Written by: Arya Tondale
Edited by: Eindrea Myaing
Have you ever had someone close to you detach themselves from you? Was it just growing out of your relationship or a form of alienation?
How is alienation different from antisocial behavior and estrangement?
Alienation is a complex yet common condition. Alienation happens when a person feels themselves becoming detached from their surroundings or from their people. It can be often mistaken for estrangement which is an active choice taken by the person due to experiencing stressors in their surroundings. Alienation is not a choice but a feeling of mental distance a person shows when they feel helpless and think they cannot find meaning in the world. (Barclay, 2018)
Feeling alienated is often associated with depressed mood, increased anxiety symptoms, and other stress disorders. Antisocial behavior involves actions that violate societal norms and may harm others, characterized by a lack of empathy, rule violation, aggression, and impulsivity. Alienation, on the other hand, is a subjective feeling of detachment or disconnection from others, often marked by social withdrawal, emotional distress, and a sense of not belonging. Antisocial behavior focuses on observable actions, while alienation is an internal, personal experience.
Although they are distinct, there can be an overlap between the two, and understanding the context is crucial. Professional intervention may be necessary for both concerns. (Chen et al., 2022)
How is it related to depression?
Depression and alienation go hand in hand. When an individual is depressed, they exhibit symptoms like lacking self-worth, hopelessness, unhealthy eating habits, and feeling unsafe while interacting with others. These can lead to self-isolation, where the person feels psychologically and socially isolated from their loved ones. This inadvertently can lead to alienation (Barclay, 2018).
How can we recognize it in our peers?
They refuse to follow rules.
They often feel they are left out socially.
They may get involved in substance abuse.
They may participate in criminal activities.
Struggle to connect with close ones.
Experience a decline in work/academic performance.
How can we tackle it?
Express Concern:
Start by expressing your concern in a non-judgmental and caring way. Let them know that you've noticed a change in their behavior and that you are there to support them.
Respect Their Boundaries:
While encouraging socialization, respect their need for space and autonomy. Pushing too hard can have the opposite effect. Let them set the pace for reconnecting with others.
Be Patient:
Change takes time, and individuals may not be ready to open up or reconnect immediately. Be patient, and let them know that you're there for them whenever they're ready.
Stay Connected:
Consistently check in with them, even if it's just a brief message to show that you care. Consistent support can make a significant impact over time.
Invite Them to Socialize:
Gently encourage them to participate in social activities. It could be a casual get-together, a group event, or a shared interest. Social connections can be crucial in combating feelings of isolation.
In conclusion, differentiating between antisocial behavior, estrangement and alienation is important. Especially since people have become more reclusive after the pandemic of 2020 due to lockdowns which led to lack of socializing in an impressionable age. By understanding this difference we can create a stronger bond with the people around us and maintain the relationships we already have.
References:
Barclay, R. (2018, February 9). Alienation: Symptoms, types, causes, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/alienation#complications
Chen, W.-C., Chen, S.-J., & Zhong, B.-L. (2022, March). Sense of alienation and its associations with depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality in older adults who experienced the lockdown in Wuhan, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8899829/#:~:text=Feelings%20of%20alienation%20are%20an,and%20increased%20risk%20of%20suicide.
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