The relationship between social isolation and mental health

“No man is an island” The relationship between social isolation and mental health

Mind in Mid Herts Mental Health and Social Isolation©

Nicky Kuklys

Training & Development Manager

Tel: 01438 369216

Email: [email protected]


Social Isolation

Social isolation is the complete or near-complete lack of contact between an individual and society.

Loneliness is a craving for social contact. If is often linked to feelings of sadness and emptiness.

Solitude is the state of being alone.


Impact of isolation

• Depression and suicide

• Cardiovascular disease and stroke

• Increased stress levels

• Decreased memory and learning

• Antisocial behaviour

• Poor decision-making

• Alcoholism and drug abuse

• The progression of Alzheimer's disease

• Altered brain function


What is Mental Health?

Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

World Health Organisation (2014)


Feeling lonely has damaged my mental health

My mental health has made me feel lonely


Mental Health…a high risk group?

Shame

Poor Self-esteem

Thought distortions

Bad experiences

Stigma & Discrimination


Stigma

Silence around the

issue

Lack of knowledge

Wider society

Scared to raise the

issue

Silence around the

issue

Increases perception of stigma

Those with MHPs

Scared to reveal

problem

They simply don’t see or talk to anyone very often…


Even though they are surrounded by people they don’t feel understood or cared for…

1. See them

2. Acknowledge everyone

3. Listen with interest

4. Ask the right questions

5. Be present

6. Believe in others

7. Model good behaviour

8. Hold the hope

9. Remember the small stuff

10. Tell them how you feel about them


Building Positive Wellbeing

What builds positive wellbeing?


Local Resources • Hertfordshire Partnership NHS University Foundation Trust Single Point of Access you don’t need

to be referred you can contact them direct - Telephone 0300 777 0707 Mental Health Helpline 01438 843322

• The Wellbeing Team (IAPT) http://www.hpft.nhs.uk/our-services/community-services/enhanced-primary-mental-health-services

• Carers in Herts - 01992 586969

• Samaritans – 116 123

• GP – personal Doctor can be the first contact.

• National Mind - www.mind.org.uk

• Mental Health Foundation – https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

• Be Mindful - https://bemindful.co.uk/

• Time to Change - http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/


Mind in Mid Herts

We want to support you whatever your situation concern or worry.

Talk to someone today

• Website: www.mindinmidherts.org.uk

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindinmidherts

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindInMidHerts_

• Email: [email protected]

• Telephone: 01438 369216


Thank-you for listening

The relationship between social isolation and mental health

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