Loneliness can have a significant impact on both your physical and mental health. 

Although health professionals often use the term mental health, physicians recognise that many psychological disorders have physical roots. And this is why loneliness can significantly affect both your physical and mental health.  In today’s fast-paced and connected world, it may seem counterintuitive to think loneliness is a prevalent issue. Loneliness is a serious problem that can significantly impact individuals. It is often referred to as the “loneliness epidemic” due to its increasing prevalence.

Rangan Chatterjee, author of The Stress Solution. Have long known how toxic social isolation can be, and as far back as 1979 it was found that people with the fewest social ties were three times more likely to die prematurely than those with the most.

According to a 2018 report, 22 per cent of adults in the United States say they often or always feel lonely or socially isolated.  Loneliness is a subjective experience—part of what makes it so hard to identify.

This article delves into the significant implications of loneliness on physical and mental health, shedding light on why it should no longer be underestimated or ignored.

Loneliness, often dismissed as an emotional state or fleeting feeling, is now gaining recognition for its profound impact on your health. Research has shown that prolonged loneliness increases the risk of developing depression.

Feeling alone for extended periods can lead to negative thoughts about oneself and the world around them. These thoughts may spiral into feelings of worthlessness or being unlovable, which are common symptoms associated with depression.

Beyond merely causing sadness and isolation, loneliness has been discovered to contribute to other health issues, ranging from cardiovascular problems to cognitive decline.

As our understanding deepens, acknowledging and addressing this widespread issue becomes increasingly essential to foster a healthier, productive society.

A year-long study looking at the health outcomes of people who suffered a heart attack and described themselves as lonely were three times more likely to die within a year of their attack than those with an active social life, and men in the same position were twice as likely to die within a year.

Loneliness can take many forms, including social, emotional, and existential.

• Social Loneliness occurs when people feel isolated.
• Emotional Loneliness occurs when people feel disconnected from others emotionally or lack meaningful relationships.
•  Existential Loneliness occurs when people feel disconnected from a sense of purpose or meaning in life. For example, have you ever felt a profound connotation of loneliness even when surrounded by people? This feeling of existential loneliness is a unique and overwhelming experience that can significantly impact our overall well-being.

It is important to note that loneliness is different from Social Isolation.

Social isolation is when someone is physically separated from others., while loneliness refers to the emotional experience of feeling disconnected from others.

Regarding mental health, loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. When individuals feel isolated and disconnected from others, it can negatively impact their self-esteem, sense of belonging, and overall well-being.

Being socially isolated carries much greater physical health risks, but loneliness has a larger impact on mental-health-related conditions.  

Loneliness has been associated with increased stress levels and inflammation in the body, making them more prone to infections. Still, inflammation that lasts too long increases the risk of chronic diseases, which can further exacerbate physical health conditions.

By the same token, lonely Individuals may experience cognitive decline and have an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.

The impacts of loneliness extend beyond the individual and can affect society.  

Somewhat counterintuitively, you withdraw further from society when you become lonely. This tends to go hand in hand with unhealthy behaviours. When we feel lonely, we often turn to coping mechanisms such as emotional eating, excessive alcohol consumption, or illicit drug abuse.  It’s perhaps not surprising, if you then become socially isolated, you’re likely to become more lonely. 

These behaviours can harm our physical health, leading to weight gain, liver damage, and addiction. Many research papers indicate that lonely individuals are likelier to engage in risk-taking behaviours, such as substance abuse or perilous sexual activities.

If not addressed promptly, this could result in additional health issues and increased societal challenges. Communities may also experience increased rates of homelessness, drug-related accidents, and the spread of infectious diseases.

Additionally, loneliness can hinder productivity and creativity, as individuals may lack the necessary social support and stimulation to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Psychological factors, like mental health issues, substance abuse, and persistent discomfort over a prolonged period, can also contribute to the so-called deaths of despair.

When individuals face multiple challenges in these areas without adequate support or resources, it can create a perfect storm that leads to a high rate of suicides, drug overdoses, and other preventable deaths.

Causes of Loneliness

Although social media allows us to stay connected, it can also cause loneliness and isolation. Many people feel pressure to present a perfect image of themselves online, leading to feelings of inadequacy and disconnection from others.

Life transitions can also contribute to feelings of loneliness. Significant life changes, such as relocating, starting a new career, or ending a relationship or job, can trigger feelings of isolation, and societal and cultural factors can also influence loneliness.

For example, people from marginalised groups may experience greater loneliness due to discrimination and social exclusion.

Loneliness and Different Age Groups

Loneliness can impact individuals of any age, but it can present unique challenges for different age groups. Children and teenagers may experience loneliness due to bullying, social exclusion, or difficulty forming meaningful connections with peers. Many young people who reported loneliness also said they felt no one “genuinely cared” about them. 

Adults and seniors may experience loneliness due to prominent life transitions such as retirement or losing a spouse.

The elderly also faces increased danger when living alone and isolated due to the higher likelihood of health issues. This problem may be notably serious in the elderly population, which is more susceptible to illness and loneliness.

However, further questioning before using the health congruence paradox found older adults experiencing more loneliness had a 40% higher chance of passing away within the next four years. Additionally, those who were socially isolated had a 75% higher likelihood of dying.

Strategies for addressing loneliness may vary depending on the age group. For children and teenagers, it may be helpful to focus on building social skills and finding activities that align with their interests. 

For adults and seniors, strategies may include:

• Joining social clubs or groups:  Build and nurture relationships: Make an effort to connect with others and cultivate meaningful relationships.  
• Reach out to friends, join social groups, or participate in community activities that align with your interests.
• Volunteer or help others: Engaging in acts of kindness and service to others benefits those you help and provides a sense of fulfilment and purpose in your own life. Volunteer at local charities or organisations and offer support to those in need.
• You are seeking therapy or counselling. Seek skilled help: If you’re struggling with loneliness and its impact on your mental health, consider seeking therapy or counselling. A mental health professional can provide guidance and support to help navigate through these emotions.
• Applying for a free bus pass to help them stay connected with others.
• Utilise technology: In this digital age, stay connected with your friends and loved ones through various social media platforms, video calls, or messaging apps. Virtual connections can provide a sense of companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness.
• Engage in self-care activities: Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation to cater for your physical and emotional well-being. This may include exercise, hobbies, meditation, or self-reflection.

In addition to the rise in loneliness, studies have shown that people are less likely to seek help or support. This may be due to the stigma associated with loneliness, or because people feel embarrassed to speak about their feelings.

It is important to remember that loneliness is a normal emotion and is nothing to be ashamed of.  Recognising that loneliness is a prevalent problem can help remove the stigma by enabling people to receive assistance without worrying about being judged.

Yet, Stuart Andrew, the British minister for loneliness, told me that one of the challenges of loneliness is the stigma that surrounds it.

Experiencing loneliness can heighten the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Studies have also found that loneliness can harm mental health.

Having poor social relationships, including being socially isolated or lonely, was found to have a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

Additionally, loneliness was linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

In a recent study (2023), researchers examined more than 491,000 participants with a follow-up period of 15 years. They concluded there was an association between loneliness and Parkinson’s disease, but did not demonstrate cause and effect in this case.

In addition, loneliness can affect sleep quality and lead to an increase in stress levels. This can further exacerbate the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Luckily, there are numerous methods to tackle loneliness. Spending time with friends and family and participating in social activities and hobbies can reduce loneliness and improve well-being.

It is important to remember that loneliness is not a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of. It is a common emotion everyone experiences occasionally, and it is important to address it.

Loneliness can negatively affect sleep patterns and lead to insomnia or disrupted sleep.

It is necessary to practice good sleep hygiene to reduce loneliness’s effects on sleep. It is advisable to refrain from consuming caffeine and alcohol before going to bed. Try to maintain a consistent sleep routine, and refrain from using electronic devices before bedtime.

Making exercise a part of your routine can positively affect your physical and mental health. Regular exercise can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and promote better sleep quality. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.

Ultimately, it is vital to seek help if you are struggling with loneliness. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can assist in processing underlying issues and creating effective strategies to cope with loneliness.

 Loneliness can contribute to developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.  

Plus, it can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and difficulty concentrating. If you are feeling lonely and overwhelmed, it is essential to reach out for help. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can help you identify underlying issues and develop coping strategies for loneliness. Connecting with loved ones can help alleviate loneliness and isolation.

- Loneliness can impair cognitive function and memory.  

Socialising with others can help improve cognitive functioning and boost memory. This may include joining a support group, engaging in activities with friends, or talking to a therapist.  

Be open to saying yes to the above.  

We know it’s easier to say no and stay home.

But that option keeps you alone. 

Additionally, engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles or learning a new language, can help improve cognitive functioning. 

Finally, it is essential to practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself. Acknowledging your feelings and allowing yourself to experience them can help reduce the effects of loneliness and improve overall well-being.

Taking time for yourself and doing things that make you feel good can also help reduce loneliness.

Conclusion: Some professionals have voiced that loneliness is a killer due to the health problems associated with an isolated life.

We have explored how loneliness can impact our physical and mental health and is linked to social isolation thus elevating the risks for various physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even mortality are all potential health concerns.

It should now be clear we need to prioritise our well-being and take steps to combat loneliness by building connections, seeking support, and practising self-care. We can enhance our well-being and overall quality of life by tackling loneliness.