The “nation’s doctor” is on a campaign to combat what he calls an epidemic of loneliness and isolation taking its toll on roughly half the people in the United States. His call to action to “mend the social fabric of our nation” deserves broad support, from government, professionals and institutions — and from each of us.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, whose job is to give Americans the best scientific information about improving health and reducing the risk of illness, started warning about the dangers of loneliness before COVID hit. Now, he says, the crisis is more urgent.
One of Murthy’s goals is to convince us that loneliness is a serious threat to physical health and can even cause premature death. Research tells us that loneliness can cause or worsen cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression and anxiety. The effect of loneliness on a person can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It can be worse than obesity and lack of exercise. (Not to downplay the devastating effects of loneliness on emotional and mental health.)
Why is loneliness such a growing problem? People most likely to struggle with loneliness and isolation are having financial problems, in poor health or living alone. Yet, even though more older people live alone and are somewhat isolated, young adults are more likely to say they feel lonely.
Our technology, the internet and especially social media are major factors. Social media, if used wisely, can help people stay connected to family and friends. Too often, though, the interactions on social media take the place of or interfere with face-to-face relationships.
Before the pandemic, Murthy focused on the workplace, but during COVID, new problems developed as many people worked from home. Now, as more employees are being brought back into the office, is an ideal time for reforms.
Murthy’s advisory this spring calls on everyone — families, schools, workplaces, health care systems, technology companies, governments, churches, communities and each of us — to join in. We need, once and for all, to make it clear that loneliness is a serious problem, that mental health is a part of overall health and that combating loneliness will require major changes in the ways we think and do things.
Governments should provide funds for research and for developing effective strategies. Planners can develop parks and walkways that make it easier for neighbors to interact. Health-care workers and insurers can do more to screen for loneliness and encourage programs that help people build relationships. Schools, churches and other organizations have a role.
And so do individuals. Each of us should make more effort to put down the phone or walk away from the computer and spend time talking with and listening to friends, family and new acquaintances. The problem is serious and the need is urgent.
