Social isolation increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Restrictions on social activities as a result of economic difficulties make you sick!
Those struggling with economic difficulties face restrictions and isolation in social activities. Experts give suggestions for strengthening social bonds and improving psychological health.
Social restrictions brought about by economic difficulties also have negative effects on people’s mental health. Studies have shown that social isolation negatively affects heart health. While the risk of heart attack and stroke increases, the risk of death also increases in those with a history of heart disease[1].
One of the first areas to save money is social life and social activities
While people are trying not to lose their jobs, they are also trying to survive by reducing their expenses such as food, clothing, heating, health and education in order to continue their daily lives. Another important area that has to be saved or restricted is social life and social activities. Activities such as domestic and international trips, going on holiday, picnics, visits, meeting with friends, going to cinema-theatre, concerts, entertainment organizations and sports are reduced or completely canceled.
Being deprived of activities that one enjoys negatively affects a person’s emotional state
The common feature of all these activities is that they make the person feel healthier and better. However, when these activities become impossible, this means that this state of well-being is replaced by psychological problems. Being deprived of activities that make one happy and enjoy negatively affects a person’s emotional state. Anxiety increases and a depressive mood may occur.
Social isolation increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
An important positive contribution of activities to human life is that they provide the opportunity to socialize and communicate with other people. Decreasing activities due to economic reasons and starting to disconnect from social environments also lead to the emergence of more serious psychological problems. As this social disconnection, called social withdrawal and social isolation, continues, stress and fear increase, and problems such as anxiety and depression occur. While brain functions such as attention and memory are negatively affected, sensitivities such as sleep disorders, eating disorders, anger management problems, and being overly affected by simple events also occur. Reluctance, distrust, skepticism, feeling of loneliness, and behaviors that are harmful to oneself and the environment may also be observed.
Studies have shown that social isolation negatively affects heart health. While the risk of heart attack and stroke increases, the risk of death also increases in those with a history of heart disease.[2]
Positive relationships bring success
Individuals with social participation and social connections have higher ability to cope with stress[3]. They remain calm in stressful situations, think positively and act goal-oriented. They open the doors to a healthier, more confident and peaceful life against the challenges of life. Life becomes much more comfortable and easier. Positive relationships bring success. We are happier when we can express ourselves correctly and communicate well.
People with social participation and connections are tolerant, helpful, open to cooperation in their relationships and have a high awareness of acting together for common goals. They look at life, experiences, and human behavior from a much broader perspective and from different angles. They live their lives based on their own philosophy of life.
What can be done to protect and improve mental health?
Some of the things that can be done to protect and improve the mental health of individuals struggling with economic difficulties are as follows:
- Get enough sleep.
- Stay away from any kind of addiction.
- If you have substances you are addicted to, remove them from your life.
- Be alone with nature. Do gardening with soil, trees, flowers. Take walks in nature.
- Family and friend environment are very important.
- Help people in matters that do not require financial resources, do volunteer work.
- Take time for yourself during the day to clear your mind. Try not to think about anything in a quiet environment. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Meditate, pray, listen to soothing music. Systematically practice activities that you think are good for you.
References:
- Smith RW, Barnes I, Green J, Reeves GK, Beral V, Floud S. Social isolation and risk of heart disease and stroke: analysis of two large UK prospective studies. Lancet Public Health. 2021 Apr;6(4):e232-e239. doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30291-7. Epub 2021 Mar 2. PMID: 33662329; PMCID: PMC7994247.
- Xia N, Li H. Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Cardiovascular Health. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2018 Mar 20;28(9):837-851. doi: 10.1089/ars.2017.7312. Epub 2017 Oct 23. PMID: 28903579; PMCID: PMC5831910.
- How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health? – CDC. Last Reviewed: March 30, 2023 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health