Loneliness in times of crisis: This is how our psyche is at risk!

Loneliness in times of crisis: This is how our psyche is at risk!

global crises such as covid-19 pandemic, inflation, armed conflicts and the climate crisis represent great challenges for society and individual well-being. People who live in difficult living conditions or suffer from psychiatric diseases are particularly at risk. This is emphasized by OTS that loneliness is identified as a central problem and strengthened by social isolation. Loneliness not only increases the risk of mental illness, but is also associated with physical illnesses such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Long -term loneliness can significantly delay the healing process of existing diseases. Affected people tend to perceive social contacts as threatening, which leads to a withdrawal and a decline in social engagement. This development is particularly worrying, as crises often increase existing problems and make tabooed topics visible. Prevention and treatment of these crises are the core competencies of psychiatry, but there is an acute lack of psychiatrists in Austria: inside, which exacerbates the care situation.

loneliness in different age groups

The effects of social isolation and loneliness are not limited to an age group. An analysis of PMC shows that older people are severely affected by the negative effects of the Sars-Cov-2-Pandemie. In particular, social isolation, defined as a lack of social contacts, is a significant risk of health of older people. Studies show that social isolation not only weakens the immune system, but also increases the risk of chronic diseases such as arterial hypertension and heart failure.

loneliness is not just a problem of older people. According to Ärzteblatt it affects around 8 million people in Germany. Both younger adults and seniors are severely affected. Special risk factors include introverting, emotional instability, unemployment and life without a partner. The WHO even plans to establish a commission to increase the visibility of the topic of loneliness and to develop preventive measures.

political and social reactions

In order to cope with the challenges of loneliness and social isolation, OTS requires an adaptation of the training of psychiatrists: inside to the current requirements and the implementation of existing concepts to improve psychiatric care. The conference of the Austrian Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (ÖGPP), which takes place in Vienna from April 2 to 5, 2025, will offer a platform to discuss these basic topics. With over 500 participants, the event promises to give important impulses for psychiatric care in Austria.

The meaning of addressing loneliness and social isolation cannot be emphasized enough. Politicians and society are called up to take extensive measures in order to provide support to the affected people and to promote rethinking in dealing with mental illnesses and their prevention.