When diagnosed with a chronic illness, suspending social activities only makes things worse, even when you’re in a relationship. These are the conclusions of a study conducted by researchers at Canada’s Concordia University, in Montreal, and published by the scientific journal Health Psychology.
Scientists analyzed the evolution of the feeling of loneliness in 121 septuagenarians, between 2004 and 2012. Result: chronic illness contributes to social isolation, even among people who have been in a relationship for more than 50 years. Patients tend to feel guilty instead of approaching their situation in a positive way.
Fill the void
“As we age, the quality of our social connections influences our ability to cope with the consequences of serious illness. Having a life partner might not be enough,” says lead author Meaghan Barlow. . “A diagnosis of a chronic disease should not limit your social life, if possible.”
In order to reduce the stress generated by the diagnosis of a serious illness and limit the symptoms of depression, she advises to remain socially active. “By finding ways to interact with different people, patients are less likely to blame themselves for their health and rely on their partner to fill the void they feel,” notes the researcher, quoted by the QMI Agency.
