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we're dealing with another public health crisis: loneliness
even prior to the pandemic, people all across north america were suffering from a deep sense of loss of connection, writes katelyn duncan.
sep 24 2021
3 minute read
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by: katelyn duncan
amidst one obvious public health crisis, another less obvious health crises looms.
in 2017, former u.s. surgeon general vivek murthy said we are dealing with a loneliness epidemic in north america and the idea has been validated by studies many times over. recent reports show that in the united states there are more lonely people than people with diabetes or people who smoke.
even prior to the pandemic, people all across north america were suffering from a deep sense of loss of connection .
dating back to our hunter-gatherer tendencies, people have gathered to prevent harm from predators and the elements. for the majority of human existence we have lived in groups for protection, division of labour and survival.
being around others has always been key for survival.
during times of pandemic pressure for social isolation , it seems especially important to distinguish between loneliness and social isolation.
loneliness is the subjective discrepancy between the actual level of social connection and desired level of connection. it’s what motivates us to connect socially and isn’t a problem until it becomes chronic. the psychological stress of being in a chronic stress state is what leads to poor health outcomes.
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studies have found people who continue on the path of loneliness wind up living shorter lives and are at increased risk of fatal conditions such as heart disease, depression, anxiety and dementia. this is also a strong predictor of premature mortality.
it turns out the internet is to blame in the 21st century, specifically social media. social media is a window for us to see other people doing things we would like to be doing and being with people we’d all like to be with. but the reality is, sometimes this just makes people feel badly about themselves and their own relationships, or lack thereof.
the rise of the one person household is one of the most significant social changes in the history of our species. this trend began in the late 1950s where rising affluence correlated to more people living alone.
twenty-eight per cent of all united states households are single households. in 1950, that number was nine per cent.
but alone-ness does not equate to loneliness.
in many cases, those living with other people may also experience loneliness. “social confidants” are the key, and much different than simply living in a shared space. this factor alone sheds light on the difference between aloneness and loneliness.
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while recent research sheds much light on the problem, there is still much to be understood about loneliness. especially because loneliness has not been systematically measured in the population for long periods of time. perhaps because there wasn’t a good reason to study the topic.
loneliness is largely related to how societies have organized themselves over time. the rise of industrial societies and affluence have resulted in humans transitioning from village to city and becoming more independent on their own.
how the pandemic has impacted mental illness and loneliness has yet to be fully understood. a look at the social repair shows that the number of adults who report having symptoms of an anxiety disorder has increased.
the covid-19 data on loneliness is less clear. some studies have reported an increase in loneliness among young adults, women and low-income households. other reports indicate there hasn’t been a recent increase since lockdowns have occurred.
the conversation of loneliness feels a lot like where the topic of mental health was 10 years ago. there’s a stigma attached, and most people don’t openly talk about the quality of their social connections.
but loneliness shows no prejudice.
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it doesn’t matter who you are, how rich or successful you are, or whether you live in the city or the country. the reality is that loneliness is increasing and is both mentally and physically damaging.
but it appears the answer is within us.
one of the best treatment options for loneliness is service. not only does it shift the focus from us onto others, but it also reaffirms the idea that you have something to contribute to those around us.
so take care of yourself, and someone else if you can too.
katelyn duncan is a consultant at backswath management, a policy analyst and health advocate.
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