subject: Isolation And Loneliness-dealing With The Underlying Causes [print this page] Isolation and loneliness are common concerns that many people routinely face these days. The fast pace of life, the ultra modern society we live in, and the numerous technological innovations that purportedly make life better...all these conditions have contributed to a world that is much more convenient and streamlined, but in which the warmth and genuine human concern of times past is sorely lacking. For many people, this results in a significant degree of isolation and loneliness that becomes a constant part of life.
For most people who feel loneliness, isolation is often the primary cause-or at least its trigger. In a romantic relationship, the desire to be with each other constantly can be so powerful that even with only short periods of isolation, loneliness creeps into the consciousness. In such a situation, partners may not feel like socializing with anyone at all, and only the return of the absent partner will ease the pain of loneliness. As distressing as the loneliness-isolation combination can be however, this is mostly a temporary situation, and the underlying cause is simple enough to identify and to resolve.
Things become more complicated when the situations of isolation and loneliness result from a failed relationship or the death of a partner. In a failed relationship with an element of physical and/or emotional abuse, the victimized partner may experience a period of emotional and even physical isolation. Loneliness results when this isolation goes on for long periods, and the abused partner does not have the benefit of emotional support from friends or family.
With the death of a partner, a long period of loneliness and isolation may occur. The loneliness obviously comes from the absence of the departed partner, and if the relationship had been a healthy and loving one for many years, it may take a long time for the bereaved to recover. In fact, the depth of loneliness felt may even compel the surviving partner toward seclusion, further reinforcing the sense of loss.
Things are pretty much the same in an abusive relationship, in many of which isolation and loneliness are constant factors. When a partner is abused or ignored, or if the other partner is unfaithful, the victimized partner may feel loneliness and isolation even of the other partner is still present. Such abuse is often accompanied by forced demands to limit contact with other people, and the victimized partner becomes trapped in an unbearable situation with no way out. A victimized partner in such a relationship may even feel unworthy of "redemption" or assistance, and the low self esteem may contribute to a chronic sense of isolation and loneliness.
Loneliness and isolation resulting from the death of a partner or a troubled relationship usually cannot be solved simply by socializing with other people or engaging in an engrossing activity. In such cases, professional counseling may be necessary in order to help the bereaved go on with his or her life. In an abusive relationship, it may even be necessary to seek the assistance of social services or law enforcement agencies.
