It is no secret that we live in an age of social isolation. Now more than ever, adults feel like their relationships aren't meaningful, and they feel isolated. Each person's home has become their castle, only to leave for work and shopping, with neighbors resembling strangers rather than people you know and trust.

So, you likely have isolated feelings, and if you are reading this article, you want to know how to fight back.

What Is Isolation?

Isolation is not as straightforward as you would like to think; it is not just being alone and not being around others - that is solitude. Instead, isolation is a much more pervasive and long-lasting thing than solitude. Isolation can also occur without even being alone. Emotional isolation can feel like being disconnected from others despite having relationships that should provide meaningful connections.

Isolation is defined as a lack of social relationships or emotional support. Isolation doesn't mean you are alone, but it surely means you feel that way.

Many of us feel like we are just floating through life, without meaning or purpose. Relationships are one of the best ways to eliminate the feeling of meaninglessness that springs up throughout our lives; furthermore, it is one of the best ways of actually providing meaning. Therefore, isolation can be deadly. Isolation is severely damaging to our physical health, taking years off our life if not treated properly.

Why Do I Feel Isolated?

There are many risk factors associated with isolation feelings, many of which we will discuss in the next section, but some causes of isolation may be:

• The loss of family or friends
• Health and disabilities
• An aversion to socialization
• Domestic violence
• Living alone
• A lack of meaningful involvement

Many more risk factors that are not listed can lead to isolation feelings besides those listed, but these are some of the primary causes.

Social isolation can spring up from a buildup of external events or appear without a prominent inciting event. Different personalities and states of mind can be more prone to isolation feelings. For example, if you find yourself quite extroverted and need meaningful connections to others but can't seem to connect to others around you, you may feel isolated.

But if you are more introverted, you may not mind the lack of connection with others as much, so you would not feel as strong isolation feelings. Of course, personalities are much more complicated than this simple reductionism, but different personalities may be more prone to isolation.

Below are steps you can take that may, more directly, help your effort to feel less isolated. We will look at some of the common causes of isolation and how to fix them, in addition to listing ways that you can connect with others.

Ways To Connect With Others And Eliminate Causes Of Isolation

1. Reduce Social Media Usage

It is well known now that social media use can cause, and more commonly, amplify feelings of social isolation. While it promises to help us connect with others, the truth is, social platforms don't connect us with people around us all that much; it usually just provides a medium for self-criticism and social competition. However, this is not to say that social platforms cannot be used constructively - they can connect far-off friends and such. But that is not typically how it is used, nor is it even that effective at connecting people.

If you want to stay connected with others, grab a coffee, or invite them over, or if they live far away, give them a call. Liking the occasional picture or commenting a compliment on a post isn't enough to provide you with the feeling of genuine connection that we, as humans, crave so much.

2. Set Up Reoccurring Quality Time With Friends

Having lunch or coffee with friends once a week or so can do wonders for your mental health. Spending time with friends spontaneously, or just every once in a while, is excellent as well. However, especially for those who are busy and don't make much effort to get out, a time set in stone can be a lifesaver. With something to look forward to, even small bouts of isolation can be lessened by looking forward to the upcoming quality time spent with those who truly care.

An example of this may be a dinner club that meets once every week or two, gets coffee once a week, or even plays games. It is just a way to find an excuse to get together with friends, and if you do something fun in addition to that, that's even better! So, consider something like a new hobby or joining a team or club to spend time with friends while also doing something you enjoy.

3. Develop A Passion

Building off the points of number two, getting involved in something enjoyable can be great for connecting with others. More than just the social aspect, finding meaning in something you are passionate about reduces feelings of isolation because you now have something more meaningful to dedicate time to.

4. Keep Healthy

As unrelated as it sounds, maintaining good health can be vital not just to your happiness but to your feelings of social isolation as well. The act alone of getting out and going to the gym or on the run can get you outside and around other people. Even if you don't talk to others as you exercise, being in public can help.

Additionally, the rush of endorphins from exercise can do wonders for your mental health and put you in a great position to feel and act energized. Proper sleep and dieting will also bring you the energy and naturally good endorphins to help you gain control of your day and mood.

5. Challenging Your Inner Critic

Often, feelings of loneliness and isolation from others stem from actual isolation and the internal dialogue in your head. If you don't take steps to control this inner dialogue and challenge your inner critic, you can succumb to self-inflicted pain.

Insecurities and a fear of what is outside your comfort zone can be enough to push you to avoid both attempts to reach out and connect with others and to appreciate and value those connections. So, by challenging that part of yourself that holds you back, you can begin seeing real possibilities for connection.

6. Gain Control Over Your Own Life

If you struggle with working up the will to make connections and find yourself continually falling into the same old habits and self-inflicted misery - there is one solution for you: to gain control of your own life. It can be easy to let things go in a world where we can hide behind our screens and digital personas, where accountability is easy to sidestep. But each individual needs to acknowledge the responsibility they have to themselves and the world around them to take care of themselves and make some difference.

By practicing small steps to gain control over your life, you can build the willpower and the motivation to see the vast control you have over your life. If you want to feel lonely, you can feel lonely, but you can do that if you want to make connections with others. But first, you need to acknowledge that it is your responsibility to make that change.

7. Reach Out For Help

Fighting feelings of social isolation is a difficult thing to undertake. Isolation can commonly lead to depression if not handled correctly; that's why we want to help. Therapy is a powerful tool for fighting the feelings of isolation that exist and fester in every one of us. 

Even calling someone, you trust to talk about the problem is an excellent step towards making a difference.

In conclusion, isolation is a scary and dangerous thing; no one wants to feel alone. That's why if you notice that you have had isolated feelings and disconnected from others for an extended period, you owe yourself to do something about it - reach out for help, challenge your inner critic, or set up meeting times with friends - you can beat this.