Epidemic of loneliness

As the world is getting smaller and the population is increasing day by day, we find ourselves living in time where we are more connected than ever thanks to technology – but yet, we have stumbled upon the epidemic of loneliness according to a recent study that was conducted by researchers at the Brigham Young University in the United States.

Researchers have concluded that being alone and feeling lonely increases an individual’s chance of death by approximately 30%. In a recent interview with CNN, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, of Brigham Young University said that the feeling of being alone and feeling alone needs to be taken seriously.

Furthermore, the study in total analyzed 70 independent studies with over 3.4 million participants followed for roughly seven years. The overall research that was found was that social isolation resulted in a higher likelihood of death.

One question that many are asking is; why are we getting lonelier?

One of the main reasons seems to be the change within society. As our lives continue to develop, we seem to be separating ourselves from our loved ones. Individuals often find themselves being quite a large distance away from family and friends, which is where the dependence on social technology comes into play. Rather than developing our relationships further and spending time with loved ones, we find ourselves being superficial by relying on social networks to expand connections and bonds.

why are we getting lonelier?

As part of human nature, we need the feel to belong and feel connected to one another and when this does not happen naturally, we feel social pain, which feels just like physical pain. Researchers have proven that loneliness and rejection trigger the same areas in the brain that activate physical pain.

Whether you have a partner or are surrounded by family or friends, one can still be and feel lonely. “When you have a need and desire to be interpersonally connected and recognize that it’s missing you may become wrapped in the emotion of loneliness,” said Dr. Mary Lamia, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst of Psychology Today.

loneliness and social isolation go hand in hand.

One sign of loneliness includes loss of sleep, a research conducted in South Dakota revealed that although loneliness doesn’t change the amount of sleep in individuals, it does increase the amount of times one awakens during the night. Another would be frequently falling ill as physical isolation and loneliness have been linked with a few different health problems. For instance, a study from UCLA revealed that the immune system shifts focus in lonelier people – allowing it to focus on bacteria rather than viruses.

Depression actually plays a huge factor and often times you can see the symptoms of it as well as loneliness and social isolation go hand in hand. Studies have described that loneliness is a major precipitant of depression.

However, combating loneliness is not impossible and one of the ways to get started can be done through enhancing ones support system. Approaching professionals and seeking counseling are the first steps to understanding the situation and speaking openly about it. Other options are to increase opportunities for social interaction; whether it is by going out and meeting new people, or picking up the phone to arrange a time to meet up with a friend or family member.