Combating Loneliness in the New Year

Loneliness is a major public health issue that often goes unspoken, yet nearly everyone experiences it at some point. Opening up can reduce stigma, raise awareness, promote community action, and encourage support for a healthier New Year.

What exactly is loneliness?

Loneliness is unpleasant emotional response related to gaps in social connections. It is largely based on perception as people who are socially connected may still experience loneliness. This means that people can feel disconnected even when surrounded by others.

Is there a single cause?

There is no single cause, but major life changes can sometimes trigger loneliness. This includes moving, starting college, divorce, or loss of a friend or loved one. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, for example, many people experienced isolation and feelings of loneliness. Since humans naturally value social connections, experiencing some degree of loneliness following decreased social interaction is normal. However, chronic or long-term loneliness can signal a more serious condition that can lead to mental and physical complications if ignored.

Is loneliness the same as social isolation?

Experts say no. Creyos cognitive assessment shares that, “The terms ‘loneliness’ and ‘social isolation’ are often used interchangeably, but they differ in some fundamental ways. Loneliness refers to the subjective feeling of being alone or lacking meaningful social connections. Social isolation, however, describes the objective lack of social contact.” Likewise, loneliness and solitude or the state of being alone are not the same. It is normal for people to want to spend some time alone. However, when the need for social interactions that people crave is not met, people can feel lonely.

What are possible signs of chronic loneliness?

Per WebMD, “Chronic loneliness signs and symptoms differ depending upon what your situation is and who you are.”

Here are examples of how chronic loneliness can manifest itself in some individuals:

• Being withdrawn from life and lacking meaningful relationships.
• Lack of meaningful connections despite having friends and being socially connected.
• Feeling unimportant, sad, not good enough, or hopeless.
• Exhibiting excessive behaviors such as oversleeping, watching too much tv, overeating, overspending, etc.
• Feeling depressed, lethargic, uninterested, unmotivated, or lacking self-confidence.
• Drug or alcohol abuse.
• Physical declines such as weakening the immune system.
• Facing increased risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes linked to long-term loneliness.

Loneliness and negative health effects

Loneliness can have various negative impacts on individuals, though each person’s experience differs based on their circumstances and personality. Loneliness is linked with increased risk of depression and anxiety and can exacerbate negative mental health symptoms. If someone feels depressed or sad due to loneliness, it is recommended that they seek medical assistance. Although it’s normal to feel lonely from time to time, persistent loneliness should be discussed with a doctor to avoid harmful effects on both mental and physical health.

Senior citizens and loneliness

Generally, older people are at increased risk of loneliness due to age-related isolation. Possible causes include:  

• Physical limitations that interfere with activities and participation.
• Mental declines that affect lifestyle.
• Lack of money or increased financial concerns in retirement years.
• Being a caregiver to an aging spouse.
• Living alone and general social isolation.

Younger people can make a difference

While living alone can make senior citizens more independent and adept at making decisions, it can also make them vulnerable to social isolation. Per National Institute on Aging, “Adults who are lonely or socially isolated tend to be less healthy, have longer hospital stays, are readmitted to the hospital more often, and are more likely to die earlier than those with meaningful and supportive social connections.” Younger people can make a difference by maintaining relationships with older members of society to keep them engaged and prevent them from regularly feeling lonely.

Is there self-help?

Sometimes, loneliness is difficult to shake. Those who experience chronic loneliness that doesn’t go away can benefit from medical help or crisis support.  

Folks in need of immediate mental health crisis support are encouraged to call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, connecting them to trained counselors. Or dial 211 for long-term local resources or non-crisis help.

People who experience occasional bouts of loneliness may benefit from basic lifestyle changes to improve life conditions. Ideas include:

• Engaging in fun hobbies. Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or arts and crafts, hobbies are fun ways to spend one’s time. Not only do hobbies provide happy mental escapes, but joining clubs or groups provides opportunities to spend time with like-minded people.
• Volunteering locally. Consider volunteering your time at a hospital, elder care facility, or pet shelter. Volunteer work not only provides a valuable service to the community, but it also increases personal value and self-worth – beneficial to feeling fulfilled.
• Performing group exercises. Joining a gym, a dance or yoga class, or participating in a walking group is a wonderful way to engage the body, mind, and soul. In addition to keeping the body in good shape, being active is a wonderful mood booster. If you’re not into group activities, take a walk in nature where you can get some fresh air and clear your head of negative energy.
•  Getting therapy. It’s wonderful to have the ability to share thoughts and emotions with a trusted person who does not judge you. Per MedicineNet, “Visiting a professional does not mean you have a ‘mental illness.’ A professional could guide you, help you release the emotions that prevent you from relaxing, and maintain your mental health.”

Chronic loneliness is detrimental to humans

Experts caution that chronic loneliness can lead to reduced engagement and even increase risk of dementia. Everyday Health shares one study that shows that loneliness may make some people more hostile and pessimistic. People tend to focus on negatives. They state, “Researchers have found this to be true in experiments that used fMRI scans to show that the brain indeed activates more in response to negative stimuli than positive triggers, according to previous review on this topic.” They also share that in a sample of 7,500 older adults surveyed, data reveals that lonelier people tended to be more likely to feel “hurt or hard done” by loved ones, withdraw from their relationships, and even act with “cynical hostility,” likely a defense mechanism lonely people use fearing further rejection.

The brain connection

As complex organs, human brains regulate our emotions, thoughts, memories, movements, speech and language, behavior and more. Most experts believe that loneliness isn’t controlled by one single part of the brain, but involves a complex network including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, ventral stratum, and the all-important dorsal raphe nucleus (a cluster of neurons active during isolation). Per New York Times, feeling chronically disconnected from others can affect the brain’s function and structure, raising risk of neurodegenerative diseases. They explain, “Humans evolved to be social creatures, because, for our ancient ancestors, being alone could be dangerous and reduce the odds of survival. Experts think that loneliness may have emerged as a unique type of stress signal to prompt us to seek companionship.” They further share that with chronic loneliness; one’s stress response gets stuck and becomes disadvantageous.

Why is combating loneliness in the new year important?

The new year offers chances to improve health by addressing loneliness, which is linked to chronic conditions like depression, dementia, heart disease, and early death. While occasional loneliness is normal, persistent loneliness harms mental and physical health. Seniors, who are particularly at risk, should stay socially connected to enhance well-being and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression and associated health conditions to benefit quality of life.  

Disclosure: This article is not medically reviewed. It is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.