While loneliness is a subjective feeling could be perceived differently from person to person, social isolation causes a feeling of emptiness and suffering when not chosen. Several initiatives can make it possible to get out of it.

It is a subjective feeling that can be momentary or lasting. It terrifies some, but is a necessity for others. It’s all about dosage and perception.

Loneliness is the feeling of being alone. It doesn’t necessarily depend on the number of people you interact with. You can very well feel alone in the middle of a crowd. Social isolation is linked to a lack of interaction and relationship with others. In the vast majority of cases, loneliness is not a chosen and appreciated situation.

It is necessary to differentiate a lonely person, who appreciates and chooses to live moments of solitude, and the isolated person who lives a prolonged and installed loneliness which is endured.

According to the 2020 annual report published by the Fondation de France, relational isolation within the French population has increased significantly over the past 10 years.

If isolation affects the elderly in particular (1 in 3), young people are not spared (13%) and loneliness affects all socio-professional categories. In 2020, more than 7 million French people were in isolation, against 4 million in 2010. A phenomenon exacerbated by the health crisis linked to the coronavirus.

There are numerous studies highlighting the deleterious effects of loneliness on health. According to research conducted by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, single seniors are more likely to die sooner.

In his book Loneliness, Human nature and the need for social connection, the American neuroscientist John Cacioppo also wrote that “Prolonged loneliness not only alters behavior, but also appears when measuring stress hormones, immunity and cardiovascular function. Over time, these physiological changes worsen to the point that they throw millions of people to the grave. ” In 2003, the scientist had also highlighted, thanks to brain MRIs, the activation of painful areas when people were rejected from a group during a game.

People who suffer from this prolonged social isolation are also at greater risk of developing conditions such as depression. Disturbing data, the feeling of loneliness being considered one of the plagues of the 21st century.

There are many reasons that can explain a momentary or prolonged state of social isolation. It can be related to an accident in life or a sudden change in circumstances like death, divorce, disability, period of unemployment, pandemic, etc.

The elderly, particularly exposed to death, loss of mobility and lack of professional activity, are many to feel this feeling of inner emptiness.

But loneliness is also a matter of behavior and positioning vis-à-vis those around you. A negative attitude, a difficulty reaching out to others or maintaining relationships can explain this feeling of loneliness and isolation.

One-off solitude is tamed by accepting and choosing to spend moments alone during the day, week or month. A solo lunch in a park, going to the movies alone, going for a walk without being accompanied, etc.

Learning to spend time alone also helps to apprehend the fear of being alone and thus realizes that loneliness can sometimes be pleasant.

Try to create social interactions in your daily life, with traders you meet, your neighbors or your colleagues. Accept the opportunities that allow you to forge links that present themselves to you: a lunch, a drink on the terrace, an association, a group of activities, etc.

If your loneliness is installed and you feel a blockage in your relationships with others, do not hesitate to consult a therapist who will help you understand the reasons for your discomfort.

Likewise, when loneliness follows an accident or a sudden change in life, the help of a therapist can be of great help in getting through this difficult time.