The Loneliness Epidemic

The Importance of connection for wellbeing

In an article published by Psychology Today, loneliness is described as the state of distress or discomfort that results when one perceives a gap between one’s desires for social connection and actual experiences of it. In other words, it is not about how many friends you do or don’t have, but the quality of the connection you feel.

Loneliness is a universal human experience that affects people from all walks of life, but in recent years the number of people feeling lonely has significantly increased. In 2017 US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared a loneliness epidemic. “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” said Surgeon General Murthy.

Approximately 50% of American’s report frequent feelings of loneliness. This global trend has prompted the World Health Organization to recognise loneliness as a global health concern and seen some countries such as the UK appointing a ‘minister for loneliness’ to address the global health issue.

According to the Australian Loneliness Report published by Swinburne University of Technology, approximately 1 in 4 Australians report experiencing loneliness at a moderate to severe level at least one day a week. Moreover, over 55% of Australians feel lonely at least one day a week, and nearly 10% experience loneliness most of the time.

Loneliness and Neuroscience

Loneliness isn't just a fleeting emotion; it can leave lasting imprints on our brains. Neuroimaging studies have unveiled that chronic loneliness can lead to structural changes in the brain. The prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula, key players in social cognition and emotions, may undergo alterations in individuals grappling with loneliness.

Our brains have a "social brain network" that comes into play during social interactions, featuring regions like the medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex. Loneliness, however, disrupts the activation and connectivity of these areas, potentially hampering our social perceptiveness.

Loneliness doesn't just affect our emotional state; it messes with our body's stress response too. It can lead to chronic stress, impacting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and elevating cortisol levels. These high cortisol levels can harm brain structures like the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and emotional regulation.

Furthermore, lonely nights may not be restful nights. Loneliness has been linked to disruptions in sleep patterns, including poor sleep quality and increased disturbances. Sleep is vital for brain health, and these disruptions can impair cognitive function and mood.

Impacts of Loneliness

Loneliness is a relentless and often self-perpetuating experience. It typically begins with a sense of isolation, whether due to physical distance from loved ones, social anxiety, or personal circumstances. Prolonged periods of loneliness can have significant impacts on the physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing of individuals.

1. Emotional Distress: Loneliness often leads to feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety.
2. Social Isolation: Individuals can start to withdraw from social activities, isolating themselves from friends, family, and social gatherings.
3. Physical Health Issues: Prolonged loneliness can have adverse effects on physical health. It has been linked to increased stress levels, disrupted sleep patterns, dementia, and a weakened immune system.
4. Negative Self-Perception: Lonely individuals may develop negative self-perceptions and low self-esteem. They may feel unlikable or unworthy of social interaction, which can further perpetuate their loneliness.
5. Difficulty in Building Relationships: Loneliness can make it challenging to form new connections and maintain existing relationships. Individuals may struggle with communication, trust, and intimacy, hindering their ability to build meaningful connections with others.
6. Poor Concentration and Cognitive Function: Loneliness can impair cognitive function, making it harder for individuals to focus and perform tasks effectively – especially in the workplace.

Loneliness and work-related performance

The impact loneliness has on work-related performance is profound, with reduced productivity, increased absenteeism and difficulties in teamwork being some of the key consequences.

1. Reduced Productivity: A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that lonely workers tend to be less productive and have lower job performance compared to their non-lonely counterparts. They may struggle to concentrate, complete tasks efficiently, and maintain a strong work ethic.
2. Increased Absenteeism: People experiencing loneliness may take more sick days as they struggle with both physical and mental health issues associated with their isolation.
3. Difficulty in Teamwork: Loneliness can make it difficult for individuals to connect with their colleagues, communicate effectively, and collaborate on projects. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, hindering overall team performance.
4. Job Dissatisfaction: When employees feel isolated and disconnected, they are more likely to express discontentment with their jobs, which can lead to decreased motivation and increased turnover rates.

Breaking the Cycle

Loneliness is not just a subjective feeling but also has measurable impacts on the brain and overall health. Breaking the loneliness cycle often requires a conscious effort to reach out, seek help, or engage in activities that promote social connection, highlighting the importance of community and human bonds.

Stepping out of loneliness can feel overwhelming. Here are five important things to remember:

Self-Compassion: Begin by being kind and understanding toward yourself. Recognise that feeling lonely is a common human experience, and it doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. Practice self-compassion to build self-esteem and resilience.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that building social connections takes time and effort. Start with small, manageable goals, like initiating a conversation with a colleague or attending a social event, and gradually work your way up to more significant social interactions.

Expand Your Interests: Pursue activities and interests that genuinely engage you. Join clubs, classes, or online communities related to your passions or hobbies. This not only provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals but also makes it easier to start conversations since you already share common interests.

Initiate and Maintain Contact: It's important to take the initiative in reaching out to others. Invite people to join you for a coffee, suggest group activities, or simply send a friendly message to check in. Remember that maintaining connections requires ongoing effort, so be consistent in your outreach.

Practice Active Listening and Empathy: When you engage in conversations, focus on being a good listener. Show genuine interest in what others are saying, ask open-ended questions, and practice empathy by trying to understand their perspectives and feelings. People are more likely to connect with those who show they care.

Building social connections is a process that may involve setbacks and rejections, so don't be discouraged by occasional challenges or perceived failures. Keep working on your social skills and building connections gradually.

Most importantly, remember that you are never alone. If half the world is feeling lonely… then it is fair to say that most of us are all open to genuine and honest connection.

If you, a loved one, a friend or colleague are struggling to break the holds of isolation then it may be beneficial to speak to your GP or a psychologist to support you with strategies.

Our qualified psychologists support individuals and businesses with implementing strategies to support the impacts of loneliness. We offer corporate EAPs, one-off psychological counselling and have SIRA accredited psychologist who support work-related psychological injuries.