Terry Kupers: What happens to your brain without any social contact?

What happens to your brain without any social contact?

Everyone needs time to themselves, and peaceful solitude has stress-relieving benefits. But when being alone is forced upon you, the effects can be surprisingly extensive. And though different people experience distinct effects, symptoms tend to become more severe and persistent the longer one’s isolated. So, how exactly does isolation affect your body and brain? Terry Kupers investigates. [Directed by Camille Bovey, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].

Prolonged isolation can trigger a cascade of mental and physical harm, especially when imposed rather than chosen. People in solitary confinement often face chronic stress, disrupted sleep, and alarming brain changes, including a shrunken prefrontal cortex. In the United States, more than 120,000 prisoners have spent up to 24 hours a day in tiny, windowless cells. While some countries invest in humane rehabilitation, forced isolation remains widespread despite being classified as a form of torture by global organizations.