Welcome to August!
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We hope you are enjoying these “dog days” of summer. However, one consistent theme we’ve seen at work and with loved ones is the amount of loneliness people are facing.
Loneliness is a unique emotion that is described differently by many people. It can make people feel unwanted or unvalued, leading them to question how they fit into the world. Factors that can lead to loneliness include social isolation, moving, the death of a significant person in their life, or divorce, to name a few. Loneliness can also be caused by psychological disorders such as depression, and people who lack self-esteem can also be affected. Loneliness can lead to isolation, which can then lead to chronic illnesses.
It’s important to note that being alone and being lonely are two very different things. While being alone can positively impact one’s life by allowing time to recharge, refocus, and examine what is important, loneliness often has negative consequences.
In May 2023, the Surgeon General called for Americans to better address the public health crisis of loneliness. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately half of U.S. adults reported detrimental levels of loneliness.
This issue poses risks for premature death comparable to smoking daily. The physical consequences of loneliness include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of dementia in older adults. Additionally, there are mental health repercussions; notably, the risk of depression doubles for those who report loneliness.
These facts are worrisome. Think of your address book or your neighborhood, I believe we all know someone who is experiencing loneliness. So, what do we do about this issue? The answer is social connection. We encourage you to reach out to these individuals, invite them out, or tell them about events they may want to participate in. Staying connected to our communities helps reduce the risk of serious health concerns. There is so much to say about this topic, lots to read, and the answer is really quite simple. So as you enjoy these late summer months, please make a difference in someone’s life and simply reach out. If they are struggling with health concerns, share our information and encourage them to connect with us. We appreciate you reading this and helping us address this national pandemic of loneliness, one hello at a time.
Below is a fast and free Loneliness Quiz (Medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS) that can assess your current state and determine whether you’re experiencing unhealthy levels of loneliness.
One last question: Are you looking forward to fall, or are you still savoring summer?
We’d love to hear from you!
Best, Lisa and Ellie
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