Posted: September 5th, 2022

Negative Effects of Total Isolation on Physical and Mental Health

Negative Effects of Total Isolation on Physical and Mental Health
Everyone has experienced isolation at some point in their lives. However, total isolation particularly in solitary confinement is detrimental to one’s physical and mental health. Apart from prisoners, other people also encounter total isolation. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, people migrating from other areas were required to isolate themselves from the rest for 14 days.
Most people have undergone total social isolation due to new regulations that restricted movement. The complete lack of contact between an individual and society affects cognitive development; it leads to cognitive decline. It also leads to poor sleep quality and anxiety. People in isolation are susceptible to depression. It has long-term mental effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder on people who are forcefully isolated against their will.
People who are isolated are at a higher risk of having a stroke and developing heart diseases due to problems in cardiovascular function. Total isolation also lowers immunity and contributes to premature death. It leads to hallucinations and panic attacks. It also affects information processing. Isolation hinders clear thinking leading to difficulties in recalling information.
The risks related to social isolation are equal to those of obesity and cigarette smoking. Social isolation leads to stress. It can also make an individual indulge in unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking of alcohol. 40% of cases of dementia are related to social isolation. Loneliness also leads to a long-term fight or flee stress signaling, which is detrimental to the immune system.
Isolated people tend to have weaker immunity and more inflammations compared to those who are not isolated. Socially isolated individuals don’t interact with people; they don’t go out to clubs, playing fields, or indulge in religious activities. Perceiving the aged as less productive contributes to seclusion. It also leads to an increase in the level of loneliness. Statistics show that older people who attend churches and participate in various practices live longer. When the aged engage in social activities, they become better and happier.
Total isolation has adverse effects on a person’s health. To avoid it, you should engage in exercise, as it allows the release of endorphins, which is also known as the happy hormone. Meditation is an efficient way of avoiding loneliness. You can also go for walks and connect with nature. Trying a new hobby preoccupies your mind and helps you meet new people. Creating social support for the aged prevents total isolation and minimizes its effects.

References
Coyle, C. E., & Dugan, E. (2012). Social isolation, loneliness and health among older adults. Journal of aging and health, 24(8), 1346-1363.
Miyawaki, Christina E. “Association of social isolation and health across different racial and ethnic groups of older Americans.” Ageing and society 35.10 (2015): 2201.
Abad, C., A. Fearday, and N. Safdar. “Adverse effects of isolation in hospitalised patients: a systematic review.” Journal of hospital infection 76.2 (2010): 97-102.

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