According to the Department of Health and Human Services circa 2023, the United States is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. Contributing factors include a decrease in marriage rates, a decrease in community involvement and connection, declining mental and physical health, and increased reliance on technology. The populations that tends to struggle the most with isolation are those with poor physical or mental health, individuals with financial insecurity, people living alone, single parents, and younger and older populations. In fact, the loneliness rates of young people have increased every year between 1976 and 2019. It is also important to note that social isolation increases negative health outcomes such as increasing stress hormones, creating inflammation in our bodies, and decreased attention to nutrition. While some people are true introverts who do not feel the need to connect with others, most of us do. The question becomes, how? Some ways to connect include: meetup.com, local church or community groups, volunteer organizations, taking a class, beginning therapy, and participating in township sponsored activities when offered. If you think that you might be struggling with loneliness, reaching out to a therapist can be a great first start. You don’t have to be alone. Connectedness is the key to happiness.
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