More and more people are experiencing the dark looming shadow of loneliness.
People who are lonely are up to 32% more likely to die early than their more connected peers, research shows.
Do you know loneliness ranks high up there with dangerous health outcomes of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity in terms of its long-term effects on your health?
Under normal circumstances, loneliness would be something we have some degree of control over, but the COVID-19 pandemic is making us feel as if we have little control over our lives and our feelings of isolation.
Previous research into this area has shown that strong social ties may protect people from emotional distress, cognitive decline, and physical disability, while loneliness and social isolation can cause harm to physical and psychological wellbeing. Both loneliness and social isolation have been strongly associated with poorer quality of life and other measures of well-being.
In a survey of 20,000 Americans, nearly half reported always or sometimes feeling lonely or left out. Young adults ages 18 to 22 are the loneliest generation of all, the survey found. It could be as simple as having people around who encourage you to make healthy choices, such as keeping doctor's appointments, eating right, and taking medications. Or, chronic loneliness could be a recipe for chronic stress, which in turn wreaks havoc on your health.
The late Dr. John Cacioppo, a psychology professor at the University of Chicago, studied the effects of loneliness for two decades before his passing in 2018. He equated loneliness with a type of hunger, noting that establishing social connections is essential for human survival. He also believed that chronic loneliness can increase the incidence of early death.
Seek out if you are lonely.
Try to reduce someone's loneliness.
This post is a part of Blogchatter #CauseAChatter Campaign.
Loneliness can be killing! It's important to reach out to people who are alone. Just a smile or a hello can work wonders.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I am a loner, however, this lockdown and Covid situation has taken a toll on me. I can very well imagine what it will do to the social people who love to meet and interact on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteOne of the topics that needs to discussed more often and keep coming up on social media. Because different people suffering at different stages of their lives may see it on a different day.
ReplyDeleteMental health issues are at the fore during this pandemic.We need to seriously ponder on mental health.
ReplyDeleteloneliness is the biggest killer...I feel blessed to have a family beside me,with whom I can talk and share otherwise this lock down can be killing.
ReplyDeleteLonliness is tough to overcome and Mental health is critical for someone to be cautions about... valid points shared in the post..
ReplyDeleteLoneliness can be as dangerous as smoking. Just because it is not seen, no one acknowledges it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, loneliness kills. We need someone to vent out, someone to talk to, share with. Someone whom we can connect with. At times in the family also we are not able to express or share. This lockdown in a way gave me opportunity to voice my feelings and glad I can dare to share my feelings with.
ReplyDeletePeople who are lonely often crave human contact. However, the pandemic has made this difficult. It is important to reach to out to people around us, especially the old and those living alone.
ReplyDeleteLoneliness can be one of the most difficult things to deal with. And it’s effects can be very deep seated. There is a book on this too - The Lonely City - that I’ve been meaning to read.
ReplyDeleteLoneliness creeps up on us actually. For a while " me time" feels good but not for long. You need a network of trusted souls to lean on. Thank you for sharing on such an important topic.
ReplyDeleteLoneliness is surely a bigger problem than its seen. It can be a reason for a lot of mental problems. Glad you shared about it.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Loneliness is the new epidemic. Thanks for talking about mental health
ReplyDeleteSocial healthisa part of holistic health.We need to remember that part always.Important to create awareness
ReplyDeleteYes I agree. Loneliness is like a slow poison. May these times end soon and everyone can have the company to share their lives with.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely something that needs to be talked about. It can be traumatising. #tmmreads
ReplyDeleteLoneliness is surely a problematic condition. I feel grateful that I am with my family during this time else I am hearing people craving to go to their parents and family when this lock down had just started.
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed a serious issue. The situation now is worsening the conditions for many. I hope they all find strength and get through this stronger.
ReplyDeleteIt's important that we speak about mental health. And I'm glad I came across this post.
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