With nearly 50% of adults reporting loneliness even before COVID-19 turned our world upside down, the loneliness epidemic is not new. But, according to a recent advisory from the US Surgeon General, it is definitely on the rise.

Loneliness Vs. Solitude
How do you define loneliness? It is the subjective distress that occurs when people lack adequate social connection. In contrast, solitude can be healthy, enabling people to collect their thoughts, be creative, recharge, and stay balanced. It is not the same as loneliness, wherein too much time alone leads to problematic social isolation and failure to connect with others.

Causes of The Loneliness Epidemic
Technology is at the core of this epidemic and our decrease in meaningful social connection. While technology is great in that it enables us to connect virtually, it also severely reduces the face-to-face human conversations we need. The introduction of the smartphone and social media catapulted this progressively isolating shift in our social dynamics. Covid-19 also brought about mass social isolation in 2020, and our polarizing political divide further widened our rifts. Despite becoming accustomed to staying home and bingeing favorite shows, as social creatures, we need one another to feel connected and fulfilled.

Loneliness Statistics
How is loneliness measured? A recent Meta Gallup survey indicates that 24% of people 15 and up report feeling lonely, with those aged 19 to 29 experiencing the highest loneliness rates. People in all age groups spend less time in person with others than 20 years ago, with 15 to 24-year-olds having 70% less social interaction with friends than two decades back. In contrast, those with a strong sense of community are more than 2.5 times more likely to rate their health as good or excellent than those with a low perception of “belongingness.” What is the loneliness generation? The latest research indicates Gen Z (people between 16 and 24) who grew up in front of screens bears this status. But what is the loneliest number? You may know the song “One,” made famous by Three Dog Night in 1969, which begins, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do…” But, with other groups writing songs of the same name every decade since, it appears that loneliness is not altogether new.

Loneliness Epidemic Consequences
Regarded as a public health concern, the epidemic of loneliness and isolation is causing significant biological, behavioral, and psychological issues. Andrew Hunt, MD, indicates that loneliness increases cortisol, creating biological changes that govern how our body and brain manage stress and inflammation. This explains the related 50% increased dementia risk for older adults, 32% increased stroke risk, and 29% increased heart disease risk. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy reminds us that nearly everyone experiences loneliness, but it is the invisibility that presents grave mental, physical, and collective well-being concerns. Our mental health takes a hit in the form of emotional despair from poor social connection, depression, and social withdrawal – each affecting the other. People with mental health disorders may be more inclined to experience loneliness and the resulting health consequences. Poor self-worth, shame, and reluctance to seek help can also contribute to a downward spiral. Data shows that loneliness may lead to the onset of drug or alcohol abuse disorders or worsen existing diseases and their consequences. Although alcohol and drugs may minimize negative feelings, when people make their drug of choice their best friend, they isolate themselves from others, heightening loneliness. Similarly, our relationship with tech threatens to replace our need for in-person interaction. With a “best friend” at our fingertips, we are not as inclined to meet people in real life. Each age presents different causes and problems that contribute to isolation:

• Children spend more time interacting on social media through phones and tablets than face-to-face, with internet and computer use increasing into adulthood.
• Middle-aged people consumed with work and parenthood are further isolated, amplified by economic instability and socioeconomic worries, comparing themselves to others, causing further isolation.
• Elderly folks experiencing vision, hearing, and other age-related problems that breed isolation suffer greatly. Living alone compounds the increased mortality risk accompanying social isolation.

Social media can temporarily decrease loneliness, helping us connect with others, plan outings, and get-togethers. But choosing it over meeting with friends and furthering other interests can backfire.

Benefits of Social Connection
Social belonging is a potential antidote to mental health disorders, including depression and addiction. Experts believe that social connections can unite people from different backgrounds and places, helping them deal with shared situations and problems and positively impacting the brain and body. The Surgeon General’s Advisory indicates that being socially connected may improve stress responses, minimizing adverse effects on our health. Take the time to nurture your tribe, lighten everyone’s burden, and get you and your immediate community out of the loneliness crisis!

Loneliness Epidemic Solutions
To help overcome this individual and societal epidemic, here are some tips to improve long-term outcomes for us, and the next generation, one step at a time:

• As individuals, we can change how we view ourselves and interact with others in a way that fosters deeper connectedness.
• Ask yourself what prevents you from connecting with friends and loved ones.
• Uncover obstacles to self-worth and self-esteem.
• Recognize that it is normal to change your mind, feel out of step, not do what you expected to do, achieve desired outcomes, or face challenges you did not expect. Everyone experiences similar feelings and situations.
• Do your part to feel a “part of.” If getting out there feels overwhelming, start by meeting a friend for coffee, then work up to group outings or social events.
• Go to a spa for a mini wellness retreat. Schedule high-touch therapies like a relaxing facial and massage to experience the touch of another person – vital for connectedness.
• Take a group exercise class, as the camaraderie enhances positive feelings towards yourself and others. For inner serenity and balance, try a yoga class to tick off two boxes and meet with like-minded folks interested in wellness.
• If you still feel mentally unwell or distressed after speaking to a trusted friend, take it to the next level by seeking help from a counselor, primary care doctor, therapist, or a religious leader.
• Reject the mental health stigma, and do not wait until you are suffering or in crisis mode to reach out for help.
• Make changes to your work/life balance to interact meaningfully and nurture relationships with family and friends.
• Ask what you can do for the people closest to you beyond the basic daily tasks.
• Listen carefully to how others are doing to ensure your conversations are meaningful.
• Exclude obstacles like phones and work, making a point to spend quality time with loved ones without distraction.
• Check in with people who live or spend most of their time alone to ensure they are okay.

At the community level:

• Participate in programs and systems like home care or social work that support socially isolated people.
• Ask questions at every level to build a healthy, connected society.
• Lead by example, being kind and patient with one another on the road, in line at the store, etc. You never know who is watching!
• Remember that despite how happy or high-functioning people appear, you never know how invisible or lonely they might feel inside.

**The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Pevonia.com.

If you are in crisis or think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.