In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation.” He cited that about half of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, and people are spending increasingly more time alone.
For young adults ages 15 to 24, time spent in person with friends has declined by nearly 70 percent over the past two decades. Experts attribute increasing isolation across age groups to social media use, declining marriage rates, and early COVID-19 lockdowns disrupting social ties.
Loneliness has been linked to depression and anxiety, and it also increases the risk of health problems like heart disease and dementia.
Read on to learn how loneliness impacts your health and what you can do to prevent it.
What is the difference between loneliness and social isolation?
Loneliness is feeling disconnected from others. If your relationships don’t feel fulfilling or if you lack a sense of belonging, you might feel lonely, even if you spend time with friends, family, and coworkers.
Social isolation is rarely interacting with others and lacking social support.
“Someone who’s socially isolated and doesn’t have a lot of social contacts may not feel lonely at all, but someone else may feel lonely even when they’re surrounded by lots of people,” said psychologist Amy Sullivan in a 2024 Cleveland Clinic article.
Both loneliness and social isolation can have negative health impacts.
Who is at risk of loneliness or social isolation?
Anyone can feel lonely or isolated, but some people are at increased risk. You are more likely to feel lonely or isolated if you:
- Have a chronic physical or mental health condition
- Experience discrimination or abuse
- Live alone
- Live in a rural area
- Face language barriers within your community
- Are coping with a major life change, such as unemployment, the loss of loved one, or divorce
If you wish you felt closer to others, you’re not alone.
“It is easy to feel you’re the only one who needs social connectedness, but that is not true,” said Dr. Tiffani Bell Washington, a psychiatrist, in a 2023 American Medical Association article. “There is no shame in being lonely. We were built for connection.”
Why does loneliness impact physical health?
Long-term loneliness increases cortisol, a stress hormone. Chronically high cortisol levels can cause widespread inflammation, which can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of certain health conditions. Plus, loneliness and social isolation can prevent you from making lifestyle choices that help you stay healthy, like getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating nutritious meals.
Even short-term loneliness can cause health consequences. A 2024 study published in Health Psychology found that even people who report temporary or variable loneliness are more likely to experience symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
What health problems are you at risk of if you’re lonely?
Loneliness and social isolation can increase your risk of health problems like:
- Cold and flu
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Dementia
People who are lonely or isolated are also at an increased risk of early death, as well as mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Taking steps to prevent and reduce loneliness and isolation is an important way to help protect against health problems at any age.
“People assume if someone is doing well, making money and has a family that they can’t be lonely, but that is not true,” said Bell Washington. “We all benefit from having a deeper connection with others, no matter what stage of life we’re in.”
How can you manage loneliness and isolation?
Schedule quality time with loved ones.
Prioritizing in-person time with friends and family can create a deeper sense of connection. Even a phone call can help you feel closer to others.
Don’t use social media as a substitute for socializing.
“When we look at social media, it’s this sense of a connection but it’s not that deep. We’re missing that personal interaction that we can only get when we’re together,” said psychologist Adam Borland in the Cleveland Clinic article. You may have a lot of ‘friends’ on social media, however, there’s no depth to that.”
You may also want to take a break from social media to prioritize in-person connections.
Seek small connections in daily life.
While conversations with strangers, neighbors, and coworkers might not provide you with adequate support, these brief interactions can improve your social skills, which can help you feel more confident in seeking closer connections.
Ask for help.
Loneliness can be a symptom of depression, so it’s important to take your feelings seriously.
“If you notice that you are sad or worried more days than not, that would be a sign that you probably should check in with someone,” said Bell Washington. “In addition to confiding in a trusted family friend, I’d recommend reaching out to your personal physician.”
If you’re looking for additional mental health resources, Public Good News has compiled this list, including a guide to finding treatment.
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm or is anxious, depressed, or upset, or needs to talk, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. For international resources, here is a good place to begin.