Loneliness occurs when the connections a person needs are greater than what they have. Not everyone feels it the same way or for the same reason.

America has a new epidemic. It can’t be treated using traditional therapies even though it has debilitating and even deadly consequences.

The problem seeping in at the corners of our communities is loneliness and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is hoping to generate awareness and offer remedies before it claims more lives.

“Most of us probably think of loneliness as just a bad feeling,” he told USA TODAY. “It turns out that loneliness has far greater implications for our health when we struggle with a sense of social disconnection, being lonely or isolated.”

Loneliness is detrimental to mental and physical health, experts say, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke and premature death. As researchers track record levels of self-reported loneliness, public health leaders are banding together to develop a public health framework to address the epidemic.

  • vithigar
    9·
    11 months ago

    There is no place for people to congregate that doesn’t require you to spend money.

    I just go to friends’ homes, or they come to mine. I’m quite happy to entertain rather than go out, it’s more convenient and costs much less.

    • EmpathicVagrant@lemmy.world
      101·
      11 months ago
       Not everyone is so lucky as to have friends to visit - there used to be places where one could socialize without spending money, and without having to entertain a vice like the bar or casino.
  There’s really no options for folks to go and just meet similar minded people, so new friends are just harder and harder to find as we get older.

      Idk how I made that font happen but I’m leaving it there.

      • EatATaco@lemm.eeEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        Can I ask what places used to exist that don’t anymore where people could congregate for free and socialize?

      • vithigar
        1·
        11 months ago

        Yes, this is certainly true and I’m fortunate it’s an option.

      • Dark Arc@social.packetloss.ggEnglish
        23·
        11 months ago

        What places are you talking about? I can’t think of anything that would’ve existed that doesn’t now.

        It’s certainly true that more people are spending time at home with Netflix or video games that might have chosen a book and/or a more social space though.