America is suffering from a new epidemic. It cannot be treated with traditional remedies despite its devastating and even deadly consequences.
What is loneliness?
Loneliness occurs when the connections that a person needs in life are greater than the connections they have, according to Murthy. Due to its psychological nature, not everyone feels the same level of loneliness or for the same reasons.
America and loneliness
Loneliness is not new in the human experience. But experts say it has worsened in recent years. As the American population ages and chronic illnesses escalate, the number of people suffering from loneliness has increased, according to Nobel. Additionally, modern conveniences have significantly contributed to the spread of loneliness among the population, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can loneliness affect health?
There is another reason why experts are focusing on loneliness as an increasing problem: it can affect a person’s mental and physical health, making it a deadly combination. Addressing this massive issue means tackling the largest preventable risk factor for mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, addiction, suicide, and self-harm, according to Nobel. He noted that all of these mental health conditions can be a result of loneliness and can exacerbate it.
The solution: social connection
If you feel lonely, you are not alone. Experts say recognizing loneliness and being aware of it are the important first steps to escape it. On an individual level, there are things people can practice to prevent feelings of loneliness, such as connecting with someone they care about for 15 minutes a day, looking for ways to serve others, and making time meaningful by giving others their full attention and putting devices aside.
Institutions, including schools, employers, and healthcare systems, need to adopt public health strategies to combat loneliness. Medical providers can practice “social prescribing,” according to Nobel, a concept already being embraced in the UK. Where doctors screen for loneliness, just as they do for depression and anxiety, and connect patients to community organizations that partner with health facilities to address it.
In addition to the health sector, public health leaders can also critically examine the infrastructure in local communities and digital environments to raise awareness and help build cultures of connection.
Combating the epidemic of loneliness in the country will require all sectors of society to work together towards a common goal, according to Murthy. “We cannot tackle so many of these challenges alone. We need to be together. We need to be connected,” he said.
Source: https://www.aol.com/americans-lonely-killing-them-us-100926508.html
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