There are no words to express the abyss between isolation and having one ally – Gilbert K. Chesterton
Right now we’re in the middle of social distancing due to the coronavirus. Though not considered extreme isolation, it is unlike anything we’ve experienced before. It’s been strange to not be able to stand close to people other than my husband, or touch them or hug them. Months went by before our adult children and future son-in-law finally were able to come over for a cookout on Mother’s Day. My hubby and I couldn’t wait to grab them and give them bear hugs… and it felt so good to do so! It is just not our healthy or natural state to be isolated from friends and family.
As tough as this is on people of my age, extreme social isolation can be tragic for young people. Over the last couple of decades the media has highlighted stories of bullying and violence in schools. Some students who were socially isolated and bullied, returned to their schools to commit acts of violence, and/or to take their own lives. Although rare, these cases riveted our attention to the tragedies born from social isolation.
Unlike loneliness, which is a feeling, social isolation is a state of being. A person can feel lonely within a crowd, but a socially isolated person is totally separate from other people.
A child or adolescent might be shy or have a distinctive physical appearance, disability, gender identity, racial background, or other factors that cause them to be singled out by their peers. They will not be accepted, and other students will refuse to associate with them, so as not to appear uncool.
Humans are social creatures, and social relationships, especially in adolescence, are significant to a young person’s self-image as well as overall health and well-being. Students that lack positive relationships or experience negative peer pressure on a constant basis become distressed, disconnected, and isolated. Research shows that children and teens that suffer this isolation are more likely to have negative psychological, emotional, and physical effects, and are more likely to engage in conflicts and risky behaviors.
Ways isolation can affect children and teens:
- Physical symptoms – aches, pains, headaches, illnesses (immune system is weakened) worsening of medical conditions
- Mental health conditions – risk of depression, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks
- Low energy – exhaustion, lack of motivation
- Sleep problems – unable to sleep, frequent waking during the night, sleeping too much
- Diet problems – loss of appetite, over-eating, sudden weight gain or loss
- Substance abuse – increased consumption of alcohol, medications, drugs, cigarettes
- Negative feelings – hopelessness, thoughts of suicide
Bio-Touch has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with social isolation. While not a substitute for standard medical care, Bio-Touch is an effective complement to medical protocols. Family members and friends can learn how to help each other feel better using Bio-Touch, without being concerned about negative side effects.
The Bio-Touch organization is offering a workshop on isolation in childhood and adolescence at the Center in Tucson on Thursday September 24th from 6-8PM. Workshop attendees will learn the Bio-Touch points necessary to address the symptoms.
It’s so rewarding to share Bio-Touch, and you’ll be glad to know how! For more information or to learn about online classes, go to JustTouch.com.
