Loneliness & Social Connection

Loneliness can feel like it will never end. It can also make you feel different, or “weird.” But this You might feel lonely or couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, when disconnected if you: you feel lonely you have more in common with • Often feel like you don’t people than you think. Several years ago, experts belong discovered that a large number of Americans • Have few close family ties and friendships feel lonely much of the time and that number • Have difficulty meeting continues to increase each year. new people • Are feeling loss or grief Being alone is not the same as experiencing • Feel that your life lacks loneliness. purpose or meaning

• Have a mental health Living alone or enjoying “alone time” does not mean that a person is condition such as lonely. Loneliness happens when you don’t enjoy being alone or feel depression or anxiety alone regardless of who is around. Loneliness is a feeling that comes • Are experiencing poor when you don’t have the level or quality of relationships that you physical health or having desire. It doesn’t matter how many people are around you, if you are trouble getting around feeling disconnected, you are likely to feel lonely. • Fear being left out by others for being “different” There are more ways than ever to connect with people around the • Are unable to participate in world, yet reported rates of loneliness are higher than ever. In 2017, activities the U.S. Surgeon General identified loneliness as an epidemic with • Are going through a life health consequences equal to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The change or transition such as negative physical impact of loneliness includes a higher risk for heart retirement, moving to a new disease and inflammation, lower immunity to disease, depression, home, or a change in family anxiety and even dementia. or friend group

• Live alone On the other hand, feeling and being connected contributes to • Face challenges with positive mental health and protects against illness, despair, and language or culture suicide. There are many things people can try that will help them to feel more connected to other people and their communities. Anyone can feel lonely, even without an obvious cause. FACT: In 2019, results of a Cigna study showed that loneliness is a growing mental health crisis. 3 in 5 Americans (61%) identify as lonely, compared to more than half (54%) in 2018. Loneliness & Social Connection

Everyone feels lonely from Try these stragies to decrease loneliness. time to time, but long periods Humans are social creatures. We need meaningful connections to of loneliness can have a thrive. Here are some things to try if you are feeling lonely: negative impact on your physical and mental health. Some signs include: Get connected: Get support : When possible, connect If loneliness is Physical Health Symptoms and have conversations causing you distress, • Difficulty with sleep with friends or family in ways that reach out to a friend, family feel comfortable to you. If your member, clergy, doctor, or other • Change in appetite loved ones don’t live nearby, use health professional and let them technology to keep in touch. know how you are feeling. • Fatigue and lack of energy

• Body aches and pains, illness, Get involved: Get active: or lowered immunity Join a club, enroll in Physical activity a class, join a community improves mood and Mental Health Symptoms center, or engage in a hobby. energy which helps with • Lack of motivation Meeting people with similar motivation to engage with other interests helps you engage with people. • Increased symptoms of others. depression and anxiety

• Feelings of hopelessness, Nurture Help others:

worthlessness, or thoughts of something: When you give to suicide Taking care of pets, plants, or others your focus other things can provide a sense shifts away from yourself and helps • Increased use of alcohol, you to feel more connected. of mutual comfort, support, and tobacco, drugs, or other purpose. substances that interfere with daily activities or relationships If you are concerned about If you are concerned that someone’s loneliness: someone is suicidal:

• Give them a call • Stay with the person. Remain • Tell them you care calm and supportive. • Invite an honest conversation • Call the Maryland Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1, Press 1 or • Support them in trying strategies to improve feelings • Text TALK to 741741 to be connected with a trained of connection crisis counselor.

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