I live alone and don't have much social connection, but I don't feel lonely. I feel like I'm happier alone than with a bunch of people around me. I do have a sister nearby that I can somewhat count on and good neighbors who would help me in a time of need. But I'm introverted and enjoy my own company. Yeah, it might be nice to have a close connection with a friend, but I don't think it's necessary. Some people just make me more anxious and stressed. I feel I'm better off being alone. No stress or anxiety seems like a better outcome than having it. But that's just me, I know others who thrive on social connections.
This is a vital truth that might be a root cause of chronic disease and the current general sense of existential stress. Thank you for shining a light on this mostly missed aspect of our health, Dr. Sara.
Sara - This is such an important piece. Thank you for writing it. In my clinical work, especially with men, loneliness often appears alongside depression, anxiety, poor sleep, diminished motivation, or a gradual loss of interest in their lives. Only after we hit those things do I get a chance to suggest maybe they feel lonely and see how they respond to this thought.
One challenge is that loneliness cannot always be addressed simply by encouraging people to socialize more. For many, closeness itself has become difficult or unfamiliar. My work may then involve helping them understand why and encouraging small steps beyond their comfort zones that fit their personalities rather than pushing them toward a version of connection that does not feel like who they want to be.
I live alone and don't have much social connection, but I don't feel lonely. I feel like I'm happier alone than with a bunch of people around me. I do have a sister nearby that I can somewhat count on and good neighbors who would help me in a time of need. But I'm introverted and enjoy my own company. Yeah, it might be nice to have a close connection with a friend, but I don't think it's necessary. Some people just make me more anxious and stressed. I feel I'm better off being alone. No stress or anxiety seems like a better outcome than having it. But that's just me, I know others who thrive on social connections.
This is a vital truth that might be a root cause of chronic disease and the current general sense of existential stress. Thank you for shining a light on this mostly missed aspect of our health, Dr. Sara.
Sara - This is such an important piece. Thank you for writing it. In my clinical work, especially with men, loneliness often appears alongside depression, anxiety, poor sleep, diminished motivation, or a gradual loss of interest in their lives. Only after we hit those things do I get a chance to suggest maybe they feel lonely and see how they respond to this thought.
One challenge is that loneliness cannot always be addressed simply by encouraging people to socialize more. For many, closeness itself has become difficult or unfamiliar. My work may then involve helping them understand why and encouraging small steps beyond their comfort zones that fit their personalities rather than pushing them toward a version of connection that does not feel like who they want to be.
Oh wow. Brilliant, relevant and useful. Thank you so much! This gratitude is so profound it should count as a real social interaction!