Sometimes we’re surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Being surrounded is not the same thing as being socially connected.
This isn’t a new phenomenon; there have always been lonely people. In fact, in 2023, the US Surgeon General stated that loneliness and isolation are now a national epidemic. On a global level, the World Health Organization reports that approximately 1 in 6 (16% – 24%) adults are experiencing overwhelming feelings of loneliness, with 100 deaths every hour (871,000 lives each year) being claimed by social disconnection. Loneliness is a serious problem.
The latest stats show that loneliness is felt most acutely amongst young people aged 13-29 (21%-27% globally), with the highest rate amongst teenagers, while those 65+ reported lower numbers. Income also matters: loneliness is twice as high in low-income countries (24%) compared to high-income nations (12%).
Whether you’re young or old or somewhere in between, if you can identify with this, you’re not alone, perhaps just a little bit lonely.
Loneliness and social isolation are understood to be a rising issue and a priority public health problem, as they have serious negative consequences and impact your physical and mental health, quality of life and longevity. High-quality social connections are vital for overall physical and mental health. Without friendships and social circles, our wellbeing suffers considerably. This is true for people of all ages, young and old.
What are social connections?
The World Health Organization defines social connection as “the ways people relate to and interact with others”. Loneliness is the painful or uncomfortable feeling that comes from a gap (either real or imagined) between desired connections and actual social connections. Social isolation is a lack of sufficient social connections.
Dr Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization says, “In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely. Apart from the toll it takes on individuals, families and communities, left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in terms of health care, education, and employment.”
What’s leading to our feelings of social isolation and disconnection?
In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, many adolescents and young adults feel more alone than ever before. As rapidly evolving technology reshapes our lives at breakneck speed, the challenge is to ensure it strengthens, not weakens, our human connections.
With 1 in 4 teens and 1 in 3 older adults reporting social isolation, within those groups are individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, indigenous groups, ethnic minorities, refugees and migrants who face much higher rates of stress, discrimination and social barriers.
It’s not surprising that as the world has become more “connected” through social media, video chats and messaging apps, we are also reporting increasing feelings of isolation and loneliness. The things that were built to bring us together have made us more disconnected from each other than ever before. Even if you feel that you’re using technology to make connections, it may be the very thing leading you to feel socially isolated and lonely.
Loneliness impacts health, quality of life and economies
Social isolation and loneliness have far-reaching implications that impact all areas of our physical and mental health.
The healthy connections and strong social bonds we form can protect our health for life, as they:
- Reduce inflammation
- Lower the risk of serious health problems
- Improve mental health
- Prevent premature death
- Strengthen the social fabric
- Make communities healthier, wealthier, and safer
On the other hand, loneliness and social isolation affect mental health, and those who are lonely are twice as likely to suffer from depression. Loneliness can also:
- Increase the risk of stroke
- Contribute to heart disease and diabetes
- Cause cognitive decline
- Contribute to premature death
- Lead to anxiety, self-harm and suicide
Loneliness causes a wide range of complex feelings, with up to 81% of adults reporting anxiety, depression and nearly 75% feeling like they have little to no purpose in life. It’s possible that while loneliness induces anxiety and deepens depression and feelings of meaninglessness, those same exact feelings also add to the issue of being lonely.
On an economic level, loneliness and social isolation also negatively affect learning and employment. Teens who felt lonely were 22% more likely to get lower grades, reported higher early education dropout rates and struggled to find meaningful employment.
Adults who feel lonely or isolated may find it harder to find or maintain employment. Social isolation can also lead to poor job performance, higher unemployment rates, a diminished workforce, and lower overall earnings over time.
At a local level, communities with strong social bonds tend to be healthier, safer and more resilient. In contrast, communities with social isolation cost billions in lost workforce productivity and increased health care costs. The disconnection also shrinks vital support networks and limits upward mobility.
So how do we stop feeling so lonely?
Most of us know what it feels like to be lonely at one point or another. The struggle is breaking the cycle of loneliness and making healthy social connections.
In a Harvard Education survey, respondents rated technology as the main contributor (73%) to loneliness in America. For parents of children, tweens and teens, this means understanding the negative effects of excessive screen time and implementing time controls. Caretakers and educators also must recognise and take action against harmful online interactions and the impact on the mental health and well-being of young people.
The Harvard report, Loneliness in America, also found that “Encouragingly, the solution people endorsed most, including lonely adults, is available to almost all of us: taking time each day to reach out to a friend or family member.”
While that might not be an available option for everyone, through simple, everyday steps, it’s possible to decrease social isolation and loneliness by:
- Reaching out to a friend
- Volunteering
- Putting limitations on screen time
- Turning off phone notifications in order to stay present in conversations and social situations
- Getting to know your neighbours
- Making small talk with the people you meet in daily life
- Joining a local community group.
- Trying a new hobby
- Taking up a sport
You don’t need to completely restructure your life to gain meaningful connections. And you don’t need to “collect” people or hobbies in the hopes of gaining connections. You can have work relationships, a family, thousands of followers on social media and a fully packed social calendar and still feel lonely.
The goal isn’t always “more” of everything; it’s more meaningful interactions and connections.
How The Place Retreats Bali can help
Being surrounded is not the same thing as being socially connected. At The Place Retreats, we understand that loneliness is an increasing issue, and the antidote isn’t simply being surrounded by more people; it’s feeling connected and safe with the people and world around us.
At The Place Retreats, healthy living and connection are part of our daily lives and vital to everything we do. Our Balinese haven is a supportive, luxurious sanctuary where clients can focus on their mental well-being as they learn to incorporate healthy habits for a longer life. Free from the pressures, distractions, and stress of everyday life, guests at The Place Retreats rediscover themselves through our evidence-based therapies and personalised care.
Our retreats offer a wide range of activities, from daily yoga and integrative therapy to support emotional healing. We also offer specialised retreats for your personal development. All of our retreats are led by experienced therapists and take a holistic approach, integrating body, mind, and spirit.
If you’re ready to learn new habits that support connection and combat loneliness, reach out and schedule your free 15-minute consultation with one of our team members today.