Humans evolved as social creatures because we need each other to survive, not just from external threats, but because loneliness is bad for our health. Research has shown that loneliness is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day; and last year, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a “global public health concern.”
But just how does loneliness negatively impact people’s health, and what can be done about it?
Loneliness isn’t the same as being alone or socially isolated, it’s the feeling of being disconnected. People tend to experience three different kinds of loneliness to differing degrees. There’s psychological loneliness, feeling loved and supported and knowing that you have people you can confide in. Societal loneliness occurs when people feel systematically excluded due to discriminatory factors like race, gender or disability status. Existential or spiritual loneliness grapples with questions like does your life have meaning? Having a better understanding of why you’re lonely will help you address it more effectively.
Things are improving, but there’s still a lot of stigma around mental health, so many people don’t seek support when they’re experiencing loneliness. People tend to associate loneliness with shame because they mistakenly believe that feeling lonely means they’re unlovable. Or, they shame themselves for feeling lonely at all. But you wouldn’t shame yourself for being thirsty or being in pain because of a broken leg, right?
Addressing loneliness is a huge preventable risk factor for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicidality. When people are lonely, they tend to withdraw from their social circles and have fewer interactions with other people, particularly close friends and family members.
Last year, Toronto was named one of the loneliest places in the country by the Toronto Foundation, a charitable organization focused on building community. The report found that the number of Toronto residents with six or more close friends declined by 20 per cent from 2013 to 2018, then a further nine per cent from 2018 to 2022 to 28 per cent. Similarly, the number of Toronto residents with six or more close relatives dropped by 11 per cent from 2013 to 2018, and another 10 per cent from 2018 to 2022, to 32 per cent.
More than a third of Toronto residents, 37 per cent, said they feel lonely three to four days a week. By comparison, the rate in Calgary was 28 per cent, 23 per cent in Vancouver, and 17 per cent in Montreal.
Many suspect the lingering effects of the pandemic are partially to blame for our increased feelings of loneliness. For one, it was a very reflective period that led some people to question the meaning of their lives, but more practically, people got used to being on their own and having smaller social circles and limited interactions.
One solution for integrating more social interactions into your life is to join a group, activity or take up volunteering. For example, there are opportunities that connect volunteers to senior citizens, which help prevent social isolation. There are added health and mental health benefits if the group revolves around some kind of physical activity. Surrounding yourself with people at free cultural events and festivals is another option.
Chronic high levels of loneliness in older adults can lead to the worsening of physical and mental ailments, and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and type 2 diabetes. Some doctors suggest fellow physicians include asking patients about loneliness as part of their diagnostic check-ups, because of its potential impacts on health.
Things haven’t been looking good on the opposite end of the age spectrum, either. The Toronto Foundation’s report shows that levels of loneliness are on the rise for school children. The data shows that loneliness nearly doubled for the age cohort between 2012 and 2018, rising from 18 per cent to 35 per cent.
Researchers from a global study on loneliness found that in-school-related loneliness was higher in countries that also had high rates of smartphone access and internet use. Some of the reasons for this might be that children are spending more time online than they are fostering relationships in real life; spending too much time on social media can cause people to create distorted opinions about their lives or others and make comparisons, and the increased risk of cyberbullying. Some educators and experts say excessive social media use leads to difficulties with kids learning and socializing.
Both the U.K. and Japan have created government ministries in recent years to tackle their country’s growing loneliness epidemic; Canada should follow suit; If not for compassionate reasons, for practicality.
Currently, 1-in-5 Canadians experience mental health problems annually. Between Canada’s aging population, loneliness’ role in mental health, and the tremendous costs it will have, it’s crucial that we work together to deal with loneliness.
Marcus Medford | Contributing Writer
