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Psychology, family and everyday life

Social isolation: not being alone with loneliness

Neutropenia, hospital stays, tiredness and avoiding crowds can all lead to isolation. Loneliness affects mood, sleep and strength. Physical distance does not have to mean emotional distance.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A woman holding a cup and looking out of a window
Figure 1.Don't be alone with loneliness

01Short answer

Plan at least one contact every day: a call, a video chat or a message. Tell people exactly what you need, such as "call me this evening" or "bring a book and leave it at the door". Support groups, online or at the hospital, connect you with people on a similar path. Spend time by a window or in a quiet park. Keep up the things you love, such as music, reading, writing or crafts. Tell your team about lasting sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness or poor sleep; psychological support is part of treatment. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, ask for help straight away.

02Simple explanation

One contact a day.

Ask specifically.

A support group.

Sadness: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: support groups and staying connected with loved ones can ease loneliness and anxiety for people with cancer; the NHS recommends regular contact to tackle loneliness.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Loneliness and health

Long loneliness affects mood and sleep.

Letters
Figure 2.Letters — Social isolation: not being alone with loneliness

Peer support

Talking to people with similar experience brings relief.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Loneliness and healthLong loneliness affects mood and sleep.
Peer supportTalking to people with similar experience brings relief.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Support group
Meetings of people in a similar situation.
Psycho-oncologist
A specialist in psychological support for people with cancer.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Stay connected.
  • Ask.
  • Tell us.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

I do not want to burden my family.

Many want to help but do not know how; a specific request helps them.

I do not want to talk to anyone.

That happens; if it lasts, tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. I do not want to burden my family.

  2. I do not want to talk to anyone.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Coping – Cancer Support Groups
  2. NHS. Loneliness
  3. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  6. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food manual
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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