{"id":15429,"date":"2020-08-20T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/potomacprograms.com\/?p=15429"},"modified":"2024-02-28T09:12:11","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T16:12:11","slug":"social-isolation-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/blog\/mental-health\/social-isolation-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"The Science Behind Social Isolation Effects on Mental Health & Substance Abuse in Young People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\u201cNo man is an island.\u201d John Donne wrote these words<\/a> in 1624, centuries before \u201ccoronavirus\u201d or \u201csocial distancing\u201d would surface as some of the defining concepts of our age. But these simple words still resonate with us today: We are all connected and part of each other. To explore this, we’ll look at the science behind social isolation’s effects on mental health and substance abuse in young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the many reasons that humans, as inherently social creatures, struggle so much with isolation during this time. Unable to physically be with friends or family (or even in the company of complete strangers while we go about our daily lives), it is more difficult than ever to nourish our need for connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re feeling more anxious or down right now, your reaction is normal and you are not alone.\u00a0According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a>, stress during pandemics can sometimes cause the following:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, this stress can manifest physically, emotionally, and mentally. For adults, it is a challenge, but for younger people, the impact can be even more profound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During adolescence (ages 10-24), people need more social interaction than ever, especially from peer groups. \u201cThis reorientation towards peers facilitates young people’s development into independent adults, enabling them to foster a more complete sense of social self-identity, at the same time as building stronger affiliations with their peer group,\u201d according to research by Pfiefer and Berkman<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This social interaction is a key to brain development \u2013 during this time, adolescents\u2019 brains are changing and growing in ways to support the higher cognitive function needed for adulthood, according to research by Orben, Tomova, and Blakemore<\/a>, and their research suggests that social isolation effects may be particularly \u201cprofound\u201d for this group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adolescents can also be vulnerable to mental health issues during this time, with \u201c75% of adults<\/a> who have ever had a mental health condition reporting that they first experienced symptoms before the age of 24.\u201d Negative situations, like bullying, peer rejection, and loneliness can exacerbate these issues, while positive situations like high-quality peer relationships can protect against them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study<\/a> finds that \u201cyoung people who are lonely might be as much as three times more likely to develop depression in the future, and that the impact of loneliness on mental health could last for at least 9 years.\u201d This stress can lead to increased substance abuse. Looking at past traumatic events, like Hurricane Katrina, provides some perspective: According to the CDC<\/a>, hospitalization rates for substance use disorders rose by 35 percent three years after the hurricane, compared to the year before the storm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This information isn\u2019t presented to be alarming, but rather, to educate and empower. It may even be a relief to some parents that their child\u2019s continuous need for social contact is a completely natural part of growing up (and not simply annoyance at having to be around adults!). And, if there are ways to help your child de-stress and socialize more, you can help improve their overall wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Try some of these steps to help your child deal with this tumultuous time: Facilitate real-life social interaction<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Embark Behavioral Health\u2019s Devin Maroney, LMSW at Cabin John<\/a> in Maryland recently reminded us, young people often don\u2019t have the skills or abilities (like driving) to make hangouts happen. As the parent, can you help coordinate safe interactions between your child and their friends\u2019 parents to try and get them as much face time as possible? Perhaps you can organize a backyard hangout, where everyone is masked and the kids bring their own snacks and beverages to keep things simple and safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be flexible about time spent on devices<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of \u201cface time,\u201d research suggests that video calls, text messages, and even interactions on social media can help mitigate isolation and loneliness. If your child is spending more time than ever on their devices, remember that they\u2019re having to substitute normal peer interactions with digital contact. For example, the Pew Research Center<\/a> found that adolescents aged 13\u201317 reported that technologies like social media make them feel more connected with their friends (81% of 743 respondents), help them interact with more diverse groups of people (69%), and allow them to access social support during tough times (68%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get those endorphins going<\/strong> <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular exercise is another effective way to boost happiness<\/a> and mitigate the effects of stress. And it doesn\u2019t have to be an intense cardio session: even a simple walk around the block can help. Start with Mayo Clinic\u2019s recommendation<\/a>: \u201cDoing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms. But smaller amounts of physical activity \u2014 as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time \u2014 may make a difference.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spend time in <\/strong>n<\/strong>ature<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can, bring the whole family to more natural settings. Aim for an environment like the beach, parks, forests, mountains \u2013 places where city or suburban noise and congestion are replaced with a more \u201cwild\u201d setting. Research suggests<\/a> that \u201cnature-based recreation has a strong potential to improve mental health outcomes in areas of general well-being,\u202fresilience, restoration, and\u202fcognition, with some potential for decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow your child\u2019s passions<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time your child has reached adolescence, they have started to establish their likes and interests. Even if, let\u2019s say, video games or playing an instrument aren\u2019t your strong suits, you can participate as a curious, non-judgmental observer or participant. Quality time together helps them feel connected and validated (even if it\u2019s a little out of your wheelhouse). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Validate their feelings<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most powerful ways we can support people who are suffering is to simply validate their emotions and experiences. Remember that teens and young adults are experiencing losses that adults might not, such as major milestones (graduations, getting a driver\u2019s license, going to prom) and the subsequent disappointment of missing out. They may be worried about growing apart from friends, being uncertain about the future (such as college or learning a trade), and whether or not their goals<\/a> will be attainable. Remember to be patient and tolerant, allowing them to vent. Sometimes, simply saying \u201cI understand why you feel that way, it really is disappointing,\u201d goes a long way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Ask for Help <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many other ways to help mitigate stress and help preteens, teens, and young adults deal with the stress and impact of social isolation effects. The CDC<\/a> has many resources for parents and even more recommendations for how to help during this time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Social Isolation’s Effects on Adolescence: What Parents Need to Know <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Parents Can Help <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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