Social connections are important. It is needed to thrive and survive. However, as one starts to age, one finds comfort in loneliness and isolation. This is where people become vulnerable, and it greatly affects their well-being and health. There are studies that show that social isolation and loneliness remain associated with a higher risk for health problems, including depression, cognitive decline, and heart disease.

In case you have poor health, it is quite likely to feel so alone. This, in turn, puts Feeling Lonely in a relationship at risk, in spite of being one of the universal human emotions. It is its uniqueness and complexity that make it important for prevention and treatment at times so that it does not damage the state of mind dramatically.

Considering it all, this article has been prepared to discuss both loneliness and isolation and how it can leave a person feel “I am on my own and lonely” and live with fear of being alone and lonely. The article also discusses health consequences, potential treatments, and symptoms. So go ahead and give it a read to know further. for more info about the how to care for yourself when you feel alone and isolated.

Loneliness and Social Isolation- Difference

People, irrespective of age group, start to feel so alone and make themselves socially isolated without even noticing the reason and the impact of the same. Especially after the coronavirus outbreak, there have been increasing challenges because of health considerations that made people feel “I am on my own and lonely”.
It is important to understand the difference between social isolation and loneliness. Even though the terms remain different, they are related.

• • Loneliness is a distressing feeling where a person ends up feeling so alone that they feel separated from others. On the other hand, social isolation is a lack of social contact where people have few people to talk to. It is here that you will feel, “I am on my own and lonely”, just when the limited contact of yours wouldn’t be able to connect with you.

• Loneliness is when you get feelings of isolation even when you wish to have a social connection. Now, this has been perceived as involuntary separation, where you might perceive involuntary separation or abandonment, where one becomes scared of being alone. In the case of social isolation, you might have a feeling of spending time alone and maintaining a positive social relationship, just as when there is a craving for connection.

Reasons for feeling lonely in a relationship

Some of the situational variables to feel so alone are,

• Moving to a new location
• Physical isolation
• Divorce
• Death of a significant person in life
• Depression (remains interconnected in such a way that loneliness becomes a factor for depression and vice versa)
• Introverts
• Lack of confidence
• Low self-esteem

Loneliness and isolation- health risk

Both of situations affect physical health. It can be through either of the following,

• Altered brain function
• Depression and suicide
• Poor decision making
• Misuse of alcohol and drug
• Antisocial behavior
• Increased stress level, etc.

In case you fear being alone and lonely and experience either of the above mention symptoms, you can definitely connect with the helpline numbers that are provided for receiving proper assistance and support, either for yourself or a friend. They are also some the websites like FeelHeard where you can book a session to have a professional guide you along and to fight through the situation. We assure to listen and guide you without misunderstanding, as for we are here for you.

You can even connect with close friends who will be able to help you combat the loneliness. According to a survey conducted in 2019, around 25% of adults between the ages of 18 and 27, they reported having no close friends. 22% of them also reported having none of their friends at all. Well, the blame can be put on social media and internet usage rise.

Loneliness and Isolation- What to do when you feel alone and isolated?

In order to overcome the situation, it is necessary to make some conscious effort and bring in change. It is with it all that, in the long run, you won’t feel so alone and will lead a healthy life.

In order to prevent such situations where you start feeling lonely in a relationship, some steps that can be followed are,

• To consider community service or any other activity which you enjoy.
• Expect the best instead of rejection and try to be positive with thoughts and attitude.
• Focus on the development of a quality relationship with people who you connect with situations when you feel alone and isolated.
• Recognize the sign of loneliness and understand that instead of fear of being alone and lonely, there is any to change.
• Try strengthening the current relationship.
• Talk to anyone you can trust and speak about what you feel that relates to scared of being alone.

Final Words

Loneliness gives a feeling of isolation and disconnection from other people. It brings in a complex mental state which can be caused because of health conditions, life changes, personality traits, poor self-esteem, and like. It is to be noted that such a situation can definitely cause a lot of health consequences like decreased mental wellness as well as physical problems. So, make sure that if you’re not in any of the signs and feel like isolating yourself or you are scared of being alone, you go ahead and seek help.