Emotional isolation

Emotional isolation is a state of isolation where one may have a well-functioning social network but still feels emotionally separated from others.

Population-based research indicates that one in five middle-aged and elderly men (50–80 years) in Sweden are emotionally isolated (defined as having no one in whom to confide). Of those who do have someone in whom they can confide, eight out of ten confide only in their partner. People who have no one in whom to confide are less likely to feel alert and strong, calm, energetic and happy. Instead, they are more likely to feel depressed, sad, tired and worn out.^[1][2][3]

References

1. Helgason, Á. R.; Dickman, P. W.; et al. (2001). "Emotional Isolation: Prevalence and the Effect on Wellbeing among 50–80-Year-Old Prostate Cancer Patients" (PDF). Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology 35 (2): 97–101. doi:10.1080/003655901750170407. PMID 11411666.
2. Helgason, Á. R.; Adolfsson, J.; Dickman, P.; Fredrikson, M.; Arver, S.; Steineck, G. (1996). "Waning sexual function - the most important disease-specific distress for patients with prostate cancer". Br. J. Cancer. 73 (11): 1417–1421. doi:10.1038/bjc.1996.268. PMC 2074472. PMID 8645589.
3. Helgason, Á. R.; Adolfsson, J.; Dickman, P.; Fredrikson, M.; Steineck, G. (1998). "Distress due to unwanted side-effects of prostate cancer treatment is related to impaired well-being (quality of life)". Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases 1 (3): 128–133. doi:10.1038/sj.pcan.4500226. PMID 12496905.

External links

• DN Debatt. ”Män har svårare än kvinnor att prata om sin egen död”