Amid an ongoing loneliness epidemic, mental health has deteriorated mainly due to limited social exposure and few in-person friends.
Eugene, Oregon–(Newsfile Corp. – March 8, 2024) – Even before COVID spread to all corners of the world and caused isolation, loneliness has been running rampant. In some countries with community-based cultural values, the effects may have not been as palpable. However, in the United States, throughout Europe, and also in Asia, loneliness has become a silent killer. Depending on the person, their situation, and the availability of social support, loneliness can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, addiction, and an earlier death.
In the same report on loneliness and its grave consequences, the CDC notes that these outcomes can occur even if someone doesn’t feel lonely. It also costs the American economy almost $406 billion annually. To resolve this crisis, countries globally have created loneliness ministers and formulated national strategies to cultivate social connection.
While these initiatives are improving some lives, it’s nearly impossible to solve a problem without the correct infrastructure. Loneliness is a unique phenomenon that results from a myriad of factors. As a result, solutions have been fragmented, mostly handling the effects of a bigger root problem. This is why the number of people experiencing loneliness isn’t declining.