Sitting there frozen alone longing for something more than a life of detachment. All day everyday surrounded by crowds of people yet feeling hopelessly invisible. Quite lonesome and fearful, thousands of people wither away as weakened social ties have brought the world to its knees rocking back and forth while begging for physical attention.
Okay, that’s a bit dramatic but not far from the truth. In mind’s eye, one might see a virtual sign that welcomes them to the dawn of desolation. An era taking the world by storm that singlehandedly strangles the life out of more and more victims.
How else can you explain why those 15 to 24 years old are noted as one of the highest age groups that are lonely, depressed, and suicidal? We can blam it on the use of technology for social networking however, is that really the culprit? Being physically antisocial plagues the old and the young alike. But as technology progresses, so does resignation.
A study from the University of Michigan found, those who communicate primarily with sophisticated high-tech devices verses in person, tend to be more lonely than those who have physical connections with their peers. Same household family members are also casualties of loneliness when ignored by those who choose to communicate with electronic devices.
Seniors ages 80 and over report that they experience loneliness more often than their younger peers ages 52 to 79. Most are not necessarily alone, yet lack companionship and view their lives in a negative way. This impacts not only ones mental state, it affects the health of millions worldwide, greatly minimizing their quality of life. With family members unwilling to give their loved ones tangible genuine interaction, abandonment becomes overwhelming.
This disconnection from society tends to lead down a path of destruction. Psychologist John Cacioppo explains that long-term social isolation correlates with depression and poor health. He explains that although at times, feeling melancholy is a fact of life, habitual disengagement from the physical world can dramatically shorten one’s life span.
Having physical relationships is a basic human need. By inherent design, humans are not fashioned for total isolation. Since 2000 suicide rates have gone up especially with middle aged men. According to the CDC, the U.S. ranks suicide 10th for causes of death. Chronic isolation fueled by depression are a prominent motives for the all time high suicide rates in 2012.
The Office For National Statistics website notes that those widowed, separated, or divorced experience loneliness more often than those who are in a physical, committed relationship. The loss of a life partner and segregation can leave one with low self-esteem issues. Feelings of worthlessness and shame are crippling and impair daily activities that sometimes result in unhealthy solitude.
Internet or no, without intimate human contact most people can not find serenity. Insufficient self-worth, thoughts of suicide, and debilitating antisocial behavior is dangerously high today.
If you think you’re lonely, than you are lonely. If you start believing that the world wouldn’t even skip a beat with out you, get help. Your untimely demise would indeed affect many people who care deeply about you.
If you’re one who doesn’t go out of your way to verbally speak with others, unplug once in a while and check on those who might be missing you. Facebook, Twitter, or whatever website suits you, is not worth loosing loved ones over. The worldwide web will be there when you return.
Listed below are references if you need help. Please use these if you or someone your know is without hope and contemplating suicide. THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE!!!!! Suicide is not the answer.
1-800-799-4TTY • 1-800-799-4889
TTY – Hearing & Speech Impaired