Loneliness is a growing public health crisis that affects a significant portion of the population and increases the risk of premature death.
Here are some key facts on loneliness:
- Over 30% of people experience loneliness, with 1 in 12 severely affected.
- Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 26%.
- Loneliness has similar health risks as obesity and smoking.
- It is not related to someone’s personality traits or social skills.
- Treatments focused on social skills training are ineffective.
- Community programs and behavioral interventions show some promise.
Source: Lancet. 2018 Feb 03; 391(10119):426.
Related: Loneliness: The Hidden Health Epidemic
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is not the same as being socially isolated.
It is the subjective feeling of being alone, regardless of how many social contacts someone has.
People can feel lonely even when surrounded by friends and family.
On the flip side, some people who live alone or have few social interactions do not necessarily feel lonely.
Loneliness is often trivialized as something minor or as a personal failing.
But research shows it has profound impacts on our mental and physical health.
Causes of Loneliness
Loneliness does not seem to be linked to personality traits like shyness or introversion.
In studies, loneliness rates did not differ based on income, education, gender, or ethnicity.
Instead, loneliness can happen to anyone when there is a disconnect between someone’s desired relationships and actual relationships.
Major life transitions that disrupt social connections often contribute to loneliness.
For example, moving to a new city, changing jobs, retirement, divorce or loss of a spouse, and having children leave home can trigger loneliness.
Chronic diseases and disabilities that isolate people can also lead to loneliness, especially in aging populations.
Ageism and lack of transportation options compound this isolation.
Even though people are more digitally connected than ever, social media cannot replace face-to-face social bonds.
Americans report having fewer close confidants now compared to previous decades.
How Loneliness Impacts Health
Loneliness triggers evolutionary alarms that we are disconnected from our tribe and at risk.
This sets off stress responses, putting us in survival mode.
Chronic stress from loneliness leads to:
- Increased inflammation and impaired immune function
- Imbalances in stress hormones
- Elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Impaired sleep and cognition
- Poorer mental health
In fact, the health risks of chronic loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being obese. It increases the risk of premature death by 26%.
Brain Changes Related to Loneliness
Brain scans show visible differences in people experiencing prolonged loneliness compared to socially connected folks.
Lonely people have more activity in threat detection regions. This makes them overly sensitive to negative social cues.
Conversely, areas involved in rewards, feelings of safety, and regulation of emotions have lower activation. This may relate to feelings of isolation.
Other brain regions show declines in neural connections. Memory centers are also impacted. This reflects that loneliness impairs cognition.
Treating Loneliness
Many assumed improving social skills would alleviate loneliness.
However, social skills training has not been effective.
Providing more opportunities for social interaction also does not necessarily work.
People need satisfying, meaningful connections to overcome loneliness.
Some promising approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Reframing negative thoughts around relationships and improving social motivation.
- Improving Social Fit: Helping people find groups, activities, and social circles that align with their interests and values.
- Online Communities: Anonymously connecting people experiencing similar challenges.
- Hotlines: Providing a listening ear and referral services.
- Community Programs: Local rec centers, senior centers, volunteer groups.
- Family Counseling: Strengthening family ties.
- Pet Adoption: Animal companionship reduces loneliness.
The growing awareness of loneliness as a public health issue has sparked new solutions.
But medical providers also need more training in detecting and addressing loneliness proactively.
Loneliness is a Disease of Disconnection
Loneliness serves an evolutionary purpose, warning us when we are separated from our tribe and in danger.
But modern society has disrupted the social bonds and community connections humans need to thrive.
While loneliness has a genetic component, everyone is susceptible given the right circumstances.
It does not reflect a personal weakness or character flaw.
Researchers emphasize that loneliness is a disease of disconnection.
It is not someone’s fault for being lonely, any more than it is their fault for having the flu.
But just as we can treat the flu, increasing evidence shows we can treat loneliness through medical and societal solutions.
By rebuilding social connections and community bonds, we can cure the loneliness epidemic.
References
- Study: The growing problem of loneliness
- Authors: John T Cacioppo & Stephanie Cacioppo
