Positive social interactions are a basic human need. We rely on our caregivers for everything in our first years of life. Our instincts to want to connect with others and work together stay with us throughout the rest of our lives. We quite literally need relationships with other people for good mental health. On a deep level, the nervous system needs to be mirrored and receive signals of safety from other people. In other words, we need to feel seen and accepted for our mental, emotional and physical well-being. 

Social interactions play other roles in our lives as well. We learn social skills from our closest family members, and each interaction helps us continue practicing them. Experiences with others help us build self-confidence. We also take better care of ourselves when we’re around other people.

When people are socially isolated for even a short period of time, it may have negative effects. The following are some of the mental and physical health effects of social isolation:

• Depression and anxiety — Depression and anxiety symptoms may feel worse if you’re spending too much time alone, and the inverse is also true. These symptoms can make it hard to reach out to others. Many mental health conditions compound when people don’t have the social support they need. Positive interactions help balance our brain chemistry. We produce more dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin when we have positive interactions with others.
• Poor sleep quality — Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness affect our quality of sleep. On the other hand, when you feel accepted and you have supportive relationships, you get more restful sleep.
• Impaired executive function — Executive function is your ability to make decisions, focus and use short-term memory to complete tasks. Social isolation affects your ability to think clearly. When we feel connected with others, our brains are more engaged and active.
• Accelerated cognitive decline — Cognitive decline has long-term, permanent effects on executive function. It’s usually associated with advanced age, dementia, and injuries or conditions that affect the brain. Older adults who stay isolated decline faster than others. Even small interactions like talking with a cashier can help people stay sharp as they get older.
• Higher chance of suicidal thoughts — Being socially isolated means facing your problems alone. The difficulties that result from isolation and loneliness put you at a higher risk of suicidal ideation. Life feels more fulfilling when we have other people to share it with.
• Physical health problems — Social isolation affects your physical health, which has a direct relationship with your mental health. In particular, it can cause heart disease and immune system impairment. Connecting with others has immediate health benefits, and it motivates us to take care of ourselves.

Why are friendships critical for our overall well-being?

Friendships are especially important because good friends can be like a safe home base. Along with positive interactions, they keep us grounded and stable by offering feedback. When we face challenges in life, our friends are there to provide company and moral support. Even if circumstances make us feel isolated, we can count on our friends to help us feel less alone.

Building relationships in a society where digital technologies and automation are becoming more commonplace can be challenging. The rising numbers of people with anxiety and depression are proof of how much we need these experiences. 

At Lightfully U, we help our clients in four key areas: thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. We help college students aged 18-25 develop life processes to keep them mentally well. We treat people with mental health conditions, but we take a broad focus to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Is social isolation affecting your mental health? We’re here to listen. Please contact us and ask about an assessment.