Beating Loneliness For Wellness

Active and quality social connections are vital for our mental and physical health and overall well-being. Despite being neglected oftentimes, loneliness and social isolation are important social determinants of the health of people belonging to all age groups, particularly those of older age. The feeling of loneliness occurs sometimes for many different reasons.  We often feel loneliness during times of difficult change in our lives, such as moving to a new city environment, because of relationships or friendships ending, or because of bereavement. Sometimes, that happens even if we are around lots of people or have lots of friends.

Loneliness and social isolation are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people throughout the world, including Nepal, and putting us at risk for many medical conditions. In recent times, a surge in labour migration of young people left old and vulnerable in their communities. 

Effects

Research has shown that loneliness can lead to premature death and the development of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression, but our healthcare system is not giving due emphasis to identifying and supporting those who are suffering. Loneliness can affect people of all age groups and gender. Like checking blood pressure or a pulse for a snapshot of medical conditions, loneliness needs to be recognised as a vital indicator of wellness and quality of life.

Loneliness has been recognised as an even larger problem in the rapidly growing older adult population globally. Older may have a physical or mental disability that requires assistance in order to leave the home, and on top of it, a significant number of older adults live alone. Living alone may lead to loneliness and at times, lonely older adults may stop eating or getting properly dressed and can become housebound, increasing the risk of further physical weaknesses that may result in injuries.

A number of unfavourable and adverse health outcomes are linked to loneliness. In addition to its association with depressive symptoms and other forms of mental illness, loneliness is a risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Research has shown that lonely people are also twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The loneliness, if persists for a long time, may trigger adverse physiological responses such as the increased production of stress hormones, hinder sleep, and result in overall weakened immunity.

It is absolutely normal to feel lonely or isolated occasionally for many reasons even when other people are around us. But if it persists for an extended period of time, it takes its toll on both physical and mental health and well-being. Sudden and unforeseen changes in our life can cause isolation and loneliness in our lives as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. 

There are several reasons that may lead to loneliness including living alone or lacking close family around, grieving for a friend, a spouse, or a partner, going through a separation, and divorce or family break-up. Other reasons are retiring from work, changing jobs, being unemployed, living away from home for an extended period of time, having a language or cultural barrier, or being away from the culture of origin. 

Several researches have shown that loneliness causes stress responses in the body. These can lead to major health issues for individuals experiencing loneliness. The health risks of loneliness include feeling deeply disconnected and alone is the primary sign of loneliness. Other signs of loneliness and its symptoms include an increase in drug and alcohol use, trouble sleeping, extreme reclusiveness, restlessness, body ache, decreased mental well-being such as experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar episodes, suicide, dementia, high inflammation, cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

Techniques

What is good news is that there are many ways to help overcome loneliness and isolation and improve the quality of life. The first and most important is to connect with family and friends. Though it is challenging to connect with others during feelings of loneliness, we need to remain connected. It is often advised to remain connected to a family member, colleague, or neighbour. This helps us feel better. 

Connecting with communities in person or online may help one overcome loneliness. It is suggested to join a club, community-based organisation, or even an online community. There exist many opportunities such as volunteering at a local charity, joining a walking or sporting club, or joining an online community of special interest. This will help in creating and maintaining meaningful as well as fruitful friendships.

Another effective way to defeat loneliness is to get out of the house and be active. It is recommended to go shopping, join a club or enroll in a study group. Exercise is very important for improving physical as well as mental health. Research has shown that regular physical activity can improve many of the health parameters and have a positive impact on quality of life. There is evidence that spending time with animals improves both physical and mental health. Pets provide companionship, affection, and love. It is okay to feel lonely or isolated occasionally for a brief period, but seek psychological help if it persists.

(Dr. Lohani is the clinical director at the Nepal Drug and Poison Information Centre. lohanis@gmail.com)