Americans across the country are struggling with loneliness and isolation more than ever before, and it’s now a public health crisis, according to Dr. Murthy, who issued an advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation.
“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 Dr. Murthy in a statement. “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”
According to the advisory, lacking social connection is as harmful as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and it poses an increased risk of physical health concerns including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even premature death. Beyond physical health, loneliness significantly impacts an individual’s mental health, increasing the risk of developing both depression and anxiety.
To address this growing epidemic among Americans, the Surgeon General’s Advisory maps out a framework for the United States to improve social connection. The framework includes six principles:
- Strengthen the social infrastructure within a community by fostering environments that promote connection, such as parks, libraries, and playgrounds, and develop programs to bring community members together.
- Instill policies that promote connection at the national, state, local, and tribal governments levels to improve areas such as accessible public transportation and paid family leave.
- Mobilize the health sector to allow providers to reach more patients who may be at risk of loneliness.
- Evaluate digital environments and the role of technology to ensure digital interactions do not interfere with meaningful connection between people.
- Expand knowledge and understanding of the causes of social disconnection, those most vulnerable, the impacts of isolation, and efforts to improve connection.
- Cultivate a culture of connection through community members’ everyday lives.
Failing to address American’s struggles with loneliness and isolation would be detrimental to the country’s wellbeing, according to the Surgeon General. “If we fail to do so, we will pay an ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective health and well-being,” wrote Dr. Murthy in the advisory. “And we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country. Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges before us, we will further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.”
