The impact of isolation and how to handle it

“No man is an island.”
John Donne

The transition to post-secondary life is a transformative change. For most, it means moving away from home to an all-new apartment or dorm room. Some call it a taste of freedom; others call it a step toward independence. However, a fresh start can have its pros and cons. As time flies by, being alone can become overwhelming. Just before you know it, the impact of isolation has set in.

According to a study, social loneliness spiked among youth while pursuing higher education. This is mainly because of the newness of the experience and the people. The full-on definition of being thrown outside the box. As a consequence, students engage in fewer and fewer social interactions.

Yes, change can be uncomfortable, and it seems like social isolation is the next best thing. However, with the winter blues looming in, loneliness can creep in the most unexpected ways. It’s important to know that you are not alone in this feeling and that you are in a position to conquer these emotions. IGNITE is here to help!

Here are some tips to aid you in combating the impact of isolation.

Sit with your feelings

A boy looking out a window while the snow is falling outside. — *Via GIPHY*

Emotions are meant to be felt. Whether good or bad, it is essential to acknowledge your feelings as they come and go. One coping tool you can use is ‘sitting with your feelings.’ This process involves identifying your feelings and knowing where you feel them in your body.

If you are able to recognize and identify your emotions as they are, you can better understand them and make amends with them. In this case, acknowledge that you are experiencing the impact of isolation. Remember, feeling alone is OK, and you are not alone in feeling this way.

Paying attention to your mental health goes a long way. Embracing each feeling you have is already a leap to improving your well-being. The good emotions are better enjoyed knowing that you have endured the not-so-good ones. So, allow yourself to feel the spectrum of emotions.

Practice self-care

A graphic mug with a heart design. Coffee is filling to the brim while the words, "take a moment for yourself" forms as froth. — *Via GIPHY*

Sometimes, being alone is a good thing. It is a great chance to disconnect from the world and connect with yourself. This can be a way to work on yourself, establish a daily routine that works for you or start a passion project that’s long been on your bucket list.

It can also be an opportunity to learn how to enjoy your own company. Try something new and get to know what you like and don’t like. Do you enjoy juggling or spicy food? Maybe not. How about cycling or photography? Well, If you never try, you’ll never know!

Learning how to spend time alone is also an excellent way to address the impact of isolation. Remember, the best person you’ll ever get to know during your post-secondary education is yourself. You’re halfway there when you prioritize self-care.

Stay connected

A graphic GIF of people doing a group hug while jumping up and down. — *Via GIPHY*

When social isolation takes hold, it’s the best time to put social media to good use. You can nurture your connections by reaching out to your family and friends to see how they are doing.

Schedule a video call or send a simple “Hey! How are you doing?” message. Small acts can definitely make all the difference. Be bold and make the first move. They will thank you for it, and you will thank you for it.

A fun idea you can do is to encourage your friends and family to have a tradition of constantly updating each other. You can adapt the Wednesday waffle concept, a new trend on social media, where friends send a one to two-minute update of what’s going on in their life every Wednesday to their group chat. This is a good way to be in touch with your long-time friends even when you are far apart.

Join IGNITE clubs

A graphic GIF of ninjas eating pizza together in a dining table while exclaiming the word "welcome." — *Via GIPHY*

Post-secondary life can be full of unfamiliarity. This shows that meeting people with the same passions can help you better navigate this time of your life. That’s why finding your tribe in school can significantly improve your student life.

The easiest way to find your tribe is to join IGNITE Clubs! With 50 clubs to choose from, there is surely one that suits your interests or you can identify with. Each club is geared towards reflecting the shared experiences Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber students have. These clubs are meant to bring together people with similar interests or backgrounds.

Joining a club is an opportunity for you to branch out socially. It’s the best place to make new friends and network. Plus, clubs do events all the time. This makes it all the more easier to establish meaningful connections. No awkward conversations are necessary; you can start by discussing why you joined that club as a touchpoint. Just like that, you’re all set to make a new friend!

Seek professional help

If you think social isolation and loneliness are something you need to process with someone, asking for professional help is the next best option. Mental health resources will always be available to get you through the impact of isolation.

A woman entering Humber Polytechnic's Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre. — *Picture by Michelle Marasigan*

One of the on-campus resources you can access is the mental health and counselling services offered by the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre. You can be connected to a counsellor by booking an appointment through Humber’s website. This service enables you to receive individual counselling on the same day of booking or reserve a slot for the next day.

If you find yourself in need of immediate support, you can also call:

GOOD2TALK Ontario
1-866-925-5454

This post-secondary student helpline is available 24/7. It is free of charge and has the utmost confidentiality at heart in its support service. So, when you feel overwhelmed with the impact of isolation, help is there when you need it.

A graphic GIF of a woman reaching for a big hand. The text reads, "Support is all around." — *Via GIPHY*

Social isolation and loneliness may feel like giant obstacles to overcome, but you should know that you are not alone in feeling lonely. It is a universal feeling, and IGNITE is here to offer the resources you need to make your post-secondary experience feel like your second home.

In addition, this is a friendly note to not be too hard on yourself when you feel alone or isolated. Be kind to your inner self and embrace your own unique process.

You’ll get there. Better days are coming. We’re rooting for you!

Feature image courtesy of Bob Price via Pexels.

Mental Health is wealth! Read IGNITE’s article on how to nurture your mental health!