Social isolation is an age-old feeling that every individual encounters in their lives, but it is a subjective experience that varies from person to person. Social isolation refers to a state where a person has little or no interaction with society, and this condition can be severe or moderate. This condition is different from loneliness, which is a temporary feeling of disconnect from others that a person may experience against their will. It should be noted that “If systemic isolation is traumatic, persistent isolation is unbearable.”
Subjective psychological distress arises when an individual’s social network lacks either quality or quantity. The relationship between grief and social isolation is complicated, with stress signaling the “fight-or-flight” response. Grief may cause a sense of being trapped in a life that revolves around it. Social isolation may seem inevitable and unsolvable, with no one else able to fill the void left by a departed loved one. When the brain perceives that one must tackle problems alone, it tends to push others away, resulting in greater feelings of loneliness. One cannot undo the emotional damage wrought by a loss, necessitating the creation of new ways to communicate and connect with others.
Have you ever felt like your existence is meaningless and you could disappear without making a difference? It’s as if you’re surrounded by people but completely alone. You feel like you’re drowning and must pretend everything is fine, even though you’re struggling to keep your head above water. Meanwhile, some individuals trample over those who just want a chance to prove themselves in their pursuit of success. These corrupt individuals leave others feeling empty and hollow by crushing their dreams.
Life seems to be a series of sketches and song lyrics scribbled in the margins of notebooks. It often manifests as freckled skin and well-worn brown boots. With a keen eye, one can perceive magic in everything, such as tree silhouettes against a glowing moon, hands stained with ink, stunning eyes, and bucolic landscapes. Yet, signs may flash by too quickly to read, and tall trees may beckon us to climb. It’s like receiving a handwritten note from a cherished person, waiting for the bus at dawn, and feeling both determined and defeated. It’s watching people dance when they think no one is watching, admiring freshly painted surfaces, and appreciating the creative endeavors of humanity. It’s also witnessing people’s faces painted on their torn jeans, hearing the distant sound of trains through an open window, eavesdropping on whispered conversations, and listening to a chorus of nocturnal creatures. At work, life can be accompanied by the constant hum of background noise and familiar tunes played on repeat through headphones. It’s hearing screams of elation and sorrow, too.
Everyday life is filled with a diverse array of sounds—the laughter of friends mingled with the haunting howls of coyotes. Despite this, children seem to be perpetually dissatisfied with their abilities. Sarcasm and quick-witted retorts flow like a rushing wave, while the collective roar of a stadium crowd echoes through the air. The sound of life is akin to the popping of fresh popcorn, with the wind rustling through trees and causing the house to creak in accompaniment. The soft sounds of footsteps on stairs and the click of a light switch are punctuated by the occasional turning of a page or the scratch of a pen on paper. Triumphant exclamations and dejected groans alike make up the rich tapestry of everyday sounds.
As humans, we are not born into a pre-structured world. It is up to us to create a framework that suits us. Isolation acknowledges that despite how close we become to others, differences will always exist, and we will inevitably feel alone. What is the purpose of life if we must ultimately die and our existence revolves around constructing our own worlds? The purpose of life and why existential issues impact individuals differently are worth considering. Perhaps it requires deep thought and introspection rather than just focusing on the everyday aspects of life.