Loneliness: What You Need to Know

Loneliness and social isolation

Loneliness and social isolation can be hard to navigate. It’s important to understand these feelings so you can feel better.

Loneliness is the feeling of being alone regardless of the number of people you’re around. You can be alone without feeling lonely. Or you can feel lonely at a crowded party. Maybe you’ve only recently started feeling lonely. Major life changes, such as moving or changing jobs, can lead to loneliness. These feelings can start suddenly, even if you haven’t had them before.

Social isolation refers to a lack of interaction with people. It means you actively keep to yourself or are alone most of the time.

Social engagement

Being socially engaged is more than just knowing a lot of people. Social engagement depends on:

• The number of relationships we have

• The types of relationships

• The quality of our relationships

For instance, you may have a large family, but you don’t feel close to anyone in it. You have a high number of relationships, but the quality of those relationships is low. You don’t feel connected.

Health risks of loneliness

The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that feelings of loneliness and isolation among Americans are at epidemic levels and still growing. Loneliness is associated with mental and physical health risks.

Mental health risks may include:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Low self-esteem

• Memory loss and confusion, especially in older adults

• Increased stress

• Lack of an emotional support system

• Suicidal thoughts

Physical health risks may include:

• A higher rate of heart disease and stroke

• Increased risk of dementia, especially in older adults

• A less active immune system

• Sleep loss

• Diabetes

• Obesity

How exactly does loneliness relate to your health? Talking to people on a regular basis keeps your mind active. Having plans gets you up and moving. Social interactions can guide you into taking better care of yourself.

Also, you may need people in your life to help you manage your health. For example, a loved one can remind you to take medicines or drive you to a health care visit. Lacking this kind of social support can put you at greater risk of complications from health conditions you have. The risk becomes greater with age.

Immigrant and LGBTQIA communities are also more vulnerable. There is a link between loneliness and issues of discrimination, access to care, and preexisting social structures.

How to stay connected

There are different ways to lessen feelings of loneliness:

• Try to spend time with your family or close friends. Do something new and fun.

• Maybe you’ve lost contact with people you care about. Get back in touch.

• Examine your current relationships. Do they work for you? What kind of person would you like to meet? Can you find that person someplace in your life? Online?

• Look for ways to meet new people. Join a club or sports team. Discuss common interests with new friends on the internet. Or go out with a group of coworkers.

• Volunteer or take part in an activity for the greater good. Helping others can give you a fuller sense of purpose. You can also meet people.

• Support groups are a way to talk to people with similar experiences. Loneliness can sometimes be caused by grief or trauma. The best way to get through it is to talk about it with others.

• Practice self-care. Meditation, breathing exercises, and removing yourself from stressful situations can help lessen feelings of depression and anxiety.

• Talk with a professional about your personal risk for loneliness and social isolation. Mental health professionals can assist with a treatment

When to call or text 988

If you are in a crisis or have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 right away. You will be connected to a trained crisis counselor at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat with them at 988lifeline.org/chat. The 988 Lifeline services are free and available 24/7.