While common definitions of loneliness describe it as a state of solitude or being alone, loneliness is actually a state of mind. Loneliness causes people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted. People who are lonely often crave human contact, but their state of mind makes it more difficult to form connections with others.
Growing concerns around the dangers of loneliness have prompted a call to action by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who recently issued an 82-page advisory on the issue. The advisory cites data from several studies, including research that found that nearly half of adults in the US experience feelings of loneliness daily.

Murthy’s report also cites a meta-analysis that found that the risk of premature death due to loneliness increased by 26% and 29% due to social isolation. Furthermore, the lack of social connection can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, stroke, heart disease, and dementia.
This article discusses what we mean by the term “lonely,” as well as the various causes, health consequences, symptoms, and potential treatments for loneliness.

TRUE STORY

Defining Loneliness

Loneliness is a universal human emotion that is both complex and unique to each individual. Because it has no single common cause, preventing and treating this potentially damaging state of mind can vary dramatically.

I Don’t Need Friends’: Why You Might Feel This Way

According to Mental Health America, loneliness may link to mental health issues. Loneliness may trigger a mental health condition, or it may stem from a mental health condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness may have a link to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Loneliness is a complex state of mind that can be caused by life changes, mental health conditions, poor self-esteem, and personality traits.

 It can leave people feeling isolated and disconnected from others, and can have serious health consequences including decreased mental wellness and physical problems 

Identifying and Fighting Loneliness

Whether a person lives in isolation or not, feeling a lack of social connectedness can be painful. Loneliness can be described in different ways; a commonly used measure of loneliness, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, asks individuals about a range of feelings or deficits of connection, including how often they:

• feel they lack companionship
• feel left out
• feel “in tune” with people around them
• feel outgoing and friendly
• feel there are people they can turn to

Given the potential health consequences for those who feel like they have few or no supportive social connections, widespread loneliness poses a major societal challenge. But it underscores a demand for increased outreach and connection on a personal level, too.

---

Turks and Caicos Islands, North America

About The Author