Loneliness & Social

Isolation
A Bigger Issue Than You Think
What is loneliness & social isolation?
Both loneliness and social isolation are completely two different terms, but
they correlate with each other. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being
alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Meanwhile, social
isolation is the lack of social contacts or interaction. Social isolation can lead
to loneliness to some people, but to others, they can feel lonely without
being socially isolated.

What causes loneliness and social What are some effects of

isolation? loneliness and social isolation?
Some causes include: Antisocial behavior
Loss of loved ones Alcoholism and drug use
Remote location Depression and suicide
Social Media Increased stress levels
Lack of social relationships Decreased memory and
Low self-esteem learning
Unemployment Altered brain function

The Sad Truth of Loneliness and Social

Isolation
Immigrant and LGBTQ people are at higher risk of
loneliness and social isolation
According to researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad, loneliness
is as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Social isolation lead to a 50% percent increased risk of
dementia
Feeling alone increases the risk of death by 26%
One-third of American adults are affected by loneliness

Loneliness & Social Isolation during Covid-19

During the pandemic, loneliness and social isolation was on the rise
and it hit teens and young adults the hardest. "In the recently
released results of a study conducted last October by researchers
at Making Caring Common, 36 percent of respondents to a national
survey of approximately 950 Americans reported feeling lonely
“frequently” or “almost all the time or all the time” in the prior four
weeks, compared with 25 percent who recalled experiencing
serious issues in the two months prior to the pandemic. Perhaps
most striking is that 61 percent of those aged 18 to 25 reported
high levels."
What are some ways to prevent loneliness or social isolation from
impacting me?
Stay physically active
Consider adopting a pet
Get involved in your community
Find an activity that you will enjoy or renew an old hobby
Schedule time each day to communicate with your
family
Want to learn more??
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-
connected#:~:text=Loneliness%20is%20the%20distressing%20feeling,while%20being%20with%20other%20people
https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/effects-of-social-isolation-on-mental-health/