Humans around the world have taken massive security precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical Isolation is vital to slowing the spread of infectious diseases. Still, researchers say that Isolation carries its health costs. So, total Isolation may affect physical and mental health and possibly negative effects, is it?
Currently, COVID-19 physical distance spotlights the negative effects of Total Isolation. But Isolation and depression can lead to widespread problems even before the pandemic. Similarly, in 2018, the Pew Research Center published a survey. It showed that 1 in 10 Americans felt alone or isolated all or most of the time.
What Is Total Isolation?
Total Isolation is not always bad. Most people crave loneliness, at least occasionally. Being alone can be relaxing, meditating, and rejuvenating. Total Isolationgenerally refers to the loneliness that is unwanted and unhealthful.
Isolated people may lack friends or close associates. They often feel alone or depressed. They may suffer from low self-esteem or anxiety.
The Following Conditions Associated with Total Isolation Are Warning Signs Of Unhealthy Total Isolation:
- Minimizing social interactions, even those that were once enjoyable
- Frequent cancellation of plans and feeling relief as plans are cancelled
- Experiencing anxiety or panic when thinking about social interactions
- Feeling distressed during periods of solitude
- Feeling dread associated with social activities
- Spending large amounts of time alone or in very limited interaction with others
Total Isolation may involve emotional Isolation. This is a lack of desire or an inability to share one’s feelings with others. When socially isolated individuals lack emotional interaction and support, they may become emotionally numb—detached from their feelings.
What Causes Total Isolation?
Many situations can cause people to be isolated from others or to choose self-isolation:
Intimate partner violence. People in unhealthy relationships often avoid interaction with others. It is because they are unwilling to reveal their true condition.
Loss of loved ones. After losing friends or family members, Isolation can be common. It is especially among seniors who have lost many loved ones in their age group.
Mental health issues. Issues such as anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem are often Total Isolation products. But they may also cause it.
Remote location. Individuals living in remote areas due to work duties may experience Isolation feelings.
Physical impairments. Physical challenges that limit movement can reduce the ability of an individual to socialize. Some people with physical disabilities feel ashamed of their condition or appearance. This leaves them hesitant to interact socially. Hearing and visual deficiency can also create a sense of Isolation.
Social media. Communication via social media helps certain people remain linked to others. But it can lead to Isolation if it is a replacement for meaningful and in-person socialization.
Unemployment. The shame of losing a job or finding a new job will lead individuals to self-isolation.
Total Isolation can also arise from physical distancing measures, such as those required by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Negative Effects of Total Isolation on Physical and Mental Health
1. Negative Effects Of Total Isolation On Physical Health
Total Isolation may increase morbidity due to chronic illness and higher all-cause mortality. Detrimental health behaviours may mediate more than 30% of this effect. These include smoking and decreased physical activity. Subjective and accelerometer research from adults aged 50-81 showed that Total Isolation is independently associated with:
- Decreased physical activity
- Increased sedentary time
It indicates that this could play a role in raising the risk of disease. Current Chief Medical Officer (CMO) guidelines for older adults suggests:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise
- Or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity accumulated monthly
- Weight-bearing activities
- A break-up of sedentary periods with moderate activity
In people aged over 60 years, even doses of activity below this are associated with a 22 percent decrease in all-cause mortality. Additional gains are seen in physical ability and decreased risk of falls. Sedentary time is correlated with increased fragility indices. One challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic is to mitigate the adverse effects of Isolation. And maintain the physical activity levels of older adults to protect well-being as social networks. Access to exercise and recreation facilities is reduced. Moreover, the current situation varies from previous Total Isolation studies. It is because of the added effects of anxiety and uncertainty, with no endpoints from the pandemic.
2. Negative Effects Of Total Isolation On Mental Health
Total Isolation also has important consequences for older adults’ mental health. Perceived Total Isolation and loneliness contribute to various psychological effects. These include depression and anxiety and negative influences on life quality. Etiology is complex with a cause and effect that is difficult to untangle.
But at least part of the connection between Total Isolation and depression is induced by physical activity outside the home. However, forced Total Isolation in the sense of a pandemic may be quite different from that which occurs in normal circumstances. A recent rapid review of quarantine’s psychological effects on epidemic outbreaks found connections to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. It also found some evidence that these could persist in the longer term. Factors associated with negative effects included:
- Quarantine for more than 10 days
- Fears of illness
- Frustration and boredom
- Lack of information and supplies
However, none of the research reviewed focused on older people. Older people are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of Total Isolation. The studies have tended to involve relatively short quarantine periods of less than three weeks. This is well below the current restriction measures’ expected duration.
How Can You Combat These Effects While Practising Social Distancing?
This experience serves as an opportunity to strengthen bonds within our own homes. Outside of home relationships, various techniques allow us to keep in touch with each other. These include social media, text messages, phone calls, or video chat. These options are the best way to practice social distance while maintaining a social life.
The positive effects of exercise on both cardiovascular and mental health have been researched. It’s as simple as incorporating 15-30 minutes of walking at a mild pace every day to see these positive effects. For those who love it or are looking for a new adventure, running is a perfect way.
Other Movements That Do Not Need Any Equipment Include:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- Floors
- Bridges
- Stairs
Try to move constantly through multiple movements for 10-30 minutes, taking breaks if needed.
You can change all of the movements listed above to meet your fitness level. Ask the doctor about the movement options that would best for you. Also, ask how often and how much you do them.
The Bottom Line
The situation we face is creating new challenges for each of us. Some of these problems are beyond our direct control. But our physical and mental health can be maintained and strengthened by taking steps now. If you like to go outside, keep a social distance and go for a walk or a park with friends.
For new ideas, contact your physical therapist. Join a wide range of social media exercise accounts. Search for reliable exercise apps on your phone. Gain a sense of control, boost your physical and mental health. Finally, strengthen your relationship with family and friends by remaining healthy!
