Q: Can loneliness affect our mental and physical health, even when we’re surrounded by people?
A: Absolutely. We can be surrounded by people and still feel unseen, unheard or disconnected. Loneliness is about the gap between the connection we long for and the connection we experience. We may have many interactions throughout the day without having a space where we feel safe enough to say, “I’m struggling,” and trust that someone will listen without judgment.
In my work as a physician, educator and facilitator, I return often to the importance of belonging: feeling welcomed, valued and accepted for who we are. We all need relationships where we can set aside our roles and responsibilities and simply be human.
These connections matter to our health. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, heart disease and stroke. Caring for our relationships deserves a place alongside the other ways we care for our mental and physical well-being.