The last few years have changed how many of us think about mental health and mental health treatment. The COVID pandemic caused many people to change how they work and live, with more companies allowing employees to work from home. While this shift has adjusted how many people do their jobs, it also caused many people to experience social isolation effects, including more instances of depression and anxiety. However, help from experienced mental health professionals can ease and even possibly eliminate the psychological effects of isolation.
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery, our dual diagnosis treatment center in Asheville, North Carolina, gives women the coping strategies they need to deal with the effects of social isolation. We believe that a female-only facility helps women focus on their mental health and uplifts their self-esteem and self-confidence. If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about the connection between isolation and mental health, reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team online or at 855.773.0614.
What Causes Social Isolation?
There are many different causes, but perhaps the most significant factor that contributes to social isolation over the past few years has been the COVID pandemic. However, other root causes of social isolation include:
- Living alone
- Being home-bound due to a medical issue
- Dealing with a mental health disorder
- Being a caregiver
- Losing a partner or spouse
- Having limited social support
What Are Some Mental Health Effects of Isolation?
Scientists have studied the mental health effects of isolation for years and found many connections between isolation and mental health disorders. Most commonly, those in isolation for long periods deal with disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Other mental health effects of isolation include:
- Cognitive decline
- Insomnia
- Increased dementia
- Suicidal ideation
- Agoraphobia is the fear of open, public spaces
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
Although it might be intimidating for people in social isolation to reach out for help, recovery from this condition is possible when treated under the supervision of experienced professionals.
How Is Isolation Treated?
The foundation of any treatment for mental health, including the effects of isolation, are therapeutic options. Using different a combination of therapeutic modalities helps women in mental health treatment receive the precise level of care they need to heal from the effects of social isolation.
Some of the most common therapeutic approaches in treatment for social isolation and other mental health disorders include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This form of individual treatment, also known as “talk therapy,” helps clients replace negative thoughts and behavior with more productive and positive thinking and feelings.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Dialectical behavior therapy gives people the tools they need to manage painful emotions and enhance their relationships with friends and family members.
- Group therapy – Group therapy sessions reinforce the idea that clients are not alone with their mental health struggles. This form of therapy is especially effective in reducing the effects of social isolation.
Find A Place to Belong with Mental Health Treatment at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery
The Willows at Red Oak Recovery is a leading addiction and mental health treatment provider in the Southeast. Our team is committed to helping our clients find the inner strength they need to lessen the effects of social isolation while empowering them to live the happy and healthy lives they deserve. Reach out to our team today for more information about our array of programs and services for women and their health by calling The Willows at Red Oak Recovery today at 855.773.0614 or completing our convenient online form.
