Isolation - a possible problem for the mind!

L.Jenkins

I am an avid reader of topics on Psychology, not so much the history of such a topic, but I know I should be reading more as I would love to pursue a course and career in the area.

I have a few questions concerning the mind, How does Isolation affect the mind so much? It's absolutely boggled my mind that people need interaction a large proportion of the time. I actually know from personal experience that it can be damaging. And the final question I put to you, how would one go about recovering from such damage, is CBT the way to go or even support groups if they exist!

I know myself, I have trouble with socialising in general, and I would like to rectify such problems, before I pursue a career in the area. Before I sign off, I should mention I have Cyclothymia, a mild form of Bipolar Disorder. This may help in offering any advice!

looksee

djhunter30 wrote: »

I have a few questions concerning the mind, How does Isolation affect the mind so much? It's absolutely boggled my mind that people need interaction a large proportion of the time. I actually know from personal experience that it can be damaging.

Can you just clarify, do you mean that isolation can be damaging or that interaction can be damaging?

I'm guessing that you mean isolation can be damaging.

Just based on my own knowledge and experience (rather than scientific studies) I would think that people are designed for their own protection to be social. In a primative society an individual would have difficulty surviving alone. Being part of an extended family or clan gives protection to individuals, improves hunting and gathering or farming production and allows skills to develop.

Apes generally are social, and spend a lot of time interacting with each other and grooming etc. Animals kept in solitary conditions show signs of stress, so its not just us.

Just a personal suggestion, but if you feel you are a solitary person, even if unwillingly, you may find going straight into a support group stressful. If you do not want to get professional help, maybe you could try doing an evening course - in psychology maybe - and get used to being in a group that is not focussing on you or making many social demands.

L.Jenkins

looksee wrote: »

Can you just clarify, do you mean that isolation can be damaging or that interaction can be damaging?

I'm guessing that you mean isolation can be damaging.

Just based on my own knowledge and experience (rather than scientific studies) I would think that people are designed for their own protection to be social. In a primative society an individual would have difficulty surviving alone. Being part of an extended family or clan gives protection to individuals, improves hunting and gathering or farming production and allows skills to develop.

Apes generally are social, and spend a lot of time interacting with each other and grooming etc. Animals kept in solitary conditions show signs of stress, so its not just us.

Just a personal suggestion, but if you feel you are a solitary person, even if unwillingly, you may find going straight into a support group stressful. If you do not want to get professional help, maybe you could try doing an evening course - in psychology maybe - and get used to being in a group that is not focussing on you or making many social demands.

You are right in guessing. In general, I hate the feeling of isolation and can share in the feeling of stress, especially when left to my own thoughts. I try to put myself out there in social situations, and sometimes I am alittle self sabotaging in the whole social life, passing on oppurtunities. I'm my own worst enemy, but I'm trying to change that, because I find it more depressing being alone and I'm only 25.

JuliusCaesar

If you start from the fact that humans are a social species, all else comes from that....