How Does Loneliness Impact Your Physical and Mental Health

Loneliness, a state of profound isolation and lack of connection, is a growing public health concern. It’s no longer simply a feeling of sadness; research now shows a direct link between loneliness and a multitude of negative health consequences.

Recent studies paint a concerning picture. A 2023 advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlights that loneliness can increase the risk of premature death by as much as 26% [1]. This rivals the dangers of smoking and chronic illness.

Loneliness’s impact is two-pronged, affecting both our physical and mental well-being.

• Physical Health: Chronically feeling lonely can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses [2]. Research published in the journal “Heart” in 2016 found a link between loneliness and an increased risk for heart disease and stroke [3]. A 2020 study published by SelectHealth suggests that loneliness can also lead to poor sleep habits, weight gain, and a higher vulnerability to chronic health conditions [2].

Sarah, a 52-year-old accountant from Chicago, shares her experience, “After my divorce, I found myself incredibly alone. I wasn’t eating healthy, wasn’t sleeping well, and constantly felt run down. I eventually went to the doctor, and they mentioned loneliness as a potential factor in my declining health.”

• Mental Health: The mental health consequences of loneliness are equally concerning. Loneliness is a well-established risk factor for depression and anxiety disorders [4]. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a link between loneliness and addiction, including alcohol and drug misuse [5]. Feelings of isolation can also contribute to suicidal ideation and self-harm [5].

David, a 23-year-old college student from Austin, Texas, says, “During the pandemic, online classes and social distancing took a toll on me. I felt disconnected from everyone and fell into a deep depression. It took a lot of effort to reach out and rebuild my social circle, but it made a huge difference in my mental well-being.”

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The far-reaching effects of loneliness can be explained by our inherent need for social connection. Humans are social creatures, and strong social bonds provide a sense of belonging, security, and purpose. Loneliness disrupts this, triggering a stress response in the body. This chronic stress can lead to the health problems mentioned previously.

The good news is that loneliness is treatable. Here are some steps we can take to combat it:

• Reach out and build social connections: Join a club, volunteer, or reconnect with old friends.
• Nurture existing relationships: Take time for quality interactions with loved ones.
• Seek professional help: If feelings of loneliness persist, consider talking to a therapist.

Social support systems are crucial for our overall health. By prioritizing social connection and addressing loneliness, we can improve our physical and mental well-being and create a healthier society.

The Surgeon General’s advisory calls for a multi-pronged approach to address loneliness. This includes promoting social connection programs, reducing social isolation among vulnerable populations like older adults, and integrating loneliness screening into healthcare practices [1].

By acknowledging loneliness as a serious public health concern and taking proactive steps to address it, we can create a more connected and healthier world for everyone.

• [1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Surgeon General’s Advisory on Loneliness.” December 2023. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html
• [2] Select Health. “The Feeling of Loneliness and Its Impact on Physical Health.” March 10, 2020. https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/12/loneliness-and-its-impact-on-physical-health
• [3] Pantell, M., Rehkopf, D., Jutte, D., Syme, S. L., Balmes, J., & Adler, N. (2016). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies. Heart, 102(13), 1009-1016.