Global Courant 2023-05-11 17:55:38
In recent years, experts have begun to see loneliness as a threat to our physical health.
Although loneliness was considered a psychological condition, studies are showing its great impact on an individual’s overall well-being. Recently, US Surgeon General Vivek H Murthy, in a health advisory, warned that loneliness is becoming a serious cause of concern in the United States. He urged Americans to spend more time with each other in an increasingly divided society.
Loneliness can be defined as a state where one’s need for deep human connection remains unfulfilled. It’s different from being alone. A person may also experience loneliness among friends and loved ones. According to studies, people who experience loneliness have a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke and dementia. They are also at an increased risk of premature death. According to experts, loneliness has negatively affected physical health and longevity. Also, COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns have exacerbated the effects of loneliness in the population.
What can loneliness do to your body?
The surgeon mentioned that loneliness has escalated to become a threat to public health over the years. According to a study cited in the advisory, time spent with friends decreased by 20 hours per month since 2003. Time spent alone increased by 24 hours per month over the same period.
According to an international media, feelings of chronic loneliness are associated with an increased risk of depression a year later. Loneliness is related to the stress response. It stimulates the body’s fighting system. If loneliness is chronic, the affected person may remain stressed for a long period. This can further cause inflammation known to damage tissues and blood vessels. It can further increase the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease.
Loneliness often occurs due to a lack of meaningful connection, so a person can still be lonely even if they are in a large social group.
Symptoms of chronic loneliness
Chronic loneliness can affect a person’s physical health. If a person has experienced loneliness for a long period, they may experience some of the following signs:
– He doesn’t ask for help
-Has low energy levels
-It is impossible to concentrate
-There is a tendency to get sick often
-He has chronic pain
– Experiences anxiety and worry
– Desires for physical warmth such as hot drinks, hot showers, cuddling soft toys and others.
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