Loneliness and mental healthImage Credit Source: Indipix/Indiaapicture/Getty Images
Loneliness impact on health: The Social Relations Commission of the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its global report, stating that 1 out of 6 people worldwide are affected by loneliness, which has a profound impact on health and welfare. The report states that strong social relations and better health can become a ray of living longevity.
WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adnom Ghebreesus said, “When the chances of joining in this era are infinite, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and alone.” He further said, “Apart from its impact on individuals, families and communities, if it is ignored, loneliness and social isolation will continue to harm the society in terms of health care, education and employment.
The scope and cause of loneliness and social isolation
The WHO’s recent released report states that loneliness not only damages mental health but also gives rise to physical illnesses. A survey conducted between 2014 and 2023 has found that loneliness affects people of all ages, especially youth and people living in lower and medium-income countries (LMICs).
Loneliness is increasing among youth
17 to 21% of the people between the ages of 13 to 29 years said to feel lonely, in which this rate was the highest among adolescents. In lower income countries, about 24% of people talked about feeling lonely – which is doubled at the rate of high -income countries (about 11%).
Growing distance in digital era
Dr. AK Vishwakarma in the Department of Mental Diseases at the district hospital in Ghaziabad says that even in the world digitally connected, many youth feel lonely. Technology is giving a new look to life, but it has to be ensured that it strengthens human relations, not weakens. Because the effect of long -term loneliness comes in the form of depression, anxiety, sleep problem, memory degradation, high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Growing diseases due to loneliness
Loneliness and social isolation increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and premature death. It also affects mental health, the possibility of depression is doubled among the people living alone. Loneliness can also give rise to anxiety and self-existence or suicide ideas.
How to protect against loneliness
Most people know what loneliness is. And every person can bring changes with everyday small steps-like contacting a needy friend, keeping his phone away to join the conversation completely, greeting a neighbor, joining a local group or doing self-service. If the problem is more serious then it is necessary to take medical help.
Importance of social places
Experts believe that to fight loneliness is most important to increase social engagement. For this, community parks, schools, library, club, religious places can play a good role. In these places, social bonds are strengthened by activity like meeting, talking, sharing emotions, meeting each other through sports. Even in digital era, face-to-face interaction, friendship and relationships are the highest importance that can save you from loneliness.