The U.S. Surgeon General recently released their report, "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (opens in new tab)”. It determined Americans are lacking social connection at widespread levels, and loneliness is affecting our mental and physical health. The report states loneliness is associated with a greater risk of dementia, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death. In adults, loneliness can double the risk of developing depression, and in children, loneliness increases their risk for depression and anxiety in the present, but also well into the future.
The report compares lacking social connection as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. We’ll explain what it all means, and what can be done to combat the loneliness epidemic.
What is social connection? Is social isolation different from loneliness?
The report defines social connection as, “the structure, function, and quality of our relationships with others…Social isolation is objectively having few social relationships, social roles, group memberships, and infrequent social interaction.” In comparison, loneliness is a subjective internal state or a feeling related to isolation or inadequate meaningful connections.
What causes social isolation and loneliness?
There are a range of factors that cause social isolation and loneliness. While isolation can poorly affect your health, it can also be the cause of it; people with poor mental or physical health, and chronic disease are at a higher risk for social disconnection or isolation. According to the report, other causes can include being an ethnic minority, identifying as LGBTQ+, living alone and having a lower income. The report notes the pandemic and social media both had mixed effects on social isolation - increasing virtual social connection yet decreasing in-person interactions.