The Hidden Health Risks of Loneliness

Ironically, if you’ve felt lonely lately, you’re not alone. In an increasingly connected world, it’s easier than ever to feel disconnected. But loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience — it can have serious implications for your physical and mental health.  

We asked Mental Health & Wellness Therapist Mary C. Cahilly, MA, LMHC, LPC, CCTP, about how to recognize the health risks of loneliness and ways you can combat them in your own life.    

What is Loneliness?

First, Mary makes a distinction between feeling lonely and being alone.  

“Loneliness is an emotional response, sometimes a very strong and painful response, to one’s perception of being isolated. Solitude is simply being alone. One may enjoy their solitude, while another may become lonely during that alone time,” she says.   

People most vulnerable to the health risks of loneliness and social isolation include those who already struggle with chronic physical or mental illness, marginalized communities, and younger people.   

The Physical Effects of Loneliness

From your heart to your brain, social isolation can have a significant negative impact on your physical health, according to Mary. The U.S. Surgeon General reports that lacking fulfilling social connections is “as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day.” Loneliness can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stress, which affects everything from your sleep routine to your immune system.    

How Loneliness Impacts Your Mental Health

Loneliness and mental health are closely intertwined. Mary points out that people impacted by depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues may feel the urge to withdraw from social situations to avoid pressure to appear happy and engaged. However, this can exacerbate their mental health struggles.  

Mary advises you look out for early warning signs that loneliness is impacting your health like withdrawing from social contact, lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, feeling lonely when you’re around other people, recurring health issues, and predominantly negative thoughts.   

How to Make Social Connections

So, how can you combat loneliness? The most effective strategy, according to Mary, is to make building connections an intentional and playful experience. She says, “If you’re nervous about getting the process started to meet others, you’re not alone. Be kind to yourself while also reminding yourself that you can tolerate some initial discomfort when you walk into a new situation. It gets easier each time you get out there.”  

Try exploring groups in your community – whether you find them at your local library, community center, colleges, hospital, etc. – that offer activities related to your interests like gardening, hiking, reading, cooking, the arts, mindfulness, or more. Use the internet to find groups that meet in real life, or try volunteering with organizations you care about.    

And, as Mary reminds us, “Building social connections takes time. So, get out there more than once. Become a regular in a group doing something you like. Those connections will start to grow.”  
 
Explore more ways to combat loneliness and feel connected to the world around you with a Mindful Journey stay at any of our destinations in Tucson, Lenox, or Woodside.