We sometimes feel like 'I have no one', don't we? Or even though we have many friends and relatives, there are times when we feel incredibly lonely and isolated. Some people completely withdraw from society and live alone. Did you know that these things called 'loneliness' and 'isolation' can be a more serious health problem than we think? A recent large study has found that these conditions can even shorten a person's life span . So let's talk about this in a little more depth today.
Are loneliness and isolation the same thing?
First, let's understand the difference between these two words. It's very simple.
- Social Isolation: Simply put, this is what it means to be truly alone. It means you have few social connections, few friends, rarely talk to relatives, and spend most of your time at home. This is something we can measure from the outside.
- Loneliness : This is different. Loneliness is a feeling that you feel. No matter how many people you have around you, you can still feel empty and alone. This is the sad feeling you get when you don't have the deep, heartfelt connections you'd hoped for.
Think about it, sometimes we can feel incredibly lonely even when we are at a big party, in the middle of a lot of people. That is Loneliness. But a person who builds a house alone in the middle of the forest may not feel lonely, if he likes that life. He is in Social Isolation. Do you understand the difference?
The sad truth revealed by studies
A recent large-scale analysis of data from 90 studies has uncovered some very serious findings. The study used data from over 2 million people collected over 36 years.
The main finding is that the risk of premature death increases by 32% for those who are socially isolated. And the risk increases by 14% for those who feel lonely.
Let's look at this table to understand this more clearly.
| Status | The increased risk of premature death |
|---|---|
| Due to social isolation... | |
| Risk of dying from cancer | Increases by 24% |
| Risk of dying from heart disease | Increases by 34% |
| Because of loneliness... | |
| Risk of dying from cancer | Increases by 9% |
It has also been found that women with breast cancer, in particular, are 33% more likely to die from the cancer if they are socially isolated. Therefore, researchers say that strengthening social connections is essential to prolonging the lives of cancer patients, especially breast cancer patients.
Why does this happen? How loneliness affects our body
You may be wondering, "How can loneliness in the mind cause physical illness?" Scientists point to four main reasons why this might be the case .
1. Hormonal changes
When we are alone and stressed for a long time, our body's levels of the 'stress hormone' called cortisol change abnormally. This cortisol is an important hormone that controls many things in our body, such as our blood sugar levels, metabolism, and immune system function. When this balance is lost, the entire body system begins to malfunction.
2. Impact on mental health
This is not surprising. Long-term loneliness is a risk factor for mental illnesses like depression . It also directly affects conditions like memory and cognitive decline as we age.
3. Unhealthy habits
When you're alone, you may feel less self-conscious. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors like smoking, drinking too much alcohol , eating unhealthy fast food, and being sedentary. All of these can lead to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
4. Decrease in seeking medical advice
This is also a very important point. Imagine that you live alone. If you suddenly have chest pain, you may not have anyone nearby to take you to the emergency room (ETU) of the hospital. Also, when there is no one to remind you to go for regular check-ups and to make sure that you are taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time, you may lose interest in your health.
Another implication of this study is that some healthcare professionals may find treating lonely and isolated patients time-consuming and difficult, which may lead to a decrease in the quality of care they receive.
Take-Home Message
- Loneliness and social isolation are not just mental issues. They are serious risk factors that directly affect your physical health.
- It has been scientifically proven that these conditions significantly increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
- If you're feeling lonely, isolated, or socially isolated, don't be afraid to talk about it. Share your feelings with your best friend, a family member, or someone you trust.
- If you find it difficult to control these feelings, it is important to seek professional help. Be sure to see your doctor for advice.
- Even something as small as calling an old friend, starting a hobby, or getting involved in community service can help you rebuild your social connections. It can go a long way in saving your life.
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