Researchers suggest that loneliness is associated with social isolation, poor social skills, introversion, and depression.
Loneliness, according to many experts, is not necessarily about being alone.
Instead, if youfeelalone and isolated, then that is how loneliness plays into your state of mind.
Johner Images / Getty Images
For example, a college freshman might feel lonely despite being surrounded by roommates and other peers.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Are You Feeling Lonely?
Recap
Loneliness is a state of mind linked to wanting human contact but feeling alone.
Additionally, it can be a symptom of apsychological disordersuch as depression.
Depression often causes people to withdrawal socially, which can lead to isolation.
Research also suggests that loneliness can be a factor that contributes to symptoms of depression.
Loneliness can also be attributed to internal factors such as lowself-esteem.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
These are not the only areas in which loneliness takes its toll.
Loneliness also disrupts the regulation of cellular processes deep within the body, predisposing lonely people to premature aging.
The rise of the internet and ironically, social media, are partially to blame.
Experts believe that it is not thequantityof social interaction that combats loneliness, but thequality.
Research suggests that the experience of actual face-to-face contact with friends helps boost people’s sense of well-being.
Loneliness Can Be Contagious
One study suggests that loneliness may actually be contagious.
Tips to Prevent and Overcome Loneliness
Loneliness can be overcome.
It does require a conscious effort to make a change.
Loneliness can also have serious health consequences including decreased mental wellness and physical problems.
It is also important to remember that being alone isn’t the same as being lonely.
Work on forming new connections and spend some time talking to people in your life.
If you’re still struggling, consider therapy.
Whatever you choose to do, just remember that there are people who can help.
Bruce LD, Wu JS, Lustig SL, Russell DW, Nemecek DA.
Am J Health Promot.
2019;33(8):1123-1133
Cigna Corporation.
The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A PostPandemic Look at the State of Loneliness among U.S. Cacioppo JT, Cacioppo S.The growing problem of loneliness.Lancet.
2019 Aug 29;14(8):e0222124].PLoS One.
2019;14(7):e0219663.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0219663
Xia N, Li H.Loneliness, social isolation, and cardiovascular health.Antioxid Redox Signal.
2020;15(2):e0229087.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0229087
Ballard J.Millennials are the loneliest generation.
van der Horst M, Coffe H.How friendship web link characteristics influence subjective well-being.Soc Indic Res.
2012;107(3):509-529. doi:10.1007/s11205-011-9861-2
Miller G.Social neuroscience.
Why loneliness is hazardous to your health.Science.
2011;331(6014):138-40. doi:10.1126/science.331.6014.138
