The epidemic of Loneliness and Mental Health
Loneliness and Mental Health.
At the beginning of May, the U.S. surgeon general sounded an alarm about an American epidemic which predated COVID-19: loneliness, now affecting half of all Americans. It is a serious problem. Lack of social connection, according to one dramatic formulation, has been found to be as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
Loneliness is an important part of our emotional health. While conversations around mental health and emotional health are becoming more common, we certainly do not talk about it often enough around the dinner table, at the office, or with friends. If we talk about health of any kind, we are far more comfortable talking about our physical health.
Talking about loneliness and emotional health feels vulnerable. Our pain and disconnection feels painful, raw, and private. Many of us have been taught that if we are sad, we should be able to pick ourselves up and "move on." I just had that discussion with a boomer client this week. In the short term, ignoring our mental health may seem easier, but there are long term consequences on our physical health. If you don't believe me, read the Surgeon General's whole report on loneliness https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html. Mental health conditions lead to heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, among other things.
In these unprecedented times, (how many times have I said that in the last four years), it is okay to "not be okay." In a society that puts pressure on perfection and a curated life, it can be hard to ask for help. How do you identify if you need help? According to the National Alliance on Mental Health and my own clinical experience, common signs of mental illness include:
Excessive fear and worry
Feeling sad or low
Disconnection from others
Trouble concentrating
Irritability or anger
Avoiding friends and social activities (loneliness here again)
Changes in sleep habits
Changes in eating
Overuse of substances to cope
Headaches, stomach aches, etc.
Muscle tension
Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems or stress
If several of the symptoms above resonate, its time for you to look for more support. If you are looking to connect with a counselor, there are great resources out there. Find a provider on the Psychology Today website, ask a trusted friend, or feel free to ask me. Even if you don't use a Well provider, I am happy to make sure you find the support that makes sense for you.