Social Isolation & Mental Health Treatment Options

Emma Loker
Published: 11/24/2024 | Updated: 01/22/2026
Authored by: Emma Loker, BSc, PgDip
People are inherently wired for connecting to one another.1 Extended periods without meaningful social contact can be extremely challenging on several levels, potentially altering brain function and worsening any existing mental health conditions. 

Chronic social withdrawal can often be a sign of deeper struggles. Sometimes conditions like depression or anxiety can drive isolation – or prolonged disconnection can trigger these conditions as well. In other words, the relationship can work both ways, creating cycles that can be difficult to break without the right support in place. 

If you’re struggling with severe social withdrawal – or know someone who is – it can be helpful to know what treatment options exist that can provide you with a path toward healing. A mental health professional is well placed to guide you on the right route for your needs. 

This page can also help you better understand the social isolation mental health link, as it explores what separates normal periods of being alone from ongoing social isolation, along with: 

  • How loneliness and mental health challenges can interact with one another
  • The potential effects of social isolation on your mental and physical well-being
  • The possible underlying causes of social withdrawal, including trauma-related isolation or depression
  • Potential recovery and treatment options, such as residential mental health treatment and psychiatric care
  • Answers to frequently asked questions regarding social isolation and ways to get help
Man sitting on a couch on his own struggling with social isolation

Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness

Social isolation and loneliness aren’t the same thing, though they often occur at the same time. 

Social isolation typically refers to a lack of social contact and connection with others. Loneliness, on the other hand, is the subjective feeling of being alone or disconnected, regardless of how much contact you may have with others. 

People can be socially isolated without feeling lonely. Some people may prefer solitude and thrive on minimal social interaction. On the other hand, you can feel immensely lonely while surrounded by others, if those connections lack depth or authenticity. 

Chronic social withdrawal, however, can become problematic when it occurs for a lengthy period of time and interferes with your quality of life. Brief periods of reduced social contact during stressful times or after major life changes can be normal and expected. 

However, research has shown that chronic loneliness activates the same brain regions as physical pain.2 Your body interprets ongoing social isolation as a threat, which can trigger stress responses that impact your mental and physical health. 

The Impact of Chronic Isolation

The effects of social isolation and the mental health impact of loneliness can grow over time, affecting nearly every system in your body. Several studies have found that prolonged isolation increases your inflammation markers and weakens immune functions.3 These physiological changes can, in turn, increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and other serious health conditions. In fact, some clinicians have likened the mortality risk associated with ongoing social isolation to that of smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes per day.4 

Extended periods without any social interaction can also impair your memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. Your brain needs regular social engagement for optimal functioning, with some research suggesting that severe isolation could accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia for older adults.5 
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Potential Causes of Social Withdrawal

No two people are the same, so the causes of social withdrawal can vary. Yet, having said as much, chronic social withdrawal rarely happens in a vacuum. Mental health conditions can frequently contribute to its development, and vice versa. 

For example, social isolation and depression often develop together, with depression taking away the energy and motivation someone needs to maintain important relationships. Social isolation and anxiety can also be common, where the fear of judgment or embarrassment around others can start to feel unbearable. This is typically the case in social anxiety or panic disorder. 

Likewise, trauma-related isolation can also be a driving force behind withdrawal. People who’ve experienced abuse, assault, and other traumatic events often retreat as a way to protect themselves from further hurt, a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Additional factors that can commonly drive social withdrawal can include: 

  • Grief and loss: Losing someone close to you can cause a major disruption in your connection to others. 
  • Chronic illness and disability: Chronic or frequent health concerns can sometimes make socializing more difficult. 
  • Major life transitions: Moving somewhere new or changing jobs can disrupt your established networks, causing isolation and loneliness. 
  • Neurodevelopmental conditions: Some mental health conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can make interacting with other people feel exhausting and confusing. 
  • Feelings of shame and low self-worth: Struggling with self-esteem and believing you’re not worthy of connection can make connecting with others difficult. 
  • Technology addiction: Focusing on online interactions can sometimes be less fulfilling and keep you from maintaining your offline connections to family and friends. 

What Is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia involves anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult if you start to feel anxiety or panic coming on.6 Examples can include situations like public transportation, crowded spaces, standing in lines, or being outside of your home alone. 

Many people struggling with agoraphobia tend to stay close to home and develop avoidance behaviors, creating severe social isolation anxiety that limits their day-to-day lives. It frequently develops after experiencing a panic attack in specific locations, leading to the avoidance of those places and keeping someone as close to home as possible. 

Does Social Isolation Always Require Treatment?

Not everyone experiencing social isolation needs professional help to get better. Temporary withdrawal during periods of grief or stressful times is normal and can often resolve on its own. Some people also genuinely prefer solitude and maintain fulfilling lives with less social contact. 

However, professional help for social isolation may be called for if its effects are diminishing your quality of life. Support may also be needed if isolation is connected to underlying mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. 

If you’re avoiding others because social interactions feel like too much to bear, then treatment can help you address the root causes of your feelings.

Find Social Isolation Treatment Programs

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Social Isolation support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.

California Locations

See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.

Carlsbad - Goldenbush
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Carlsbad - Hoover
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms for our clients with ocean views and large rooms.
Dana Point - Blue Lantern
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & pool.
Dana Point - Crystal Lantern
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Includes large rooms, updated interior, & private treatment rooms.
Fallbrook - North Ridge
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features a tennis court, pool, and game area.
Fallbrook - Peony
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with library, large backyard, and pool.
Laguna Hills - Waterwheel
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & large backyard.
Laguna Niguel - Campeon
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Lake Forest - Grayston
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Lake Forest - Sunnybrook
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Newly remodeled interior with large rooms and backyard with garden.
San Juan Capistrano - Banderas
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
San Juan Capistrano - Valencia
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Minnesota Locations

Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.

Stillwater - Arcola
Male mental health residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.
Stillwater - Dellwood
Female mental health residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Beautifully appointed, relaxing atmosphere for healing.
Virginia Locations

View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.

Annandale - Rebel Rose
Female identifying house with single and double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, on a large property.
Fairfax Station - Derbyshire
Male only house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large rooms, gorgeous interior, and music/game room.
Great Falls - Kellie Jean
Gender Inclusive house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, game room, and large property.
Vienna - Browns Mill
Gender Inclusive property, Restoring hope and well-being, AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides compassionate care in a peaceful setting in Vienna, Virginia.
Vienna - Corsica
Gender Inclusive house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard, movie theater, and dedicated spaces for therapy.
Vienna - Lawyers
Male identifying house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.

Treatment Options for Social Withdrawal

Many people struggling with social withdrawal feel as if there’s nowhere to turn for help. Isolation can make reaching out for help seem impossible, but knowing the available treatment options for severe withdrawal can help you start your recovery process. 

Outpatient Therapy

Therapy for social withdrawal can help you identify the patterns that are adding to your avoidance behaviors. It can also aid you in developing new strategies for gradually increasing social engagement and feeling more comfortable doing so. Clinicians can also employ targeted therapeutic interventions for specific mental health conditions that may be contributing, such as trauma-focused therapy or treating underlying depression or anxiety.

Outpatient care also functions across several different levels, including intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) for people who would benefit from multiple sessions per week. 

Medication Management

Psychiatric medications can also help to address the underlying conditions contributing to your isolation. Antidepressants can help manage social anxiety and depression by improving your mood and energy levels, while anti-anxiety medications can reduce the fear and physical symptoms that make social situations hard. 

A psychiatrist can evaluate whether medication would help to support your unique treatment goals. 

Residential Mental Health Treatment

Residential mental health treatment may be your best choice when outpatient care hasn’t helped or when your level of isolation has hampered your ability to live your daily life. 

Inpatient care for isolation can be incredibly valuable when your withdrawal stems from complex trauma, severe depression, or co-occurring mental health conditions. Participating in treatment away from your everyday triggers in a supportive place allows you to focus entirely on the recovery process. 

Residential programs can also help to rebuild your social connections by providing truly holistic care, giving you access to both evidence-based treatments and healthy outlets like art and music therapy or yoga. 

Access Integrated Care for Social Isolation at A Mission For Michael

Experiencing social isolation doesn’t have to define you. At A Mission For Michael, our treatment programs provide support for adults who feel exhausted by being so disconnected from others, providing the kind of comprehensive support they need to break free from severe withdrawal. 

We’ve worked with countless people dealing with social anxiety, depression, trauma, and any other conditions that can make connection feel impossible. You’ll be able to participate in individual, group, and family therapy, receive psychiatric care, and engage in structured activities designed to rebuild social connections and directly address your needs. 

Contact AMFM today to learn how our treatment programs can help you reconnect with life. We’re in-network with most major insurance providers, and our experienced intake staff can help you understand your benefits. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Social Isolation Treatment for Adults

If you’re considering treatment for social isolation or its contributing conditions, it’s natural to have some ongoing concerns. This is why we’ve provided the following answers to commonly asked questions we receive. 

Absolutely, even when interacting with others feels impossible. Your therapist will work alongside you to gradually increase your comfort level with in-person interactions, and always at a pace that feels manageable. Therapy for social withdrawal helps you to better understand what’s driving your avoidance and slowly builds up your capacity for connection. 

Residential mental health treatment can also provide a more immersive experience for ongoing support. Staff are always available, reducing the anxiety of having to initiate contact for help.

The timeline for recovery depends on many factors, including what’s causing isolation and the severity of any other dual diagnosis issues. Some people might notice major improvements after a few weeks of therapy, while others might need a few months and ongoing aftercare participation for their recovery. 

Additionally, you may have some setbacks throughout the process where old patterns resurface – this is both normal and expected. It just means you’re learning to navigate your challenges in a new way, but these are hurdles that your clinical team is there to help you with.

No, your providers won’t ever force you into social interactions before you’re ready. In residential mental health treatment, you’ll naturally interact with staff and other clients as part of daily programming. They’ll provide support and encouragement, understanding that the recovery process requires compassion and patience in order to succeed.

Effective treatment recognizes that pushing people too hard and too fast can backfire, reinforcing the fears that made social situations feel difficult to begin with. AMFM partners with you in the healing process, teaching you new tools at a pace that feels comfortable for sustainable growth and recovery from social isolation. 

  1. Martino, J., Pegg, J., & Frates, E. P. (2015). The connection prescription: Using the power of social interactions and the deep desire for connectedness to empower health and wellness. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 11(6), 466–475. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827615608788
  2. Wolf, L. D., & Davis, M. C. (2014). Loneliness, daily pain, and perceptions of interpersonal events in adults with fibromyalgia. Health Psychology, 33(9), 929–937. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000059
  3. Leschak, C. J., & Eisenberger, N. I. (2019). Two Distinct Immune Pathways Linking Social Relationships With Health: Inflammatory and Antiviral Processes. Psychosomatic Medicine, 81(8), 711–719. https://doi.org/10.1097/psy.0000000000000685
  4. Seitz, A. (2023, May 2). Loneliness Poses Health Risks as Deadly as Smoking, U.S. Surgeon General Says. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/loneliness-poses-health-risks-as-deadly-as-smoking-u-s-surgeon-general-says
  5. Guarnera, J., Yuen, E., & Macpherson, H. (2023). The impact of loneliness and social isolation on cognitive aging: A narrative review. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports, 7(1), 699–714. https://doi.org/10.3233/ADR-230011
  6. Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 7). Agoraphobia – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987

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