Social interactions and relationships are integral to everyday life. They provide an individual with the  opportunity to experience pure ecstasy and happiness. Unfortunately, these social interactions are not always so positive. As social rejection can be detrimental to an individual's health. Psychologists have only recently begun to unearth the complexities and potentially debilitating truths of social rejection. 

In fact, human bodies respond to social rejection like it would with physical pain, "those who are rejected show increased activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate and the anterior insula — two of the regions that show increased activity in response to physical pain...As far as your brain is concerned, a broken heart is not so different from a broken arm" ("The Pain of Social Rejection”). Social rejection is inevitable, as individual's can not control the actions of others. This rejection and pain evokes a strong response. As social rejection can increase anger, depression, anxiety, jealously and sadness in individual's who have recently experienced this type of rejection. 

Rejection is painful and always will be, but individual's who are routinely exposed to social rejection can expect their overall health to deteriorate as well. The psychological impact of rejection cannot be overstated as individual's emotions can be life altering. However, this impact not only affects the psychological health of an individual, but an individual's physical health may be in jeopardy too. Researchers have concluded that those who continually feel excluded and experience social rejection have weaker immune systems and lack the same quality of sleep compared to those who have strong social connections ("The Pain of Social Rejection”). 

This chronic pain can evolve into various disorders such as anxiety, and depression. These disorders may further an individual's struggles especially if support from peers, family, or from within is not present. Although discouraged by society as it is often see as taboo, sharing thoughts and emotions can really improve an individual's overall health. It may be hard for an individual to talk about these sensitive topics and experiences, but seeking support should be encouraged and universally practiced. Talking to therapists or psychologists may be therapeutic for some, but there are other ways to improve mental health (“Social Acceptance and Rejection: The Sweet and the Bitter”). The University of Michigan has a comprehensive guide on how to improve mental health, where they encourage individual's to find ways to relax and decompress. As it can help improve an individual's outlook on life. They also suggest individual's should surround themselves with supportive people, as these positive social interactions are healthy and can improve one's mental health (Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health”). 

Social pain and rejection hurts, yet it serves a very real purpose. It helps growth, it provides individual's with an opportunity to reflect, not only internally but externally. Often times the one who feels excluded or social rejection will place much of the blame on themselves. This may help them determine if their actions have induced this type of behavior from their peers or other external factors, hopefully providing them with the insight to rectify their actions. This can provide individual's with the insight to recognize some of their unhealthy behaviors and situations they may be unaware are toxic to their well-being. Identifying these injurious people, places or atmospheres will help individual's avoid them in the future. 

The harsh reality is, social rejection is normal and painful. Yet, society treats it as an afterthought, as social dynamics discourage people from expressing emotion. Often times emotions are bottled up or suppressed in an attempt to fit in, ideals are changed and manipulated, and the overall health of the individual is affected. They are so desperate to fit in, they lose track of who they are and what makes them special. Emotions are what make us human. It is okay to express oneself, it is okay to seek help if needed, those who are experience social rejection are some of the strongest people, fighting through adversity and society's twisted social structure. No one is ever alone. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number: 1-800-273-8255

References:

Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. “Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health.” University Health Service, University of Michigan , uhs.umich.edu/tenthings.                    

                       DeWall, C. Nathan. “Social Acceptance and Rejection: The Sweet and the Bitter.” Association for Psychological Science, Association for Psychological Science, 12 Aug. 2011, www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/social-acceptance-and-rejection-the-sweet-and-the-bitter.html.                    

                        Weir, Kristen. “The Pain of Social Rejection.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, Apr. 2012, www.apa.org/monitor/2012/04/rejection.aspx.