Experts say loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This means that taking loneliness lightly can prove to be a serious threat to life.
Difference between loneliness and social isolation
First of all, it is important to understand that loneliness and social isolation are not the same thing.
Social isolation means that a person has little contact with others, has no people to hang out with, or almost no participation in social activities.
Loneliness is an emotional experience when a person feels that his social relationships are not meeting his needs or expectations.
Therefore, someone can feel lonely even while being in a crowd and someone can be content even being alone.
What do scientific studies say?
Much research suggests that loneliness and social isolation directly affect health.
According to studies, loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 26-29%.
Scientists have called it as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Loneliness also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and anxiety.
The risk of heart disease may increase by 29% and the risk of stroke by 32%.
- The impact on mental health is so profound that it can even lead to depression, drug addiction and suicidal tendencies.
It is clear that loneliness is not just a mental condition but a public health crisis.
Why is loneliness increasing?
Modern lifestyle and travel
Due to job and education, people move away from their family and birthplace. Traditional relationships become weak and there is less emotional support.Social media and digital life
Online conversations have increased, but actual engagement has decreased. Friendship in the virtual world cannot provide the depth of real relationships.COVID-19 pandemic
Lockdown and social distancing kept people isolated for a long time. Its impact is still being felt.breakdown of joint families
Smaller families and the tendency to live alone have increased loneliness among both the elderly and the young.Physical and mental effects of loneliness
- Physical effects: lack of sleep, high blood pressure, heart disease, decreased immunity.
- Mental effects: Lack of self-confidence, depression, anxiety, anti-social behavior and increased stress levels.
- Long-term effects: Shortened lifespan and reduced quality of life.
Ways to avoid loneliness
Experts believe that loneliness can be reduced with a little effort.
create social connections
Talk to family, friends and neighbors. Even a short daily meeting is effective.Give time to hobbies and interests
Take up painting, music, writing, gardening or learn a new art. It keeps the mind busy and gives self-satisfaction.Volunteering
Join any social organization or community work. This increases connection with people and gives satisfaction of contributing to the society.positive use of online
Don't limit your use of social media to just chats, but increase physical interactions through meetups, online classes or group activities.meditation and yoga
Mindfulness, meditation and yoga are helpful in reducing stress and increasing positivity.seek professional help
If loneliness becomes very deep and a situation like depression starts developing, then seek the advice of a mental health expert.take small steps
Calling an old friend, checking in with a neighbor, or sending a daily text – these small efforts slowly make a big difference.Need for social and policy initiatives
Loneliness is not only a problem of the individual but also of the society. The government and the community will have to work together to find solutions.
- Increasing public spaces and community centers so that people can do activities together.
- To tell people how dangerous loneliness is by running education and awareness campaigns.
- Incorporating social engagement into health services, so that doctors also pay attention to the mental and social conditions of patients.
- Creative use of technology so online platforms encourage genuine engagement.
The impact on mental health is so profound that it can even lead to depression, drug addiction and suicidal tendencies.
Why is loneliness increasing?
Physical and mental effects of loneliness
Physical effects: lack of sleep, high blood pressure, heart disease, decreased immunity.
Mental effects: Lack of self-confidence, depression, anxiety, anti-social behavior and increased stress levels.
Long-term effects: Shortened lifespan and reduced quality of life.
Ways to avoid loneliness
Need for social and policy initiatives
Increasing public spaces and community centers so that people can do activities together.
To tell people how dangerous loneliness is by running education and awareness campaigns.
Incorporating social engagement into health services, so that doctors also pay attention to the mental and social conditions of patients.
Creative use of technology so online platforms encourage genuine engagement.
