Social isolation: causes and signs

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Extract from the article: Today's population is in a state of isolation, with one person in three having none or only one social circle. Isolation is not a marginal phenomenon. Social isolation refers to an individual's lack of social interaction. Isolation refers to the scar

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Today's population is in a state of isolation, with one person in three having none or only one social circle. Isolation is not a marginal phenomenon. Social isolation refers to an individual's lack of social interaction. Isolation refers to the scarcity of links maintained by an individual in several spheres of social life, such as work, family, friendships, professional relationships or associations. So what are the signs?

Social isolation manifests itself as a withdrawal from social activities. People may stop taking part in leisure activities they used to enjoy, such as cultural outings or eating out with friends, withdrawing into themselves and finding it difficult to make contacts.

Isolation is measured by the frequency of contact with five networks: family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and associations. A person is considered isolated if they have face-to-face contact with these networks only a few times a year or never.

Social isolation and loneliness: what's the difference?

Loneliness is a personal experience that can be chosen and not suffered. Social isolation, on the other hand, is characterised by a lasting lack of social relations and can cause suffering and distress.

Causes of social isolation

Isolation can result from a variety of events such as family breakdown, divorce, widowhood or job loss. It can also be caused by disability, chronic illness, economic insecurity or retirement. Certain groups are more at risk, including the elderly, young adults, the unemployed, people with disabilities and family carers.

Consequences for health

Social isolation has a negative impact on health, including mental health, with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.  In terms of physical health, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as reduced life expectancy. An American study has shown that among the elderly, loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 14%.

How can social isolation be broken?

The fight against social isolation is a complex one. In the biographical trajectories of isolated people, there may be disappointments, successive moments of rupture that mean they don't necessarily want to confront the gaze or judgement of others. Under these conditions, when isolation is chosen rather than suffered, it can be tricky to break it.  The fight against isolation is based on a number of initiatives, including encouraging people to take part in social activities, join book clubs and take part in physical exercise. If the isolation becomes too difficult to manage, consult a health professional, in particular a psychologist.

Raymond DZAKPATA