Losing Your Brain...and Your Mind

Loneliness creates an uncomfortable feeling in most people. The lack of a social presence seems to have a noticeable effect since it creates a personal void. This could explain why people turn to their phones when they have no one to talk to; they end up talking to people via text in order to fill up such a void. It is interesting to see how “nothing” can have such an effect on people. Fortunately, loneliness is a form of perceived isolation and is only temporary for most. However, for those who experience chronic isolation, a lack of connection with others can lead to detrimental effects. Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” illustrates how being alone can lead to insanity. Part of being human is communicating with others. Thus, taking away something as simple as interaction can lead to a number of negative consequences, both physically and mentally.

The effects of isolation have been well documented in prisons that implement solitary confinement. Solitary confinement is the practice of holding prisoners in isolation with little to no human contact. This form of imprisonment is usually used as a punitive measure for prisoners who disobey prison guards and rules. There have been numerous studies performed about solitary confinement in prisons across the world. Inmates who have gone through this form of imprisonment have consistently exhibited the same types of symptoms. An article published by the University of Chicago Press found that prisoners have generally experienced confusion, impaired concentration, hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety, tiredness, impulsiveness, and oversensitivity to stimuli. In fact, it was found that at least 80% of the inmates in an American prison experienced some number of the aforem...

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...f doing it within the wallpaper. Gilman’s portrayal of the rest cure effectively illustrates how loneliness and isolation negatively affects the mind and body since the effects of prolonged isolation and lack of mental exercise can lead to insanity and other behavioral problems. For all intents and purposes, the short story “was not intended to drive people crazy, but to save people from being driven crazy” (Gilman).

As a common saying goes, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Or depending on one’s opinion, the sword could be mightier. Either way, both pen and sword can go dull without the proper conditioning or nurturing. The mind, albeit a powerful thing, is no exception. As humans, we thrive on social interaction and need to regularly make use of our mental faculties. If those are taken away, then it can lead to unintended physiological and mental problems.