How damaging is social isolation to mental health?

[Anonymous]

So I’m autistic I don’t have any friends I’m either at work or home there’s nothing in between. My sister constantly try’s to get me into a psychiatrist because of depression and I constantly tell her it’s because I’m socially isolated if I wasn’t socially isolated then I would constantly live in my head and be down all the time

[Oliverlogan263]

Yeah dude, social isolation is super tough on your mental health. Us humans aren't meant to be alone all the time, we need interactions with other people.

When you're always alone with your thoughts, it's easy to start feeling down on yourself and overanalyze stuff. And not having friends to talk to or do stuff with probably makes depression feel way worse.

It makes total sense that would be the cause of your depression, not having any kind of social life. I'd probably feel pretty down too in that situation. Your sister just wants to help, but she doesn't really get what it's like.

Maybe try explaining to her again how hard it is being lonely all the time. See if she can help you find some social groups for autistic people, or get involved in a hobby where you could meet others. Even just chatting online sometimes is better than nothing.

It's good you recognize socializing would help. Don't give up, man - hopefully you can find some ways to connect with people and start feeling better mentally. Your mental health is important too.

[AngryCarl]

It's extremely damaging. Even someone who is happy spending time alone needs some social contacts. You must interact with people at work, which is something at least. Being on the spectrum myself I've always found it easier to interact at work than socially.

[IslaTheWitch]

It depends on the personality, friends circle, and how close people are with their families.

I'm also autistic. I don't mind physical isolation. I don't need to meet foreign people on the street to feel good. On the contrary, I feel much better when alone.

But I need to keep in contact with people I'm close to. We text, and we make video or phone calls. We include every single family member in daily contact.

The same goes for friends. But we mostly text and send pictures. Sometimes, we make video calls.

I put much effort into staying in contact, even if it's often exhausting. But I know I need that

[KrakenAttackin]

Social isolation is the basis for many problems including addiction, depression, and many more. It's worth talking with a psychiatrist just to see if there is pharmacological help.