Behavioral Health Articles

Avoiding Social Isolation

by Nancy Hart

Most of us feel socially isolated at one time or another, either briefly, like standing alone in a crowd of people that you have never met, or longer term. New parents and care givers often feel isolated from friends and family by the demands of caring for a newborn, elderly parent or spouse, and the exhaustion that keeps them at home. Rural families may be isolated by a lack of dependable transportation. Elderly people can be isolated by illness or by the loss of spouses and old friends who are their contacts with the community. Persons with illnesses--mental or physical--may be isolated by depression, stigma or fear.

Whatever the cause, social isolation can be devastating. "Mind", a program of the U K's National Association for Mental Health (2007 Mind (NAMH)) reports in its executive summary, "Not alone? Isolation and mental distress," that "isolation causes mental distress, and the stigma and social exclusion linked to mental health problems can make isolation worse. This self-reinforcing cycle condemns millions of people with mental health problems to a life of social segregation."

The absence of social support can lead to social problems in a community. Social isolation can contribute to child abuse, for example. According to Richard J. Gelles of the University of Pennsylvania, a "lack of social involvement deprives abusive parents of support systems that would help them deal better with social or family stress. Moreover, the lack of community contacts makes these parents less likely to change their behavior to conform with community values and standards. In cultures with low rates of child abuse, child care is usually considered the responsibility of the community. In the United States, parents often shoulder child-care demands by themselves, which may result in a higher risk of stress and child abuse."

Social isolation can also cause physical illness. James S House, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, summarizes studies in psychosomatic medicine which confirm the harmful effects of social isolation on physical health. One study reports that "the magnitude of risk associated with social isolation is comparable with that of cigarette smoking."

As with any mental health issue, different people respond to feelings of isolation in different ways. People with a strong social network which includes family or friends that are willing and able to offer support are more likely to find their way out of social isolation. SAMHSA, the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has launched a campaign promoting social support for people with mental illness. Titled "What A Difference a Friend Makes," the initiative states, among other things, that, "you can help just by being there and offering your reassurance, companionship, emotional strength, and acceptance."

Fortunately, there are resources in the Cortland community which can reduce social isolation. The Cortland Family Fun and Resource Center, a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cortland County, offers family drop-in play time for families with children. The Cortland Youth Bureau offers recreational opportunities for young people and families with children, including their "Fun for Tots" program and the Port Watson Street Youth Center. The Cortland County Office for Aging provides a Caregiver Support Group, the Retired and Volunteer rogram, and the Senior Nutrition program, which offers elderly persons the opportunity to share meals and social activities. The Cortland County Department of Mental Health provides support groups, assistance and information for people with mental health issues, and YWCA's Aid to Victims of Violence offers support and help for victims of domestic abuse.

Church groups offer many opportunities for social interaction, for example Grace Christian Fellowship's MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) program, and various adult and youth groups. Sports and recreation programs for adults and children are offered by the YWCA, the YMCA, the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex and area schools. Area libraries offer group activities and story hours.

If you or someone you know is experiencing social isolation, don't hesitate to seek help and support. SAMSHA reminds us best: "What a Difference a Friend Makes."

Nancy Hart is the program coordinator for the Cortland Family Fun & Resource Center.