essay on effecting mental health in isolation
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Man is a social animal depends on relationships for survival. Social system acts as cushion in stress, supports and enhances wellbeing. Social isolation is a state of loneliness experienced by non-participative individuals in the society. It is characterized by lack of social belongingness, engagement with others, minimal public contacts and satisfying relationships. Absence of meaningful relations is common in mental health settings which significantly impacts recovery and wellbeing of the client Hence, the significance of this issue shouldn’t be undervalued. It is considered to be a current issue but actually it has always been thriving in the corridors of our society requiring comprehensive efforts for its resolution. Therefore, this paper will focus on the concern of social isolation among mentally ill clients, its consequences and few strategies to surmount it.
Mentally ill clients are the most stigmatized members of the society. In eastern countries like Pakistan, these people are publicly and culturally grabbed by the stigmatization and inequity which carries the burden of human distress thus resulting in social isolation. Myths like psychiatric clients are cursed by God, are major contributors to stigma. These people fear refusal from others that socialization may devastate them, so they favor avoiding contacts. Isolation leads to less-productivity, loss of social roles, and inability in fulfilling society’s expectations. Absence of social contacts develops triviality and low self-worth which leads to depression and promote alcoholism or suicide in some cases. Even if death does not frightens them it disrupts them in their social association which leads to guilt, sustained silence and withdrawal.
During a clinical rotation at St. Vincent Old age Home, I encountered a 67 years old widower client with psychological history of depression and medical history of osteoporosis. She received twelve years of education and had earned her living by working in the community center. When her two sons went abroad, she joined this old age home to continue her living. She never shared her feelings with anyone, remained isolated and scolded whenever I tried to call her for group activities. Her secluding attitude made me wonder that if she remained the same, nobody will discern her thoughts which would eventually hinder her recovery. Later with time and motivated efforts of our group she started talking, involved herself in social activities and shared her feelings through songs.
Furthermore, links social isolation with physiological problems like poor physical-health, impaired sleep, hypertension altered immunity and. Also, cognitive decline, nutritional risk.