Our lives have become more siloed and isolated than ever. Just take a minute and look around. You see heads buried in our smartphone screens and averted gazes as we walk down the street. How often do you feel truly connected during the day with another live person? Feelings of loneliness remain entwined in our communities, with many people finding themselves without access to meaningful human contact on a regular basis. Loneliness can also be experienced when we feel invisible or insignificant, even if surrounded by a crowd of people we know. What kind of impact does this have on our health? More than you may think.
In 2023, the Surgeon General at the time, Dr Vivek Murthy, declared loneliness a “social epidemic”, stating that physical and emotional isolation can lead to higher rates of disease states. This includes not only mental health conditions such as Anxiety and Depression, but also physical health conditions such as Diabetes Type 2, Cardiovascular Disease, Dementia, and even Premature Death. The presence of loneliness and the suffering that it can cause may have as much of a negative impact on health as smoking or obesity.
Keep in mind that loneliness is a human condition, and it’s something that we all experience at one time or another. Some of us (yes, I am talking to you, fellow introverts) even cherish our solitude and find rejuvenation in such a state. It’s not the being alone part that is dangerous really, it’s the SUFFERING that we feel as a result of it. Much of this comes from rather living in a fragmented and detached society that does not hold space for true connection and compassion for one another.
The good news is that we can do something about this: we can invest in human connection. One way to do this is to create, support, and then engage in socially connected communities. This can be realized through joining community organizations, participation in a group, and volunteering. While developing bonds with those who are like-minded can feel empowering and alleviate feelings of isolation, there is also strong evidence that diversifying social relationships to include those people outside a bonded group can improve community health and well being. Furthermore, even a smile and kind gesture to a stranger can create interpersonal trust, maintain norms of reciprocity, and encourage empathy and compassion to flow.
At NVFP, we are also hoping to create a feeling of community and acceptance within our walls. A place where you can feel seen and heard, and trust can develop. This is part of our mission, and we look forward to delivering the care and connection that will elevate and support your health. Welcome Home!
References: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
