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Loneliness has become common in recent times, with more people than ever feeling disconnected and isolated. A problem even before COVID-19, loneliness has been exacerbated over the past 18 months of the pandemic.
Today, I talk about this problem. I share research on how common loneliness is, explain all of the reasons this matters, and talk about what we can do about it. I note the effects on young people, in particular, I make a distinction between loneliness and being alone, and I list the health consequences of loneliness. I note the power of fostering quality relationships (as opposed to simply being around a lot of people), I explain why it’s effective to focus on others, and I address the need to destigmatise loneliness. Finally, if you’re in a good place mentally and emotionally, I call on you to reach out to one person this week that you’re concerned about.
“There’s another pandemic brewing in the wake of COVID-19: I’m talking about the pandemic of loneliness, triggered by factors like working from home, social isolation, feeling disconnected, feeling left out.”
– Dr. Mark Rowe
This week on In the Doctor’s Chair
- Research on loneliness
- The effects of COVID-19 on loneliness
- Loneliness vs being alone
- The mental and physical health consequences of loneliness
- The power of quality relationships
- The power of focusing on others
- Destigmatising and de-shaming loneliness
Resources Mentioned:
In the Doctor’s Chair
Thanks for listening to In the Doctor’s Chair, the show where you’ll hear conversations that share life lessons, health habits, and leadership practices that focus on positive psychology, lifestyle medicine, and ways for you to live with more vitality.
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