How to Overcome Feelings of Isolation
According to a study by Lynn Smith-Lovin et al at Duke University, social isolation has grown significantly even in the past two decades. After surveying close to 1,500 Americans, the researchers found:
"We know these close ties are what people depend on in bad times," Smith-Lovin told the Washington Post. "We're not saying people are completely isolated. They may have 600 friends on Facebook.com and e-mail 25 people a day, but they are not discussing matters that are personally important."
What is creating all of this isolation? Theories include television, the Internet, and long commutes. Another possible explanation is the American trait of feeling pride in being completely independent. Other cultures accept the need to rely on others as part of life.
The Health Risks of Isolation
Isolation is not only hard on your mind; it´s hard on your body.
A 2007 study by University of Chicago psychologists found that the toll of loneliness accumulates as you age, and being lonely actually accelerates your rate of physiological decline.
Further, people who lived alone or had few friends were twice as likely to die during a 10-year period than people with more friends and family, according to a study of 37,000 people, conducted by James House, PhD, a University of Michigan sociologist
Meanwhile, studies have found that:
Overcoming Feelings of Isolation
If you feel saddened by feelings of isolation, remember that you are not alone.
"Everyone feels isolated to the degree that they are identified with their sense of being a separate individual," says Hale Dwoskin, CEO and Director of Training at Sedona Training Associates. "So even if you are in a great relationship you can still feel some sense of isolation."
The Sedona Method is a highly recommended tool to learn if you are feeling isolated because it shows you how to easily release this emotion from your life.
"If you simply welcome the feeling of isolation and let it go you will immediately feel much less isolated," Dwoskin says. "You can also check to see if you are willing to let go of identifying with being a separate individual."
When you let go of the negative emotion of isolation, it will undoubtedly free up your hidden motivations to go out and meet new people, along with soothing any inhibitions you may have about doing so.
"Either way," Dwoskin says, "remember you are not alone. Everyone goes through the same thing even in the midst of an ideal life, so be easy on yourself and know that you will reconnect and make new friends over time."
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