Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, loneliness has become a silent epidemic that affects millions of people across the globe. Besides the emotional distress it causes, loneliness poses a significant threat to our overall health and general well-being. Let’s discuss the meaning of loneliness and its health effects. Loneliness is distress resulting from a perceived discrepancy between desired and actual relationships. It is important to note that loneliness is not the same as isolation (living alone or having few social interactions) because those who interact with others, can also be lonely, or conversely, alone but not lonely (CDC, 2020). In other words, loneliness is not just the absence of social interaction but a subjective experience of feeling disconnected from others. You can be lonely even in the presence of others, and it can affect anyone. Loneliness is caused by various factors, including social exclusions, losing a loved one, geographic isolation, and a lack of meaningful relationships.

Loneliness is associated with various adverse health effects, such as mortality, morbidity, health behaviors, and healthcare utilization. According to CDC (2020), loneliness and mental health issues often go hand in hand. Prolonged cases of loneliness are often associated with an increased risk of developing depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions. The emotional burden that comes with loneliness can intensify feelings of worthlessness, despair, and hopelessness. Research also shows that loneliness can also affect our physical health. Those who experience chronic loneliness are more likely to develop various ailments such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, weakened immune system, and even mortality. In fact, loneliness can be a chronic stressor that triggers a cascade of physiological responses that affect our health. According to Hawkley (2022), lonely people have higher odds of dying early than non-lonely individuals. Additionally, loneliness is associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline in later life. Someone who lacks social stimulation and engagement may experience cognitive decline, affecting attention, memory, and overall cognitive functioning. This highlights the significance of social connection across all stages of life.

Historically, loneliness may have been considered an individual problem – a personal failure. But, with the increasing rate of loneliness and its adverse effects, it is today considered a public health concern. As a result, it is an issue that calls for immediate and collective responsibility. Its effects are far-reaching, affecting our mental and physical well-being. However, I believe we all can play an important role in dealing with this issue. We can foster meaningful connections, create inclusive environments, and connect with the isolated. Through this, we can help build a healthier and more connected society. Check on an elderly neighbor, include people in events with friends, and call relatives or friends you may not speak to for weeks. It is important to note that just a simple act of kindness to someone in need can make the world a different place.

References

CDC (2020) Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html#:~:text=Health%20Risks%20of%20Loneliness&text=Recent%20studies%20found%20that%3A,%2C%20obesity%2C%20and%20physical%20inactivity.&text=1-,Social%20isolation%20was%20associated%20with,50%25%20increased%20risk%20of%20dementia.

Hawkley, L. (2022). Loneliness and health. Nat Rev Dis Primers 8, 22. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-022-00355-9