The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness an epidemic.
An epidemic is classified as something that has risen suddenly and is widespread. Health reporter Haley Hernandez is looking into why more people are lonely, the health issues it can cause, and what we can do about it. But the good news is, you do have power to improve or recover from loneliness.
“I think it’s something that’s been coming for a long time, an increase in loneliness,” said Dr. Ceci Hudson Torn, CEO of Ethos Wellness.
Loneliness is one of the most common reasons people are seeking mental health help. At the same time according to Dr. Ceci Hudson Torn, CEO of Ethos Wellness, many don’t know how bad it’s hurting them.
“Loneliness contributes to things that you would expect like anxiety and depression, but it also contributes to cardiovascular disease and mortality,” she said.
You may blame social media, only seeing the perfectly photoshopped image of someone else’s life. But the fact is, life right now is challenging for many.
Trish Soybel from Katy says as her kids have grown and left home, so keeping social circles takes effort.
“I think COVID as well brought about a lot of loneliness for people,” said Soybel.
“Have you ever experienced loneliness before?” asked Haley Hernandez.
“I think we all have at some point in our life experienced loneliness. Just not having any of that connection that you expect to have,” she said.
In years gone by, loneliness was a danger for the elderly. Living alone, isolated from loved ones, they were a prime pick for the harsh reality of feeling lonely.
But now, 40% of the country, down to age 12, experience feelings of loneliness.
“New data shows that, loneliness can peak at ages 12 to 14. The good news is it tends to improve as young people move towards later adolescents and young adulthood,” explained Torn. “But we do see those statistics increasing often over 50... contributing factors would be change in vocational careers, moving out of a season of parenting or being involved in organizations that are around, family or children.”
The U.S. Surgeon General calls loneliness an epidemic that can, “increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily.”
The plan to help, includes:
- Strengthen social infrastructure like adding parks, libraries, playgrounds
- Accessible public transportation or paid family leave for more time to bond with community and families
- And reforming digital environments that detract from connection with others
“I would say the antidote to loneliness is connection,” said Hudson Torn. “Whether it’s volunteering or reaching out to an old friend or trying to make a new friend. The more chances that we have and diversity of social connectedness, then the better chance we have for those things to land.”
To find those connections, Soybel uses an app to meet new friends. The app she uses is called Wyzr.
Similar to other matchmaking apps, this one shares your hobbies, interests, and you’re one click away from a meetup - or in her case, a tennis match.
“I really like the fact that this was an active, more of an activity app and then once you’re matched up, you can reach out to them or they can reach out to you and they can say, ‘hey, I noticed you like pickleball,’” said Soybel. “You’re only one step away from making a friend.”
It might sound awkward it first, honestly because it might be awkward. However, Torn said every friendship isn’t going to be a home run, you have to put yourself out there repeatedly to make a variety of healthy connections.
“It’s okay to have a level of connection that’s authentic and to have a hope that it will grow over time, and some will grow and continue to grow, and some will stay, you know, very surface or social and that’s okay. We need layers of those connections to build a big, beautiful life.”
She says you can find social connections through volunteering or reaching out to old friends. It doesn’t have to be the perfect chemistry every time, just being around people to make eye contact and pick up nonverbal cues is what humans thrive on and what we’re lacking in this digital world.