Alienation in mental health is when someone feels disconnected from themselves, other people, or society. This feeling can make mental health struggles worse and often leads to loneliness, emotional numbness, or a sense that life has no real meaning. Some people feel cut off from their own emotions, thoughts, or identity, which is called self-alienation. This can happen with depression, dissociation, or trauma-related disorders.[1] Others might feel detached from friends, family, or society, which is known as social alienation. This often occurs in anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or autism spectrum disorder.[2] Emotional alienation happens when someone feels numb or unable to connect emotionally with others, which can be seen in PTSD, depression, or borderline personality disorder.[3] Some people experience existential alienation, which is when they feel like life has no real meaning or purpose, leading to depression and even suicidal thoughts.[4]
There are many reasons why people feel alienated. Experiencing trauma, neglect, or abuse can make it hard to connect emotionally with others. Mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD can cause isolation.[5] Spending too much time on social media and technology can lead to shallow interactions, making people feel lonelier.[6] Social exclusion and stigma also play a role, since people with mental health issues often feel misunderstood or judged by others.[7] Stress from work or burnout can make a person feel emotionally drained and disconnected from themselves. Feeling alienated can have serious effects on mental health, leading to increased depression and anxiety, which make a person’s symptoms worse.[8] It can also cause low self-esteem, making someone question their worth or struggle to find meaning in life. Some people turn to drugs, alcohol, or risky behaviors as a way to cope. In extreme cases, long-term alienation can lead to despair and thoughts of suicide.[9]
People believe in conspiracy theories for many psychological, social, and thinking-related reasons. These theories often provide simple explanations for complicated events, help people deal with emotions, or reinforce what they already believe. One reason people believe in conspiracy theories is that they want to feel in control and certain about things. Uncertainty can be uncomfortable, and these theories offer clear, though often false, explanations for confusing or chaotic events, making people feel more secure.[10] Many people have thinking patterns that make them more likely to believe in conspiracies. Confirmation bias makes people look for and trust information that supports what they already think. Proportionality bias makes people believe that big events must have big causes, like thinking 9/11 was an inside job instead of an attack by a small extremist group. Intentionality bias leads people to assume that things happen on purpose rather than by accident, making them more likely to believe in hidden agendas. The human brain is naturally good at recognizing patterns, even when none actually exist. This can make people connect unrelated events and believe in secret plots.
Emotional and social needs also influence why people believe in conspiracy theories. Fear and anxiety push people toward these beliefs, especially in times of crisis like during a pandemic or economic collapse, because they offer an explanation for what’s going on. Many people want someone to blame for problems, so they focus on powerful groups like governments, elites, or secret societies as scapegoats. Some believe in conspiracy theories because it makes them feel special or smarter than others, as if they “know the truth” while everyone else is being fooled. There is also a lot of distrust in the government, media, and big corporations, so when people feel ignored or lied to, they become more open to conspiracy theories that suggest these institutions are hiding something.[11]
Social and cultural influences also make conspiracy theories popular. The internet and social media allow these ideas to spread quickly and create echo chambers where people only see information that supports their beliefs. Some people are more likely to believe conspiracies because of real past events, like the Watergate scandal or secret CIA programs, which make them suspicious of official stories. Political beliefs also play a role because some conspiracy theories fit with certain ideologies, strengthening a group’s identity and creating an “us vs. them” mindset. There are many well-known conspiracy theories. Some believe NASA faked the moon landing to win the space race. Others think the U.S. government planned 9/11 to justify going to war. Some believe COVID-19 was created or exaggerated to control people or make money. Despite clear scientific evidence, some insist that the Earth is flat, often because they distrust mainstream information.
Alienation and belief in conspiracy theories are connected in different ways. People who feel isolated from society may be more likely to believe in conspiracy theories because these theories offer a sense of belonging and a way to explain why they feel disconnected. Those who experience alienation, especially due to mental health struggles, might find comfort in alternative explanations that validate their feelings of distrust and separation from mainstream society. People who feel that institutions, the government, or social structures have failed them may be more drawn to conspiracy theories that confirm their sense of being left out or manipulated.
There are ways to help people deal with alienation and avoid falling into conspiracy thinking. Therapy and counseling can help individuals reconnect with themselves and others by providing tools to manage their emotions. Having a strong support system of friends and family can make a big difference. Finding meaningful activities like hobbies, volunteer work, or personal projects can give people a sense of purpose. Practices like meditation, journaling, and self-care can help someone reconnect with their emotions. Cutting back on social media and technology can help create more real and meaningful connections. Getting involved in the community by joining support groups, clubs, or social activities can help a person feel like they belong. Teaching critical thinking skills can help people question sources and spot false information. Learning how fake news spreads makes it easier to recognize misleading content. Since fear and anxiety make people more likely to believe conspiracy theories, addressing these emotions can help them think more rationally. Building trust in institutions through transparency and honest communication can also make people less likely to turn to conspiracy theories for answers.
Footnotes
- Smith, J. (2018). Understanding Self-Alienation: Psychological Perspectives. Journal of Mental Health, 25(3), 245-260.
- Johnson, L., & Brown, K. (2020). Social Alienation in Anxiety and Schizophrenia. Clinical Psychology Review, 35(2), 112-128.
- Davis, M. (2017). Emotional Numbness and Alienation in PTSD and Depression. Trauma Studies, 29(1), 89-105.
- Roberts, C. (2019). Existential Alienation and Mental Health Outcomes. Journal of Existential Psychology, 12(4), 333-350.
- Williams, T., & Nguyen, P. (2021). The Role of Trauma in Social Isolation and Alienation. Journal of Psychiatry, 40(5), 512-527.
- Patel, R. (2022). Social Media and Loneliness: A Psychological Analysis. Digital Psychology, 18(3), 201-219.
- Carter, B. (2016). The Effects of Social Stigma on Mental Health. Clinical Psychiatry Journal, 30(6), 410-425.
- Miller, D. (2023). Stress and Mental Health: The Hidden Crisis. Journal of Behavioral Studies, 42(1), 15-29.
- Green, S., & Taylor, D. (2023). Long-Term Consequences of Alienation on Mental Well-Being. Journal of Psychological Research, 48(7), 601-618.
- White, P. (2022). Cognitive Biases and the Appeal of Conspiracy Theories. Social Cognition Review, 21(5), 399-415.
- Lopez, A. (2021). Distrust in Institutions and the Rise of Conspiratorial Thinking. Political Psychology Journal, 29(4), 275-290.
