Gai Murakumo
Member
It was great GAF.
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Study: Loneliness, Social Isolation Greater Health Problem In US Than Obesity
- Thread starter entremet
- Start date
It was great GAF.
Agreed, when I want to socialize I want to get out and have experiences with other people, not being still trapped in your house in front of a computer.
I don't see how internet, gaming or VR can be a substitute of true socializing, but maybe it's just me. I mean, of course it's better than nothing, but it's not the same at all..
Moose Biscuits
It would be extreamly painful...
I dunno. I've reached out to people in the past when I'm feeling down, I've stopped doing it since over time people get annoyed by your lack of improvement or negative attitude.
I much prefer shallow interactions, or none.
bobs...onGaf
Member
Different people have different needs and that's fair. It's not contradictory at all to say that person a's life's needs are different from person b's
For the people who are lonely and know they need social contact - there are increasingly more and more ways to fulfil that thanks to the internet - I've seen plenty of gaf Meetup threads alone and I imagine online gaming would give people a chance to interact with others
I guess going beyond the internet and changing their lifestyle/ joining a group or society/ finding a social share house is the next step for people - and the onus is really on them to do so as no one else can really take charge of their situation
I guess what I'm saying is - it's never really too late for anyone who's socially isolated to take steps to fix that situation and it is a fixable situation for many but yeah I agree with the article - I think the risk of things going south for you are exaggerated if you don't have people around you to help you
I can understand social isolation taking a toll on you if you were previously social, and you find yourself in a situation where you're suddenly devoid of social contact. But I wonder if the effects of social isolation are lessened if you've spent your entire life isolated.
I've been a loner literally since I was born. I have vivid memories of being the shy awkward kid in preschool while my peers and I were still shitting our pants. So being alone is pretty much like home to me. Sure, I get the occasional bout of "damn, I should probably try to get out more while I'm still young." But it's not like I'm sitting inside all day reminiscing about the days of old. It's just the way I was born.
That being said, I do agree with the findings of this study that being alone is not good for you.
I've been a loner literally since I was born. I have vivid memories of being the shy awkward kid in preschool while my peers and I were still shitting our pants. So being alone is pretty much like home to me. Sure, I get the occasional bout of "damn, I should probably try to get out more while I'm still young." But it's not like I'm sitting inside all day reminiscing about the days of old. It's just the way I was born.
That being said, I do agree with the findings of this study that being alone is not good for you.
Tyraniboah
Member
I'm alone for the duration of my day due to my job. I don't often get to socialize outside of my family due to my hours, and even then I often get home when everybody is going to bed. I've been doing this for the past three years and it's had a rather profound effect on me mentally. Decided to finally go see a therapist, as soon as I can find one that takes my insurance. It's not worth living life feeling alone and doing nothing about it unless that is how you want to live.
How About No
Member
Heh, I'm not the only one? Whenever someone tries to talk deep shit with me my reaction is always "oh god this is gettin' weird and personal". I'm just not cut out for that I think, even with my family
Sorry for your experience
Alcotholic
Banned
We are becoming Japan.
fluffydelusions
Member
Yeah I worked from home for years and people you talk to always think it's the coolest thing ever and yeah at first it is but after a while it sorta gets to you.
This makes sense. I find it a lot easier to be depressed than fat
Good call. I know talking about your feelings and being self-analytical and vulnerable for other people is really hard for some, especially guys, but I'd recommend it wholeheartedly.
Good call. I know talking about your feelings and being self-analytical and vulnerable for other people is really hard for some, especially guys, but I'd recommend it wholeheartedly.
I spend a significant amount of time by myself and I have yet to feel "lonely".
In fact, most social interactions either bore me or exhaust me.
Choppasmith
Member
Yep, I can see it. Thankfully I don't live alone, and I have a job where I'm with people, but it sucks that I still feel alone because I'm not in relationship or don't have friends to hang out with outside work.
I think I'm in the same boat as you. I feel like I should be doing the same thing, except the last therapist I went to basically just reiterated what I'm missing and not doing. It felt like all my sessions were just "Welp you don't have a wife/girlfriend and you don't drive, so yeah your life kinda sucks :/"
I think I'm in the same boat as you. I feel like I should be doing the same thing, except the last therapist I went to basically just reiterated what I'm missing and not doing. It felt like all my sessions were just "Welp you don't have a wife/girlfriend and you don't drive, so yeah your life kinda sucks :/"
This article hits home. I wouldn't wish my problems, social anxiety and isolation on my worst enemy. Its harder to break out of when you don't crave social interaction and literally freak out when around people. When you get comfortable in being alone it's a hard place to return from.
Muppet of a Man
Member
I think with the rare exception of real people not being available for face to face socializing at all, that social media is an extremely harmful replacement for actual face to face social interaction. I believe that there will soon be the science to back this hypothesis, as well.
samoscratch
Member
But I don't like hanging out with others all that much :/
Have to get better I suppose, I just hate small talk and many of the other social norms.
Will have to man up...grumble grumble..
Have to get better I suppose, I just hate small talk and many of the other social norms.
Will have to man up...grumble grumble..
pelicansurf
Needs a Holiday on Gallifrey
US is doomed confirmed
Hours Left
Member
I consider myself a pretty outgoing person but health circumstances over the past two years have cut off a lot of social interaction I would of normally had, and the feeling of isolation is extremely debilitating.
I value my alone time quite a bit, but when it's not balanced with positive, meaningful interactions with other people, it's feels like you've fallen into a hole with no way out, and any previous health issues just become magnified.
I value my alone time quite a bit, but when it's not balanced with positive, meaningful interactions with other people, it's feels like you've fallen into a hole with no way out, and any previous health issues just become magnified.
People that live in chicago
NintendoGal
Member
I went into a self-imposed exile for 3-5 years due to some traumatic events. When I mean exile, I mean the only person I saw for those years was my husband coming and going. I didn't get out and do ANYTHING with ANYONE.
I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. It messes you up psychologically in ways I'm still discovering.
Used to be a social butterfly beforehand, now I'm having trouble connecting with people.
I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. It messes you up psychologically in ways I'm still discovering.
Used to be a social butterfly beforehand, now I'm having trouble connecting with people.
Moose Biscuits
It would be extreamly painful...
Eh, don't be, it's entirely self inflicted. If I get people wanting to be supportive I start complaining about my situation without doing anything to actually fix it, and make lots of excuses until people get sick of my complaining.
The Albatross
Member
I've heard this particularly about men, at least more so than women. As men age they progressively become more and more isolated, even married men or men with families, and that loneliness can be one of the biggest health factors for aging men.
This has allowed me to convince my wife that going to the bar with my buddies is far more important than going to the gym.
This has allowed me to convince my wife that going to the bar with my buddies is far more important than going to the gym.
BocoDragon
or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
I blame western societal mores about as much as economics or political factors or whatever. We're hyper individualist.
My Korean gf wouldn't have this problem. Her family never leaves her alone. Living alone is wierd there.
My Korean gf wouldn't have this problem. Her family never leaves her alone. Living alone is wierd there.
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
I socialize pretty much every day.
This means I'll live to be 150?
This means I'll live to be 150?
But if your GF was living in Korea she would feel 'economically lonely' as the economic system is super non-forgiving there. People are not happy there and it's because of that.
Zen_Arcade
Banned
I'm glad I enjoy solitude, being alone seems to really bring some people down. That's a huge shame.
victreeb3l
Member
Yeah, I totally noticed a mood shift going from working freelance at home vs working at an office. You really need to spend time with other people.
Ok, so what is the actual physiological thing that kills you? You don't exhume "loneliness energy" into a "lonely death jar" that fills up and then kills you. Am I just more likely to kill myself if I'm alone, or does cancers etc. detect our social activity levels and decide to ramp up if they detect no activity?
And someone else already asked, but what if you don't feel lonely when you are alone. As far as I can remember I've been alone and liked it. I'm an introvert through and through. I do like the social gatherings etc. but they really drain me and when I'm back to being alone I'm so calm and at peace. I know some dudes who are social butterflies and when they are alone they get all depressed and anxious. I could see a prolonged loneliness for that kind of person to be unhealthy if they get huge stress levels for prolonged periods of time.
And someone else already asked, but what if you don't feel lonely when you are alone. As far as I can remember I've been alone and liked it. I'm an introvert through and through. I do like the social gatherings etc. but they really drain me and when I'm back to being alone I'm so calm and at peace. I know some dudes who are social butterflies and when they are alone they get all depressed and anxious. I could see a prolonged loneliness for that kind of person to be unhealthy if they get huge stress levels for prolonged periods of time.
shawnbuddy
Member
Yeah, this is probably why I'll eventually kill myself. Right now I've got my mother and other relatives to visit and take care of, but after they're gone? What's the point?
Because I don't have to interact with people for 4 days unless I want to... which I probably won't want to.
Or if you're asking why I would feel like a goblin, it's because after 4 days alone you got to get used to people again, so that first day I'll probably be hunched over, mumbling to myself and avoiding eye contact like smiegol or something.
MetroidPrimeRib
Banned
Increasingly thinking Japan was just ahead of the curve on that and we're slowly catching up
Astral Dog
Member
Feeling lonely can be because of many reasons, better to be lonely than have bad company. Because they will make you feel truly alone and worthless
Astral Dog
Member
Exactly,its not physically being alone, but the feeling of loneliness that drains you, you can be perfectly fine with long periods of introvertion if you are healthy, content, but the environment and people around will determine how you start behaving or thinking.along with your own ideas of company.
I'm guessing he/she means not having anybody to do anything with.
Yup, same circumstances. Chronic illness forced me to retire and I live alone. Only a couple of friends locally and they're all busy with their lives. For a while, I was okay as I'm an introvert but when you're alone 95% of the time, it starts to eat away at you.
entremet
Member
Keep making the effort. Many people give up. Im in my thirties and still have to make the effort consistently. Its not high school or college. It takes effort.
Spine_Ripper
Member
It took 2 entire pages for this to be posted. GAF really is dead
Couldn't this be because living alone increases your chance of dying from something like a stroke or heart attack because there's simply no one there to call the paramedics?
Living alone is also why I enjoy escapism hobbies like watching movies, reading books and playing video games as opposed to hobbies that require to me go outside.
Living alone is also why I enjoy escapism hobbies like watching movies, reading books and playing video games as opposed to hobbies that require to me go outside.
StrangeRoboMemory
Member
Go out there and make friends, guys. Not always easy but deeply worth it for many reasons.