Chronic Illness and the Isolation Epidemic: What You Can Do

The only way our minds link isolation (loneliness) and chronic illness together is when chronic illness precedes social isolation. Then, it makes perfect sense. However, current research indicates that it can be a bi-directional relationship, meaning it is possible to experience social isolation followed by chronic pain.

How is this possible?

There are several theories on how this occurs in the human body. The one which will apply in any given circumstance hinges on the cause of the issue. People isolate themselves for numerous reasons.

With the elderly, social isolation can result from the inability to hear properly or be a consequence of various forms of dementia. Meanwhile, other people may isolate themselves because of social anxiety, mental health issues, lack of belonging, or a myriad of other reasons.

Cause and Effect Relationship

While the following is not an exhaustive list, it does provide a general understanding of how isolation can generate chronic pain.

Common Causes

Grief

Whether you have lost a spouse or someone else close to you, it has an impact on you. Healing depends on how you handle the situation and your mindset. It is not uncommon for someone grieving to pull away from others, for people to push others away, or for people surrounding them to become uncomfortable, resulting in social isolation.

Once isolated, they are not only grieving a loss, but they also have no support networks to help them pull through.

Social Anxiety

Also called social anxiety disorder or social phobia, social anxiety elicits feelings of anxiety or fear about being scrutinized or humiliated in social settings. This fear impairs daily life and generates significant distress.

Most people who suffer from social anxiety tend to withdraw and may suffer from isolation and loneliness. To be classified as a phobia, it has to last for six months or more.

Trauma

Whether the trauma was emotional or physical, it can still impact a person’s willingness to socialize. Emotional trauma, like sexual abuse, rape, incest, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), can cause people to withdraw.

Social and Environmental Factors

A lack of social skills, low self-esteem, language and cultural barriers, living in unsafe areas, decreased community resources, poverty, low access to social activities, or no transportation can cause isolation.

Mental Health

Depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety can all trigger isolation. Furthermore, substance abuse issues can lead to social isolation.

Age-Related Issues

Age-related issues, in this context, are used as an umbrella term to illustrate many causes for social isolation. Several medical and psychological issues related to getting older (potentially) that are not related to chronic pain can generate loneliness. This resulting social isolation can cause chronic pain.

Individuals experiencing hearing loss sometimes socially withdraw because they can’t fully engage in conversations. Rather than having their hearing checked, they withdraw. Also, this phenomenon can be seen in dementia patients who feel they can no longer rely on their perceptions or who have frustrated family members; thus, they can withdraw.

There are other situations, like arthritis or lack of mobility, that can all cause social withdrawal. Many of these issues can also occur at any age affecting social health.

Major Life Changes

The following can cause loneliness and isolation:

• Moving
• Change of employment
• Termination of a relationship
• Retirement
• Becoming a new parent
• Starting post-secondary education and/or leaving home
• Living alone, especially if it is new or undesired

Personal Characteristics

Some people experience loneliness because of their temperament or personality. Negative thinking can cause isolation, as can a lack of self-awareness. People who struggle to understand their emotions and needs regarding social connection can hinder any effort in dealing with loneliness.

The Link: Emotional Connection

Emotional pain, such as in the form of grief or loss, can impact mental health and can cause physical symptoms to manifest. Emotional pain can intertwine with physical pain, wherein people experience pain, aches, or headaches as a further manifestation of their emotional distress.

Physical Effect

Stress Hormones/Inflammation

How the body responds to stress (as many of the items listed above are stressors) can trigger the release of cortisol (a stress hormone). Cortisol increases a person’s pain sensitivity and contributes to bodily aches and muscle tension. Stress can also trigger the body’s inflammatory responses, causing or worsening chronic pain.

Decreased Immunity

The stress of social isolation can weaken the immune system, making people more prone to sickness and infections. These, in turn, can cause feelings of discomfort or pain.

Chronic Pain

As mentioned, chronic pain can cause isolation because of mobility issues or just an inability to deal with the discomfort. The combination of inflammation, psychological distress, and stress hormones can worsen pre-existing conditions.

What You Can Do

Experiencing chronic pain, no matter the source, can cause social isolation, leading to further pain. Furthermore, isolation can result from chronic pain. Therefore, open communication with those closest to you, getting professional help, or prioritizing self-care can be helpful strategies. Exploring coping mechanisms, such as the following, is essential.

• Acknowledge your feelings: Recognizing and accepting your feelings is crucial in healing. It is okay to grieve, and we all go through it at our own pace.
• Communicate feelings: Talk to friends or family about how your pain affects you. By sharing how you feel, you can receive the support and understanding you need. No one knows what you are dealing with unless you tell them.
• Find support: Connecting with people who understand what you are going through helps to ease the pain of loss. There are many groups geared towards dealing with grief. These groups foster a sense of community, decreasing the effects of social isolation.
• Maintain connectivity: Technology like online support groups, video chat, or virtual events helps people stay socially connected if in-person interaction is challenging.
• Initiate healthy coping strategies: Choose activities that promote your well-being, like mindfulness, exercise, or creative expression, to manage pain and grief.
• Focus on things within your control: Shift your thinking from loss to what you can still pursue and enjoy. It will empower you towards your future.
• Adopt a pet: Adopting a pet (if possible) reduces stress and provides companionship and comfort.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Adequate sleep and a healthy diet support well-being.
• Positive self-talk: Challenge negative ideas with positive self-talk to improve mood and confidence.
• Seek professional help: Therapists who specialize in chronic pain can give you support and guidance in navigating your feelings.

How New Dawn Medical Can Help You With Chronic Illness

Whether your chronic pain was caused by trauma, mental health conditions, loneliness, or other contributing factors such as caregiver burnout, New Dawn Medical can help.

The medications used to treat substance abuse can cause addiction as the body becomes accustomed to receiving the medication. We can help by providing additional methods of coping with pain and using non-addictive substances to assist with pain management.

Counselling, whether individual or group therapy, can help with chronic pain and co-occurring mental health issues. Our caring, compassionate, non-judgmental professionals can diagnose co-occurring mental health issues, help you deal with trauma, and find things that are triggers for your behaviour. Group therapy and peer support can also benefit those who are dealing with social isolation.

Patients don’t have to get a referral to deal with chronic illness; they can simply walk in to receive help. New Dawn Medical has multiple locations throughout Ontario to help you overcome loneliness and deal with chronic pain. You can also call us toll-free at 1-833-456-DAWN or complete our online form.