The Global Loneliness Epidemic
by Anne Ueberbach
Assistant Director/Counsellor
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a “Global Loneliness Epidemic” in 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic had halted economic and social activity, significantly increasing levels of loneliness across the world.
Loneliness can be defined as a subjective experience of social isolation, however, should not be confused with someone choosing to be alone. It is accompanied by feeling disconnected from others and refers to a negative perception of the quality of one’s relationships. Meaning, we can feel lonely despite being surrounded by others, and vice versa, we can be alone without feeling lonely.
Who is Affected? – Risk Groups & Risk Factors
Loneliness can affect anyone in the community, however young adults (18-29 years old) and older adults (65-79 years old) are the most vulnerable amongst the different age groups. Young adults are often affected by significant social changes while transitioning into adulthood (think leaving friend groups behind when graduating from high school, completing higher education and joining the work force), which disrupt friendships. Similarly, older adults are also experiencing significant life changes in addition to health challenges.
Different risk factors are at play when it comes to experiencing loneliness, and truth be told, there is no conclusive answer as to why some people experience loneliness more severely than others. What we do know however, is that individual differences (e.g. personality traits, genes, attachment styles, marital status, living situation and even income levels) can contribute to higher levels of loneliness.
Other risk factors include:
Social isolation - Physical separation from friends, family, or community due to factors like geographic distance, or disability.
Lack of Social Support - Limited access to supportive relationships or a lack of close friends or family members to rely on during times of need.
Mental Health Issues – Conditions such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem can amplify feelings of loneliness, creating a cycle where loneliness exacerbates mental health challenges, and vice versa.
Physical Health Issues - Chronic illness, disability, or mobility limitations can restrict social interactions and participation in activities, leading to increased loneliness.
Stigmatisation or Discrimination: Experiencing prejudice, discrimination, or marginalization based on factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status
Technology Use - While technology can facilitate social connections, excessive use of social media or reliance on digital interactions over face-to-face communication may contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
The Effects of Loneliness on Health
We are all vulnerable to experiencing loneliness. Meeting our social needs is just as important as meeting other needs such as hunger and thirst. Hence, we should view feelings of loneliness as a signal to reach out to others and to take action before it impacts our health and well-being.
Physical Health
Broadly speaking, loneliness negatively affects our stress levels and weakens our immune system, which causes further health issues such as:
Increased inflammatory response
Decreased cognitive health
Faster progression of Alzheimer’s disease
Elevated blood pressure
Sleep disturbances
Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours / unhealthy coping mechanisms
Mental health
It is no surprise that higher levels of loneliness are related to more severe mental health symptoms, especially if a decline in physical health has occurred. Emotional and psychological challenges loneliness may contribute to are:
Depression
Chronic loneliness can exacerbate depressive symptoms and increase the risk of developing clinical depression. It may also intensify feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that are commonly associated with depression.Anxiety
Loneliness can heighten feelings of anxiety and social unease, leading to increased worry, nervousness, and fear in social situations. Socially isolated individuals may experience heightened levels of social anxiety, which can further isolate them from potential social interactions.Low self-esteem
Persistent feelings of loneliness can erode self-esteem and self-worth, leading individuals to doubt their value and importance to others. This diminished sense of self-esteem may further perpetuate feelings of loneliness and social isolation.Stress
Loneliness can be a significant source of chronic stress, triggering the body's stress response system and leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Prolonged exposure to stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and other stress-related conditions.Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Individuals who perceive themselves as socially disconnected may feel hopeless and believe that life lacks meaning or purpose, increasing their vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.Substance abuse
Loneliness and social isolation can be risk factors for substance abuse and addiction. Individuals may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness and emotional distress.
Seeking Help through Counselling
Addressing loneliness and promoting social connections can play a crucial role in improving both emotional well-being and physical health. Building supportive relationships, participating in community activities, and seeking professional help when needed are important steps in mitigating the adverse effects of loneliness on overall health. Loneliness appears seemingly simple to resolve but may not be easily addressed as it is likely a consequence of a multitude of factors. An example, is that some individuals may feel relief by having more social interactions while others may only experience relief once they overcome particular barriers.
Thus, interventions that focus solely on providing more social opportunities have shown minimal benefits, as loneliness is not a simple equivalent to being alone or physically isolated. Instead, studies have found that the most effective intervention for loneliness is to address maladaptive cognition about others via cognitive-behavioural oriented interventions (e.g. CBT) while concurrently increasing social support. Therapists may also utilize strengths-based, positive psychology frameworks, to increase the meaningfulness of existing relationships, promote positive emotions, and focus on thriving during times of adversity.
Broadly speaking, therapy will focus on exploring the underlying causes of loneliness, building self-awareness, challenging negative beliefs, exploring new social opportunities, improving social skills and providing emotional support. However as we are all unique individuals, there is no one size fits all approach to managing loneliness.
