America’s Loneliness Epidemic

In May 2023, the U. S. Surgeon General released an 82-page Advisory (Call to Action). He stated that an alarming number of #people feel isolated, invisible, and insignificant. The research for this report started before the Covid-19 pandemic. The disciplines of sociology, psychology, neuroscience, political science, economics, public health, and others contributed. An advisory is a public statement that calls attention to an #urgent health issue and gives recommendations on how to solve the problem. Advisories are for significant challenges that require immediate awareness and action.

Loneliness is more than a feeling. It harms both individuals and society. It can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. In recent years, about one-in-two adults reported feeling lonely. Since Covid-19, this number is much higher. A study in 2022 asked people if they felt connected to others. Only 39% said yes. Youngest adults reported the highest loneliness rates.

Social isolation costs $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending annually. Loneliness is associated with #lower academic grades and #poor performance at work. Industries estimate that absenteeism caused by isolation and loneliness costs an estimated $154 billion per year. The percentage of loneliness in adults is higher than Smokers (12.2%), Diabetes (14.7%), and Obesity (41.9%). Less than 20% recognize isolation and #loneliness as a major problem.

The solution is not as easy as getting out of your house to mingle with others or create stronger connections with your family. Social connection is not something we do alone and is not accessible equitably. We need others to connect with. But society (schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, public policies, and digital environments) plays a role in facilitating or hindering connection. See the link below for the full report.

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

As a mental health professional, I am saddened by these findings. Many of my clients struggle with personal and community relationships, often avoiding connections. #They choose isolation. Humans are born to live in communion with others. We should address social connection just as we do drug use, obesity, alcoholism, and other physical or medical conditions. The Surgeon General encouraged us to #mend the social fabric of our nation. He challenged individuals, families, schools, workplaces, health care, public health systems, technology companies, governments, faith organizations, and communities to work together to #destigmatize loneliness.

It is okay to ask for help if you feel isolated or lonely.

What Can We Do?

Be more aware of others, especially those with special needs or living alone.

Listen, really listen to others.

Make a phone call, send a card or note.

Invite someone to do something with you.

Don’t make assumptions or judgments about others.

Spend less time with electronics and social media and more time with people.

What are you doing to make a difference in the lives of others?