title: The phenomenon of social isolation in the severely mentally ill.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The phenomenon of social isolation is closely linked with the experience of having a severe mental illness (SMI). This paper offers scholarly perspectives and analyses of the phenomenon of social isolation as it applies to people with SMI by highlighting relevant definitional, historical, theoretical, and conceptual understanding surrounding this phenomenon.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stigma, alienation, and existential loneliness when taken together provide an understanding of the multidimensional problem of social isolation for people with SMI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mental health services should be provided which take into account the importance of human contact and social connection for people who live with SMI. Services can be offered which are designed to develop social skills, as well as to create opportunities for social connection and community involvement.
authors.affiliation: Seton Hall University College of Nursing, South Orange, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Sheila J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Linz
authors.forename: Bonnie A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Sturm
mesh_terms: D062309:Community Integration / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Social isolation; severe mental illness; stigma