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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Social Isolation and Your Mental Health
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The COVID-19 pandemic prompted physical distancing that influenced further research into the effect of social isolation on humans. However, social isolation and its problems well widespread even before the pandemic.
A 2018 study by the Pew Research Center found that one in ten Americans felt isolated and lonely most of the time. Socially isolated people lack friends and, as a result, are left feeling depressed and lonely.
While everyone is at risk of being negatively influenced by social isolation, older adults are at an increased risk because they likely have to face more factors such as illness, loss of friends, and living alone. According to a paper from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), social isolation is linked with an increased vulnerability to several mental health issues such as dementia and depression. NASEM also found that more than 1/3 of adults above the age of 45 feel lonely and are considered socially isolated.
The following signs are pointers to the fact that you’re socially isolated
Avoiding social interactions
Frequently canceling plans with friends
Feeling relief when plans with friends are canceled
Experiencing panic when considering social interactions
Feeling distressed when alone
A deep fear or dread of social activities
The Numbers
Recent studies have found strong evidence linking people who are socially isolated with bad physical and mental health.
Although it’s tricky to precisely measure social isolation, there is clear evidence that people who are socially isolated leave their mental health more vulnerable to various issues.
Social isolation poses an increased risk of premature death from various conditions. This risk rivals that of physical inactivity, obesity, and even smoking.
Socially isolated individuals are at an increased risk – about 50% – of having dementia.
Social isolation was linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide.
People with health conditions are at a 50% more risk of death and hospitalization when socially isolated.
A 2015 study that reviewed the effects of social isolation in life co-authored by Hawkley concluded that social isolation could ruin not only our mental and cognitive health but also our physical health too.
In 2019, Kassandra Alcaraz of the American Cancer Society examined data collected from about 600,000 adults and observed that the risk of premature death was increased with social isolation (American Journal of Epidemiology).
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Social isolation could lead to several adverse long-term effects on our mental health. However, at some point in life, we might be required to handle social isolation. The following steps can be taken to cope better with social isolation:
Accept your feelings: It’s easy to ignore our feeling, especially when it comes to social isolation, as you do not have someone to talk to. However, acknowledging your feeling is the first step to handling social isolation better.
Go outdoors: While a stroll in nature isn’t socializing in itself, it’s immensely beneficial to our mental health and physical health. Sunlight has been proven to help boost our moods, and it contains vitamin D, which helps alleviate signs of depression.
Pursue your hobbies: Adulthood can make us focus on creating a living and forgetting the things we love. When you’re socially isolated, focus on doing the things you genuinely love. It can be an old hobby or pursuing a previously ignored interest. This redirects your mind from being lonely and focuses it on something positive.
Self-care: The body reacts to social isolation uniquely. It feels stressed, and this causes problems with our muscles, blood pressure, breathing, and more. It’s important to counteract these responses to stress by paying even more attention to self-care. Take warm relaxing baths, meditate, or listen to soothing music. The trick is finding what works for you and sticking to it.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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