Loneliness Now as Deadly as Smoking and Obesity
The APA released shocking findings last month- over 42 million adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic loneliness.
The American Psychological Association presented these findings during their 125th annual convention which primarily focused on social disconnection. Chronic loneliness is now an epidemic, with health hazards comparable to those of smoking cigarettes and obesity. They report the number is likely to grow.
Despite how common the loneliness epidemic is, few realize the dramatic ways it impacts our health. Here are surprising facts about loneliness that will loneliness is, few people are fully aware of the dramatic ways in which it impacts us. Here are 9 surprising facts about loneliness that will change how you view this common but devastating, and rapidly growing condition. Be sure to keep reading for tips on how to help yourself or someone your recognize, too.
It doesn't depend on how many friends or relationships you have. Loneliness depends on the subjective quality of relationships—on whether or not you feel socially and emotionally emotionally and/or socially detached from the ones surrounding you.
Over 60% of lonely people are married. When you can no longer feel that "connection" and share your feelings and thoughts with your spouse you can feel alienated and alone.
Loneliness distorts our perceptions, and makes us feel as though we are even further disconnected from all our friends and family than we actually are.
Those who suffer chronic loneliness are colder. Science has found that lonely people actually feel chillier than than others. Their body temperature registers at a lower level than their non lonely peers in the same room.
Loneliness is contagious. Like a disease, when one in your social network suffers, more follow within 6 months. Misery loves company.
Loneliness causes a severe and immediate physical reaction by raising blood pressure and activating the release of stress hormones.
Because of #6, chronic loneliness increases your risk of cardiovascular disease due to the body being under constant attack by stress hormones.
Loneliness makes you sick. It reduces the immune system to leave you vulnerable to illnesses and diseases.
Loneliness kills. With all the negative impact to your body, studies show chronic loneliness increases premature death by 14%.
Shocking findings.
So what to do about this growing concern?
Well for one, awareness is key.
The APA has this to say:
This is a completely reversible problem! The APA finds that having strong relationships and social connections drops early mortality rates by half.
With a rapidly growing technological era comes lesser in-person connectivity, so this is not something that is going to disappear. But greater awareness brings greater prevention.
Images via Pixabay and Pexel
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Alone-ness also sucks. That's where the article nails it about just needing at least one quality relationship. A person can be around people all day and being unable to connect with any of them can take its toll on a person.
Absolutely. That one connection means the world.
Well, my attempts at approaching friends smoking and / or drug habits have very recently validated my tendency to leave that topic alone. For as long as I can remember, I have talked about solutions with high potential (not the mainstream "talk therapy" which in my experience has been a waste of time and this is what is most commonly made available) while also understanding the complex methods of resistance that people employ. In my case, "moving forward" and using what I've achieved to try and help others has resulted being able to count my "friends" on two, no.. 1 finger now and that is being optimistic. So I now know all about this loneliness thing and it's devastating effects. I'm also very aware of it and I have not been ashamed to blurt it out loud. It hasn't helped one bit, sorry to say but maybe a little more awareness may somehow serve as a "lead" that might open a door. Just because "one door closes" does not necessarily mean that another one will open. Not always so readily and on it's own anyway (and I don't mean to "stomp on" your post, I'm just adding the voice of loneliness which may in some way add additional value. Cheers)
I appreciate your share.
I agree, approaching things like smoking and drugs can turn a person defensive. That is an example of a lifestyle choice and humans will vehemently defend their choices- no matter how unhealthy they are.
With that being said, with something such as loneliness, it can be approached without the other person even knowing.
For instance, just by being aware of the issue can lead you to spend more time with the individual. That will help and they never even have to know.
Awareness is key, but so is work. I think people (including me) forget that relationships are work and you need to invest in them so that you aren't lonley. Close and fulfilling relationships don't just crop up overnight.
These findings are amazing, and amazingly sad. I want to hug everyone now!
Oh I know right
Yeah, I think I've felt for a while now that loneliness is harder on people than what most think it is. I didn't know it would have that bad of an effect on health and everything though. BTW, this was well written. I've upvoted and followed you.
Thank you Nathan :)
It's truly eye opening, isn't it? I am happy to bring awareness to this rapidly growing epidemic.
I like your post on loneliness and the hidden aspects of it. Unfortunately, this is not something that is easily detected like depression and is usually noticed too late.
Here's a link to my writeup in a somewhat aligned manner to your post, let me know if you like it !
https://steemit.com/life/@pewuf/do-everyone-go-through-the-same-quarter-life-crisis
It's all about being aware yourself, and if you feel as tho someone in your social circle might be feeling the effects of loneliness, spend some time with them. Engage them in meaningful activities. And even if they were not suffering from chronic loneliness, both you and them will have benefited from the fun times :)
At this day and age, we often take for granted things that happen around us, only to regret having to notice it too late! But I do agree with you, we should really be aware and start living.
Well said. Be aware, start living and enjoying our selves, and everyone we care for :)
You are so correct.
I started making a habit of thinking about the blessing in my life every morning as I brushed my teeth. That two minutes of gratefulness truly sets up my day to being aware of all the good things, so that I do not take anything for granted :)
I totally believe this. It is hard to explain to people. Thank you for helping to spread the word about it.
Thank you :)
It is extremely important that you are highlighting this issue. Thank you @arbitrarykitten! I believe that loneliness is epidemic of our times.
I so agree. That and lack of communication. Which is ironic because we can now communicate easier than ever before. Unfortunately it's all "surface" communication, not true, deep, meaningful understanding.
I definitely believe this.
It's amazing how they are finally looking at the health impact of dangers such as stress and loneliness.
Yes it is because it feels terrible to feel lonely.
Yes, it does.
It's so true, working with mentally ill people I see it every day... great article!
Sometimes that cam be the loneliest of all, being trapped in your own head...