Wellness tip: Escaping the echoes of solitude
Feeling lonely? Well, you’re actually not alone. According to the US Surgeon General, it’s the most widespread major health issue in America today.
Loneliness has pervaded our society, despite the illusion that we are more connected than ever thanks to things like the internet and social media. Social connection is embedded in the fiber of our health and wellbeing, and a lack of it can have serious biological, physiological and behavioral impacts, according to a 2023 advisory from the US Surgeon General, which classifies the current state of loneliness and isolation as an epidemic.
“Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter,” the report states. “Throughout history, our ability to rely on one another has been crucial to survival. Now, even in modern times, we human beings are biologically wired for social connection.”
In 2022, a survey of US adults revealed only 39% felt “very connected to others.” Other research suggests nearly half of all American adults experience loneliness, making it the most widespread major health issue in the country today — surpassing smoking, diabetes and obesity — according to the report.
It’s also important to note that just 20% of those who said they often or always feel lonely or isolated recognize this as a significant issue.
What exactly happens when a person feels desperately lonely or isolated? While these things may seem like mere inconveniences or misfortunes, they actually pose significant threats to our health and wellness. Research has suggested that loneliness can increase risk of premature death by 26%, and social isolation causes as much damage to health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. A poor sense of social connectedness can heighten a person’s risk for heart disease or stroke by 29% and 32%, respectively. It can also make a person more susceptible to viruses and respiratory illness, and has been associated with anxiety, depression, and dementia.
On an individual level, there are several opportunities to make small changes each day that foster connectedness and belonging for yourself and those around you. This starts with understanding the power and importance of social connectedness. From there, individuals can focus on nurturing relationships, addressing and pivoting away from behaviors that lead to feelings of disconnectedness, and becoming more involved in their communities.
Here are a few tips from the US Surgeon General on sowing social connection:
- Be intentional when speaking or spending time with someone by minimizing distractions, reaching out to friends and family, being responsive and practicing gratitude.
- Expand your comfort zone to include people with different backgrounds, beliefs and interests.
- Join a club in your community, or sign up to participate in a civic engagement like a local town hall meeting or volunteer opportunity.
- Be open with your doctor about feelings of loneliness or isolation, and seek help if you’re struggling.
Loneliness may be widespread, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. By recognizing the importance of social connection and taking steps to build stronger bonds with others, we can all improve our physical health and mental wellbeing. Remember, even small changes in your daily routine, like the ones above, can make a big difference. These small actions, compounded and multiplied across the population, can help create a more connected and healthier society.
Source:
U.S. Public Health Service (2023). “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community” Accessed June 30, 2024, from https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf.
Disclaimer:
This is for resource purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a medical professional.