Loneliness and Social Isolation – What makes us mentally well?

The feeling of belonging, having connections, and the ability to immerse ourselves in what we do are all fundamental to our well-being. These are not separate entities but reinforce one another: relationships provide security, community provides identity, and flow provides experience and momentum. In our article series, we discussed these topics with Dr. Balázs Pankász, a psychologist at the Centre for Occupational Health and Hygiene at Work of the University of Pécs Clinical Centre.

What is the difference between loneliness, solitude, and isolation?
These three concepts are often confused, even though they do not mean the same thing. Solitude simply means being physically alone, which can even be pleasant. In contrast, loneliness is an internal experience: it means a lack of connection, regardless of how many people surround the individual. Isolation is an objective situation where someone has few or no social connections.

This is why it can happen that someone is balanced even when alone, while others may feel lonely even in the middle of a community.

Can this be experienced within a family or a romantic relationship?
Yes, and perhaps this is one of the most difficult forms of loneliness. Feeling isolated within a relationship or family can be particularly painful because, theoretically, these environments should provide security. In such cases, the problem is usually not a lack of connections, but their quality: the lack of genuine attention, understanding, or emotional presence.

How does isolation affect the body and the soul?
Persistent isolation affects us not only mentally, but also physically. It increases stress, worsens sleep, and can weaken the immune system in the long run. On a psychological level, it lowers self-esteem and can distort one's self-image. A person can easily begin to feel that they don't belong anywhere, which further reinforces loneliness.

Can social media make us lonelier?
Yes, but it depends on how we use it. Passive scrolling, comparison, and the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) can increase loneliness. At the same time, if we use it actively—talking, connecting, organising—it can actually help. The key is not just to observe but to use it for building connections.

Is digital connection enough?
Digital communication is useful in many situations, but it is not a full-value substitute for face-to-face meetings. Non-verbal cues, shared experiences, and spontaneous situations all contribute to the quality of a connection. Therefore, in the long run, it is important to have offline encounters as well.

Are brief interactions useful?
Yes, they matter surprisingly much. A short conversation in a shop or during a service can provide a small experience of connection. These do not replace deep relationships, but they help us feel less isolated.

How can we connect without being "pushy"?

The key is not to want too much too quickly. Natural, small-scale connection works best. A simple question, a brief chat, or a shared experience is more than enough for a start.

Is it true that "real" friendships are only formed in high school?
No, this is a common misconception. The basis of friendship is not age, but shared experiences, repeated encounters, and openness. Deep connections can be formed just as well at university, in the workplace, or even later in life.

This article was supported by the "Conscious Future with a Clear Head" grant from the Association of University Students of Pécs.

Photo: Canva