A lack of social connection has major effects on Americans’ mental and physical health. U.S.
Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D.
, released an advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in 2023, sounding the alarm that our relationships are as important to our health as physical activity, diet and sleep. The report underscores that being lonely or socially isolated is a health threat that rivals smoking — estimating it to be the health equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — and increases people’s risk for many serious illnesses, including depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease and dementia. While social isolation and loneliness are different, they are related.
Social isolation is having very few people you call, text or visit — people you can depend on or consider real friends. Loneliness is more about your feelings — your perception of being alone and isolated. In other words: You can live alone and not feel lonely or socially isolated, and you can feel lonely while being with other people.
Think of your own connections — what if you moved or changed jobs or lost your job or retired? Would you be able to maintain your social ties? Research shows many factors contribute to the rise of Americans’ social isolation, including: Spending less time with friends and family. Losing friends when they pass away. Having caregiving responsibilities.
Experiencing a traumatic event or receiving a serious illness diagnosis. Scrolling endlessly on social .