To truly understand why isolation is so devastating, we also need to explore why human connection is essential for brain health. Understanding why connection matters so much helps explain why isolation is such an effective weapon of control. Human beings are designed to function within social networks. When we have healthy connections, our nervous system co-regulates with others, helping us maintain emotional stability and mental clarity. Social connections activate the vagus nerve, which promotes the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s rest-and-digest response. This allows your prefrontal cortex to function optimally and gives you access to your full cognitive abilities.
Healthy relationships also provide external validation for your perceptions and experiences, which helps maintain your sense of reality and self-worth. In contrast, isolation forces your brain to operate in survival mode constantly. Without the co-regulation that comes from healthy relationships, your nervous system remains disregulated, making it difficult to think clearly, make good decisions, or trust your own judgment.
Steps to Healing and Recovery
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