart to work harder than it is supposed to, leading to significant damage to blood vessels and the overall weakening of the heart. Loneliness also reduces a person’s immunity. The immune system of a human being focuses on fighting threats. For lonely people, the world is seen as a threat, and therefore the immune system responds by concentrating more on that threat as compared to viral threats, leaving the body with little ability to fight other illnesses such as cancer. Lonely people have a heightened reaction to stress. Lonely people experience greater nervousness and anxiety which leads to the release of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone responsible for regulating processes in the body like metabolism. Increased levels of cortisol causes wear and tear to the cardiovascular system. Lonely persons also resort to unhealthy eating behavior, therefore, leading to high cholesterol. Social people have reduced risk as compared to isolated ones because they do not keep thoughts to themselves and get help whenever it is required.

Isolation is detrimental to the mental well-being of an individual. Separation leads to conditions like dementia. Dementia is a mental condition which affects the day to day functions of a person for example memory loss.  Loneliness interferes with the brain cells ability to communicate with each other, leading to interrupted normal thinking, feeling, and behavior. Deteriorated social skills portrayed by isolated persons leads to change in personality which eventually leads to dementia. The absence of social attachments increase the risks of cognitive declines (Cacioppo and Hawkley 450). Lonely people have a hard time processing information can result in poor memory storage in that they cannot even remember recent activities. Isolation also brings stigma especially in cases where segregation is as a result of medical reasons. Isolated patients may feel sorry for themselves, and this may deteriorate their healing process. On the other hand, quarantine may help in avoiding the spread of contagious diseases and therefore saving society.

Although isolation brings along adverse effects, separation may also help in bringing out the positive outlook of an individual. Isolation increases and expands thoughts. Having an alone moment enables some people to think creatively and come up with solutions. Some people may be sensitive to criticism from other people, and by being alone, they can think freely without interruptions. Thinking without interruptions improves productivity and focus. Spending time alone helps the mind to refresh and clears one’s mind. Isolation also promotes self-awareness. Spending time alone helps one identify with their inner self, a process which fosters self-discovery, therefore, finding one’s purpose in life. When one is not surrounded by people always, the outer world will not influence personal matters of one’s life, and therefore one can find their correct path in life. Isolation also helps in avoiding the toxicity of some people and build healthy relationships with others. Taking some time alone makes one appreciate the time spent with others. When one gets used to being around others, one may take that for granted. Spending time alone also aids in understanding others. Introverts are empathetic and self-aware, qualities that are essential in building healthy relationships.

Human beings are a social species. Social interactions are vital in the wellbeing of individuals. Socializing helps in building an all-round person who can accommodate everyone despite their shortcomings. Although isolation may be necessary for some instance, it has adverse effects on the victims and society at large. Separation should be avoided at all costs and socialization be embraced regardless of the differences in personalities and status.

Works Cited

Cacioppo, John T., and Louise C. Hawkley. “Perceived Social Isolation and Cognition.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, vol. 13, no. 10, Oct. 2009, pp. 447–54. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.tics.2009.06.005.

Courtin, Emilie, and Martin Knapp. “Social Isolation, Loneliness and Health in Old Age: A Scoping Review.” Health & Social Care in the Community, vol. 25, no. 3, 2017, pp. 799–812. Wiley Online Library, doi:10.1111/hsc.12311.

Matthews, Timothy, et al. “Social Isolation and Mental Health at Primary and Secondary School Entry: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, vol. 54, no. 3, Mar. 2015, pp. 225–32. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2014.12.008.

Stewart, Miriam J., et al. “Poverty, Sense of Belonging and Experiences of Social Isolation.” Journal of Poverty, vol. 13, no. 2, May 2009, pp. 173–95. Taylor and Francis+NEJM, doi:10.1080/10875540902841762.