Loneliness and Isolation - Martian
Too Much Space On Space
Loneliness and Isolation - Martian
Mark Whatney the Astronaut, still from The Martian (2015) - Image via vox
“Loneliness is not so much where you are, but instead is your state of mind"
- Chris Hadfield, retired Canadian astronaut.
What is Loneliness
Loneliness is a basic human emotion that is complicated and personal to each human. it is a state of mind, more than a state of isolation or being alone.People who are lonely feel empty, alone, and undesired. Individuals who are lonely typically seek human interaction, but their mental state makes it more difficult for them to build relationships. (Cherry,2021)
Loneliness is rapidly becoming recognised as a serious health concern, research shows that loneliness increases the likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. (Spreng and Dimas, 2021).
Loneliness on Space - Martian
In the movie a group of astronauts are on planet Mars and during that they get hit by a dangerous storm which no one predicted. The team decides to return to earth and as they charge back to their spaceship, one of the astronauts gets hit by an object that plummets him away at a distance due to which he loses his way. The others think that he died due to his punctured suit, unable to find him they leave him behind on Mars. The twist comes when Mark Whatney, the abandoned astronaut, survives. He realises what has happened and knows that he has to survive using his instincts and his knowledge. He uses the food supplies to survive but knowing that they would run out soon so he attempts to grow some food and as he is a botanist he succeeds. Whatney knows that the next mission to Mars is 4 years later so he needs to survive till then or find a way to contact earth so they can rescue him. He keeps himself sane by keeping himself busy, regularly exercising, and journaling his actions(vlogs). Due to his efforts, NASA finds out that he is alive. They communicate with him through different means and aim to bring him back. (Scott, 2015)
Mark Whatney trying to communicate with NASA from Mars - gif via tapdancerevans
Just imagine a single human being all alone for around 564 days on Mars. There is no social connection and limited activity. How did he survive and how can we overcome loneliness in a similar situation (I hope not on Mars, at least).
On multiple occasions Mark reacted differently to isolation. In the very start he had an emotional response and then afterwards when he calms down he starts to think about how to survive. “Okay. I’ve had a good night’s sleep, and things don’t seem as hopeless as they did yesterday.” (Scott, 2015). He took a positive approach, kept himself engaged in different activities, and listened to songs. “The behavioural response of an individual is also a vital component to how well they can deal with isolation” (Norman, 2018).
Impact of loneliness
Loneliness includes a wide range of severe physical and mental health consequences, such as: alcohol and drug abuse, altered brain function, Alzheimer's disease development, antisocial tendencies, stroke and cardiovascular disease, increasing stress level, Memory and learning skills are deteriorating. It can eventually even lead to depression and suicide.
When loneliness gets chronic, your brain goes into self-preservation mode, seeing danger and hostility everywhere. But that's not all, several studies have revealed that when you're lonely, your brain is far more responsive and attuned to negative social signals.( Hamming, 2019 )
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How loneliness can affect health - Image by verywell
Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote “Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day”. Loneliness can leave a long term impact on a human's life.
How to be Mark Whatney on Earth
( How to deal with Loneliness )
Mark Whatney managed to survive isolation and loneliness on Mars and to have settled a life on Earth after coming back. It motivates me and I hope it does the same for you, even if it doesn't it is okay. There are some ways you can deal with loneliness.
Join a course, class or club
Volunteer (Be a part of a group)
Find support online ( Many people suffer from the same condition )
Build and strengthen existing healthy relationships
Adopt a Pet The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets
Stay Busy
Self care Routine
Some types of treatment, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help people adjust their ideas and behaviours so that they not only feel less lonely but also have more means to prevent it. There are many more ways to fight loneliness, this is not an end. ( Scott, 2021)
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| Will you ever consider going to Mars with your loved ones? |
References
McGill University. (2020, December 15). Scientists show what loneliness looks like in the brain: Neural 'signature' may reflect how we respond to feelings of social isolation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 29, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201215082059.htm
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