Loneliness is feeling lonely or disconnected from others and feeling like you don’t have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It also describes the negative feelings that can occur when your needs for social connection aren’t met.
Social isolation is when a person doesn’t have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support. It can pose a health risk to people, even if they don’t feel lonely.
Certain conditions or experiences may increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness, including:
- Having a mental or physical challenge, such as:
- Chronic disease or condition
- Psychiatric or depressive condition
- Long-term disability
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
- Having limited or no access to resources may result in:
- Living in rural areas
- Limited transportation
- Language barriers
- Being a victim of violence or abuse
- Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one
Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, including:
- Low-income adults
- Young adults
- Older adults
- Adults living alone
- Immigrants
- People who identify as LGBTQ+
Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm
- Dementia
- Earlier death
It is important to make meaningful social connections, as those who do experience benefits, including:
- Less stress
- Better sleep
- A longer, healthier life
Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, have money problems, or live alone. But a few small acts of connection can build supportive and meaningful relationships.
You can take various steps to fight against loneliness, including:
- Talking to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
- Connecting with others on social media
- Volunteering in your community
- Being kind to yourself
- Learning more about ways to improve social connectedness
- Getting help from a professional
To find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.