subject: The Effects Of Loneliness In Women [print this page] What is it about women and loneliness that seem to go together? Although men aren't immune to such feelings, literary and cinematic depictions of loneliness in women are far more prevalent than accounts of loneliness in men. Perhaps it is because of the perceived female tendency to be more open with their emotions or society's expectations with regard to "accepted" gender roles, but loneliness is more often attributed to women than men. In any case, loneliness can have severely detrimental effects on women's health, and for some, the combined effects of loneliness even has a significant role to play in early mortality.
There are many factors that can trigger-or at least worsen-loneliness in women. Separation from a partner, an abusive or unfaithful relationship, and the death of a family member are only some of the situations in which women and loneliness find themselves locked together in a tragic embrace. Loneliness in women may also result from a failed career, lack of confidence or insecurity, disappointment in one's self, and isolation from friends and/or loved ones. In some women, loneliness stems from the lack of social contact, which itself may or may not be voluntary.
Just as in men, loneliness in women can result in long term emotional and mental issues. In fact, depression and loneliness often go hand-in-hand, and the two emotions have a tendency to feed off each other, further reinforcing and worsening their combined effects. In terms of the mental and emotional health of women, loneliness definitely takes a toll.
Even more alarmingly, chronically lonely women are at risk of developing a variety of physical conditions as well. In studies conducted at the University of California, it was found that loneliness can play a significant role in the development of inflammation in humans, as determined by the action of white blood cells in chronically lonely people. In addition to depression and a lingering feeling of isolation, loneliness in women can also contribute to immune system diseases, heart related conditions, and hypertension. Loneliness therefore has numerous implications for women in terms of emotional, mental and physical health.
In some cases, a woman may even feel lonely even while she is in a relationship. If a woman is subject to physical or emotional abuse on a regular basis, she may feel isolated from the outside world and may even begin to believe that she deserves to be in such a situation. In women that have been abused for many years, it is not uncommon to find feelings of extreme insecurity, and even shame at being helpless about her situation. For such women, loneliness can be a terrible burden from which there is no relief.
Loneliness in women can be addressed most effectively by dealing with the underlying causes and mitigating factors. These measures will depend on the extent and span of loneliness, as well as the factors that caused it. The solutions range from renewed socialization to regular contact and interaction with friends and family, although more extreme cases arising from physical abuse or depression may require professional intervention.
by: Gen Wright
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