The state of being in a place or situation that is separate from others : the condition of being isolated
the isolation of the mountain community
political and economic isolation
a feeling of isolation [loneliness]
What situations or factors lead to teenagers experiencing isolation?
Isolation can affect anyone and everyone and is caused by a number of factors such as not having appropriate have emotional, mental or financial resources for their needs.
These are all contributing factors to how teenagers start to experience social isolation. However, these factors alone do not start feelings of isolation, it is when these feelings become chromic and recurring that they start to be known as isolation.
Mrs Mcloud and others help students feeling isolated by location the root cause of their isolation and working to fix that problem if possible and/or find other ways to connect the students so they feel connected and back into society
What is the impact of being isolated?
Isolation is a very serious issue that can have lots of short term and long term impacts. Some of these impacts include higher chances of diseases such as coronary heart disease and dementia, and can also lead to bad habits such as
alcoholism
smoking
Loneliness can also lead to mental illness such as depression and anxiety, while also raising stress and lowering the immune system.
What are some ways to help cope with isolation?
Coping with isolation can be challenging, especially during difficult times. These are some strategies to help you manage feelings of loneliness and stay emotionally well:
Create a sense of normalcy by keeping a regular routine and maintaining basic hygiene.
Maintaining a routine helps reduce stress which increases your mental wellbeing.
Exercise and stay active
Exercising will cause your body to release chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin that cause you to feel good.
Keeping busy
Keeping busy leads to productivity which releases endorphins. It also helps distract from negative thoughts with something positive.
Get a pet
Having a connection with a pet makes you feel less isolated.
Having less social media
Not using social media encourages you to go outside and have face to face interaction with people.
Prioritise mental health
Piroritise mental health, do things that you love, and relaxing activities