Effects of Isolation

I don’t think we realized how damaging isolation could be until COVID-19, and we all dealt with it to some degree. Isolation is something that sneaks up on you. For introverts, the idea of staying home and not having a bunch of social obligations may seem like a dream come true. For extroverts, it’s a nightmare. Either way, we have all felt the negative effects at some point.

Studies have found that people who are isolated have increased risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. That being said, this is more of a concern with long-term isolation. If you spend a few days, a week alone, that’s one thing. This is talking about an extended period of isolation (several weeks/months). In studying lab animals, they found that isolation caused brain shrinkage. Brain cell connections were reduced and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, involved in creating brain cells and repairing old ones, were also reduced. Besides Alzheimer’s and dementia, isolation causes a higher risk in heart attacks, depression, loneliness, anxiety, and stroke (How Isolation Affects Memory and Thinking Skills, 2021). 

In a few studies, it has been shown that lonely individuals have reduced brain volume in the prefrontal cortex. This is where our decision making and socialization occurs. However, other studies point out that your personality affects this as well. Some people may deal with isolation differently. The amygdala, which is involved in processing emotion, is also likely to be a bit smaller in people who don’t socialize enough (Offord, C., 2020).

Another study took two groups and had one fast from food and one fast from socializing and media. They found that the brain reacted similarly in both studies. A person craving food has the same neural activity as a person craving socialization. This shows just how important being around others is! Fasting from food and people have the same effect, we need both (Willeumier, K., 2021). 

If you’ve been struggling with isolation, let’s talk about some ways to get out again. Once you’ve been isolating for some time, it can be really difficult to break out of it. You get kinda stuck in the habit, the loneliness. It may sound easier said than done, but start with just asking a family member or friend if they can talk on the phone with you for a few minutes and see how that feels. If you’ve been isolated for a long time, this can feel like a lot. It’s baby steps.* Then move into a FaceTime or Zoom call. I know sometimes I set up these calls and then think about canceling, but I’m always so glad after the call. I feel so much better. Eventually, move back into seeing that friend in person. You’ll be socializing again in no time. 

*If talking to people feels like too much right now, just try to get out of the house in some capacity. Start going on walks, spending time in nature, etc. just to decrease being in the same space all day.

References:

How Isolation Affects Memory and Thinking Skills. (2021). Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-isolation-affects-memory-and-thinking-skills. 

Offord, C. (2020). How Social Isolation Affects the Brain. The Scientist. Retrieved from https://www.the-scientist.com/features/how-social-isolation-affects-the-brain-67701. 

Willeumier, K. (2021). How Social Isolation and Loneliness Impact Brain Function. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/biohack-your-brain/202102/how-social-isolation-and-loneliness-impact-brain-function. 

Challenges/Points:

• Isolation affects our prefrontal cortex and amygdala and puts us at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and dementia.

• Being around people is as important as eating.

• Evaluate your socialization. Are you interacting with others enough?

Questions:

• Have you ever felt isolated?

• Were you surprised at any of the effects of isolation?

• What keeps you from socializing at times?

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