One of the effects of stress is the tendency to isolate, with the negative consequences that both situations have on your health. On the other hand, being subjected to high levels of emotional stress without the proper social support increases the mortality rate, according to certain studies.  

Stress and isolation

Stress affects physical and emotional health, but if these consequences are added to the lack of a social network, the physical problems can worsen. In a recent study, 50-year old men subjected to high levels of emotional stress, were three times as likely to die in the following seven years as those people who did not experience the same level of stress. In fact the men who were subjected to the same emotionally stressful events but that had the support of family and friends were not at such a high risk.  

On the other hand, during times of stress, it is frequent for sufferers to isolate, because stress causes the person to focus on the problem that is causing the stress. This in turn generates more stress, and this turns into a catch-22 situation.

Open your lines of communication

Some people, when they are undergoing a stressful problem that has no easy solution, tend o ruminate. Although it is a very human reaction, this type of obsession can increase the feeling of anguish and narrow the person’s perspective.  

Breaking free from isolation and speaking with someone can help you considerable in these moments. Perhaps the person cannot solve your problem, but just talking about it will make you break the pattern of ruminating.  That person may be able to at least provide a point of view you had not thought of. Make it a rule to speak with a loved one or a friend when you find yourself in a stressful situation.

A good place to share your worries and concerns is your church or religious congregation. The people who gather there are usually eager to help in some way and you will find support amongst them.  

Another way to break away from your isolation is to have regular social gatherings at home, under any pretext. You could commit to hold a dinner at your place on the first Saturday of each month, or once every six weeks. Besides the fact that the preparations will take your mind off of your obsession, you will have a steady source of contact with other people.  You may also sign up to a club that meets monthly and in which your involvement is required.

In the event that your source of stress is constant, keep in touch with support groups where people such as yourself may offer solutions. For example, if you are a single mom (link to article PA026), you have just divorced, or if you are in charge of caring for an elderly or handicapped person, there are many organizations that can give you information and support for these particular circumstances.

Do not underestimate the power of being in contact with other people although you may think there is nothing they can do to solve the cause of your stress.