The Role of Neutrality and the Challenges of Loneliness

By: Dr. Bernadette Solorzano, LPC-S

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an

elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not

appreciate your neutrality.

-Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The current political climate stimulates the conversation about neutrality when working with our

clients. I have devoted the last almost thirty years of my professional career working with

marginalized populations, addressing issues of fair and equal treatment in the eyes of the law, the

importance of social justice and maintaining an ethical stance ensuring that I work fairly with my

clients. My experiences range from working with “at risk” minority youth, chronically ill

minority children and their families, LGBTQ+ concerns, and immigration and social justice

issues. The newest emergence of concern with immigration clients is the intense fear that people

living without legal authorization experience when leaving their homes. Alexis, Campbell and I

are seeing many clients that now qualify for Agoraphobia, which I had not seen before this last

year. In Alexis’ blog on her thoughts for our need for community, I began thinking about

loneliness and isolation that many of us are currently dealing with considering the sustained

uncertainty of the current political climate. Along with this, a stance of neutrality is no longer

possible because neutrality looks like complicity with marginalization. It is essential that we take

a stand and work with people to come out of isolation for the good of their mental health. We

want to share some thoughts about how you may overcome loneliness and isolation but also

invite you to reach out to us as well. As always, a hopeful stance is an essential component for

change.

I recently heard about a book while listening to NPR, Why Brains Need Friends: The

Neuroscience of Social Connection by Ben Rein. In the age of social media, clinicians work with

an increasing number of people suffering from depression, hopelessness and loneliness. People

need to feel included and belong to a community which Alexis recently addressed in her blog.

Neuroscientists discovered that socializing is essential for a healthy brain and to elevate your

mood. They also conclude that living in isolation increases the risk of mortality from any cause.

In his book, Dr. Rein looks at the importance of enhancing connections of neuroscience with the

stories we tell ourselves and having a support system that empowers us to break out of our cycle

of loneliness.

He suggests keeping a social journal after a social event or interaction. You can download

a printable version of the form by visiting benren.com/book if you are interested. All of us at

Acquiring Hope Counseling would like to wish you a peaceful, hopeful holiday season and new

year. Take a moment to reflect on your community and look for the good things that you may be

overlooking because of the chaos that exists in the world.