A layman might assume the cure for social isolation or loneliness is as simple as going outside and meeting new people, right? Wrong. The truth is that people dealing with these issues often feel incapable of developing new relationships, and some people experiencing loneliness may have plenty of close relationships in their lives. A Thriveworks Conway counselor can help get to the bottom of these complicated issues.
Social isolation can have many causes
Social isolation is being physically separated from people. A person who is socially isolated is alone most of the time. In some cases, it’s because he or she lives far away from people. In other cases, they could live in a house full of people but lock themselves in a room, rarely interacting with others. This behavior can be caused by a number of issues, including depression. Fear, anxiety, and doubt are common obstacles which can be overcome with good counseling.
Loneliness is not as simple as many people think
It’s common to think that loneliness is the same thing as social isolation, that people only feel lonely if they don’t have others around. The truth is that many people who experience loneliness have good, healthy relationships in their lives. Those relationships might include parents, a romantic partner, or even typical friendships. But they still feel separate from the world and alone. It is that “feeling” that “I am alone” that is overwhelming and real more so than the fact that there are people all around.
The issues could be more serious than you realize
There are many possible side effects or co-diagnoses that can go along with social isolation or loneliness. Some of these have very painful consequences including:
- Depression
- Insomnia or Hypersomnia (too much sleep)
- Changes in appetite (both overeating and a lack of interest in food)
- Substance abuse (illicit drugs, prescription drugs, and even over the counter drugs)
- Aches and pains (both physiological and psychological)
- Suicidal thoughts, self-mutilation, and other harmful/risky behaviors
Effective treatment
We customize treatment to the individual, but we have found cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) and motivational interviewing to be very effective. At Thriveworks Counseling & Coaching we have the experience you need. Do the research and make an informed decision to give us a call. We guarantee an appointment within 24 hours and we accept major medical (health) insurance.
