The Dark Void of Social Isolation and Loneliness ― Confluence, Elixir and the Begging Bowl

R3 Files Podcast ― The Success of Failure

In this installment of the episode, my discussion initially focuses on the description, characteristics and meanings behind the three inter-related conditions of social isolation, loneliness and solitude. Often, the two terms loneliness and social isolation have been used interchangeably but while they are similar concepts, they do not necessarily mean the same thing.

More specifically, the first inter-related condition of social isolation is an objective state referring to the absence of contact. Indeed, an interesting by-product of social isolation is emotional isolation. This is the inability or unwillingness to share one’s emotions with others, due to a sense of detachment. In addition, I introduce a personal perspective which helps illuminate the discussion on the causes of social isolation. In comparison, the second inter-related condition of loneliness, is a subjective state unique to each individual. It can be described as a state of solitude, or even a state of mind and the experience is usually felt more than once a week. The third inter-related condition is solitude which refers to the state of being alone and it differs greatly from one person to the next because some people enjoy spending time alone, while others require more social interaction to experience a sense of validation.

When discussing the commonalities between these three conditions, it helps to focus on the various health risks associated with social isolation. This includes the negative effects on mental health such as, worsening depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, mood disorders and even cognitive decline. In addition, there are profound effects on health caused by loneliness. This includes: higher levels of stress hormones, heart disease, high blood pressure and the heightened risk of developing a permanent disability.

In the final section, I provide a very personal perspective about the state of my overall mental health, especially the many highs and lows in relation to going off medication and then returning to it. I also explore how, those who suffer from mental illness will share a different account of what is commonly referred to as an ‘episode.’ These are periods of extreme personal downturn triggered by events, circumstances or memories. Also, I take the opportunity to discuss a more sustained level of emotional pain which was not present in my life previously. In some respects, the emotional pain has become so intense that I have become a much more fragile person and my deteriorating mental health has rendered me a debilitated person. But equally, my fragility is tempered by a latent but inherent need to connect with others suffering from mental illness.

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