Social isolation symptoms can include spending a lot of time alone, feeling anxiety or stress around social situations, and canceling social plans. If you notice someone lacking a familial or social support group, it can also indicate social isolation.
People in all phases of life can experience social isolation. Many factors can make it more challenging to connect with others, including health status, life events, and living situations.
Knowing the symptoms of social isolation may help you recognize it in another person or identify it in yourself.
What is social isolation?
Social isolation is different from loneliness, although they can occur together.
Social isolation is when someone lacks social support, relationships, or contact with others. Loneliness is feeling alone or disconnected from others.
It’s possible to be around others and still feel lonely. You might also be physically alone, in a state of solitude, but not feel lonely.
It’s not always easy to spot symptoms of social isolation in yourself or another person. Some researchers, like those who conducted a 2018 study, consider factors like whether someone:
- has a spouse or partner
- has a religious or cultural community
- engages with a club or group meeting regularly
- has close friends or relatives
Not having these connections may indicate social isolation.
You might also experience certain feelings that can reflect social isolation. Even if you sometimes enjoy solitude, you might also have symptoms of social isolation, including:
- feeling distress during times of solitude or when you’re alone
- spending a lot of time alone or having limited interaction with other people
- feeling dread, anxiety, or panic when thinking about social interactions
- avoiding social interactions, including those you once enjoyed
- canceling plans often and feeling relief at the cancellation
Social isolation can involve emotional isolation as well. Emotional isolation happens when you’re unable to share your feelings with others.
Social isolation may increase your risk of adverse mental health outcomes.
According to a 2023 advisory from the United States Surgeon General, people experiencing social isolation may have:
Older adults experiencing social isolation
Social isolation also has potential effects on your long-term physical health.
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Social isolation can also cause emotional pain, activating the body’s stress responses. Over time, this may lead to chronic inflammation, which may increase the risk of chronic health conditions and adversely affect the immune system.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Many factors can contribute to social isolation. In some cases, the relationship between the factors
The following are some common causes and risk factors for social isolation.
Chronic medical conditions
Conditions like heart disease, stroke, or cancer can lead to social isolation. This is one factor that is bidirectional, as social isolation can make these conditions worse.
This may also be the case for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders, which can both contribute to social isolation and result from it.
Age-related factors
Changes in senses and physical ability commonly associated with aging may contribute to social isolation.
Examples include difficulties with daily activities and a slower walking pace. Hearing loss and other sensory challenges may also lead to difficulty communicating, which can lead to feelings of isolation.
Social or cultural factors
Some groups, like members of immigrant communities and LGBTQIA+ people, are statistically more likely to experience loneliness or social isolation.
Where a person lives and whether they can access transportation networks may also affect their experience of social isolation.
Major life events
Common but potentially disruptive life events, such as retirement, can also lead to social isolation. Loneliness is also common during times of bereavement, such as after the death of a spouse.
If you are experiencing social isolation, there are
Engage in a new activity
Consider taking a class at a local community center or school to learn a new skill. You could also get back into an old hobby, especially one that involves communicating with others.
Schedule time to keep in touch
There are many ways to stay in touch with friends and family. Try using email, phone, social media, or even more traditional methods like cards and letters. If you feel comfortable doing so, open up to others about your desire to connect and suggest an activity you can do together.
Aim for group physical activity
Physical activity can help improve mental and physical health. Consider signing up for a group class involving yoga, water exercise, or another activity you enjoy and can do safely. You can get the benefits of physical activity while also interacting with other people.
Join a cause for community involvement
Many community groups look for volunteers. For example, a local organization might sponsor cleaning up local trails, walking shelter dogs, or preparing meals at a shelter.
Talk with a professional
A mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can help you manage the feelings that come from social isolation. They might also recommend strategies to reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation.
You might have coverage through a public or private insurance plan or Medicare for these services.
Join a support group
A support group is a gathering of people with a shared experience, such as a chronic medical condition. A healthcare professional might be able to recommend a support group that’s right for you. Community centers and nonprofit organizations might also have listings of groups near you.
Many people experience social isolation after a major life change or as they get older. People might lack regular contact with others and have few connections with relatives or friends.
There’s no shame in asking for help if you’re experiencing feelings of social isolation. If you’re able to, talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms. Local or online support groups can also be helpful resources.