High-Functioning Depression

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, and changes how you think, sleep, eat, and act.

There are several types of depression, including:

Clinical depression (major depressive disorder)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

There are also specific forms of major depressive disorder, including:

Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression)
Prenatal depression and postpartum depression
Atypical depression

People with depression often can’t always keep up with the demands of day-to-day life, whether it is keeping a steady job, having significant relationships and friendships, or keeping the house tidy. Their depression can make every task feel daunting.

However, that isn’t always the case. Some people can experience depression in a way that doesn’t appear disruptive from the outside, but it still causes a major disruption inside. This is called high-functioning depression.

Although it isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, high-functioning depression is a helpful way to describe how some people who are living with the symptoms of depression manage to keep up a moderately stable life.

A person with high-functioning depression may have the same symptoms as a person with clinical or major depressive disorder. These symptoms include:

Feeling sad, helpless, or hopeless
Becoming disinterested in things that used to bring them joy
Changes in eating habits, like eating too much or too little
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating
Negative thoughts about themselves and others

Unfortunately, some people may feel that they need to hide these depressive symptoms from others because:

They might have come from a family or culture that teaches people not to talk about mental illness
They think they will feel better by powering through on their own
They’re trying to avoid any impact on their job and relationships, hoping the depression lifts
They are someone who isn’t comfortable showing vulnerability or perceived weakness
They think having depression is something to be ashamed of
They feel that their life will fall apart and people will abandon them if they find out about their depression

More women than men are diagnosed with depression, but this may be because women are more likely to seek treatment.

A healthcare provider may determine a diagnosis of depression based on:

A physical exam
Lab tests
A psychiatric evaluation
DSM-5

Unfortunately, high-functioning depression can be difficult to recognize. Even though a person may appear to be high functioning, they still should get treatment for their depression. Treatments for depression may include:

Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques
Medications
Support groups

To learn more about the mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, or to schedule a virtual appointment, 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.

Exercising Outdoors

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has arrived, and the weather is starting to warm up. This means we can spend more time exercising outdoors rather than at the gym or at home.

Outdoor exercise is a great way to work out. It offers many benefits to our physical and mental health, such as:

Reducing stress and anxiety

Improving sleep

Boosting vitamin D levels

Boosting self-esteem

Improving memory

Lowering chronic disease risk

Here are tips that can keep you safe while exercising outdoors:

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol

Wear clothes that let the air circulate and moisture evaporate

Stay sun safe by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses

Wear proper footwear for the activity you are engaging in

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

IBS vs Lactose Intolerance

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance can cause similar symptoms in the digestive system. They include:

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Bloating

Although their symptoms overlap, they are separate conditions with differences in how they are diagnosed and treated.

IBS is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines. It causes various symptoms, including:

Cramping that is related to the urge to poop

Excess gas

Mucus in the poop

Alternating diarrhea and constipation

The feeling of being unable to empty the bowels after pooping

There are three types of irritable bowel syndrome, which are categorized based on how poops look on the days of having symptom flare-ups. They include:

IBS with constipation (IBS-C) causes most poop to be hard and lumpy

IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) causes most poop to be watery and loose

IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) causes hard and lumpy, as well as watery and loose bowel movements

Unfortunately, researchers don’t know what causes IBS. However, IBS is classified as a neurogastrointestinal disorder or a gut-brain interaction. A gut-brain interaction means there are problems with how the gut and brain coordinate to help the digestive system work. IBS can also be caused by:

An imbalance in the microbes that normally live in the digestive system

Emotional stress and adverse life events

An infection of the digestive tract, which includes common stomach bugs

Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when people lack the enzyme lactase. This makes it difficult to digest lactose, which is the sugar present in milk and milk products.

Lactose malabsorption is the inability to break down and absorb lactose molecules in the digestive system. Lactose malabsorption is common, as about 65% of adults worldwide can’t break down and absorb lactose.

Lactose intolerance symptoms can appear inside and outside of the digestive system. Symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting

Headaches

Fatigue

Joint pain

Problems concentrating

Mouth ulcers

Primary lactose intolerance is inherited and is more common in certain ethnicities and parts of the world. In the U.S., African Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, and Native Americans are more likely to suffer from lactose intolerance.

Although it is uncommon, other forms of lactose intolerance are caused by disease or medications.

IBS and lactose intolerance can be diagnosed without testing. A person’s health history is an important part of diagnosing these conditions.

An IBS diagnosis is based on symptoms described in the Rome criteria, the guidelines used to diagnose gut-brain interaction, which includes stool changes, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a combination, and abdominal pain for at least one day each week during the previous three months.

If these symptoms meet the Rome criteria, an IBS diagnosis can be made without the need for an invasive test such as a colonoscopy.

However, further diagnostic testing would be needed if symptoms include blood in the stool, fever, and weight loss to determine if these are symptoms of another condition.

The first steps in diagnosing lactose intolerance include a health history and physical exam. In some cases, a clear connection between a person consuming dairy products and symptoms can suggest a diagnosis of lactose intolerance.

In certain cases, a breath test to diagnose lactose intolerance is available. During this test, a person drinks a solution that contains lactose and breathes to have their breath captured and measured for hydrogen. A higher level of hydrogen in the breath can indicate lactose intolerance.

IBS treatment starts with diet and lifestyle changes, including:

Adopting a low-FODMAP diet, which is a diet that is low in certain carbohydrates such as fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols

Eating more fiber

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol

Decreasing and managing stress

Identifying and avoiding foods that cause symptoms

Eating small meals on a regular schedule

Treating mental health conditions

Increasing physical activity

Trying a peppermint oil supplement

If lifestyle and diet changes don’t help, many drugs could help, including:

Antidiarrheals

Antispasmodics

Laxatives

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Other prescription drugs

Treating lactose intolerance consists of avoiding foods that cause symptoms, dairy products that have less lactose or are lactose-free, or taking a supplement that breaks down lactose.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with IBS or lactose intolerance, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

A.I. Therapy

Posted on February 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to healthcare services through telehealth and telemedicine was implemented to help limit the spread of the virus. It was also used for those who were using mental health services, as that time was very lonely and isolated for many people.

A 2020 review published in BMC Public Health concluded that telehealth improved the delivery of healthcare during the pandemic, minimizing COVID-19 transmission and potentially reducing morbidity and deaths.

Telehealth is a way to receive healthcare services remotely through electronic devices such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. These telehealth services can come in various forms, including:

Live video or audio appointments

Secured text messaging with a healthcare provider

Remote devices that allow a healthcare provider to track blood sugar

Today, many people use telehealth to get support for any mental health challenges they may be experiencing. Unfortunately, obtaining professional mental health support can be challenging as there is a shortage of mental healthcare providers. There is also the daunting task of searching for and finding the right one. This has caused many people to turn to A.I. therapy.

A.I. therapy uses artificial intelligence to support mental health through chatbots, digital therapy apps, and A.I.-driven counseling tools.

Many American adults, 22% in fact, have found some relief by using mental health chatbots as a therapeutic tool.

There are many possible reasons why people are turning to A.I. therapy as a viable option to address their mental health, including:

Accessibility

Affordability

Anonymity

There are many A.I. therapy platforms. They include:

CBT-focused chatbots that use meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that offer personalized recommendations and crisis support

Skill-building apps that teach CBT skills, provide personalized recommendations, and collect user data to improve the experience

Self-guided wellness platforms that combine A.I. chatbots with emotion tracking, journaling, and self-directed therapeutic exercises

Mood tracking apps that allow users to track their moods and symptoms, while sometimes receiving self-care recommendations

Conversational A.I. companions that provide daily support through advanced A.I. and adapt to the user’s needs. It is typically aimed at mild anxiety or overthinking, with CBT-focused conversations

A.I. can be a promising tool for enhancing mental healthcare, but it can’t replace personalized mental healthcare.

Although A.I. therapy can’t replace human therapists, it could be a helpful supplement for those who may need additional support, along with therapy.

There are several reasons why A.I. therapy might be helpful, including:

24/7 availability due to A.I. chatbots being able to provide additional support outside of therapy sessions and holidays

Affordability of A.I. therapy provides a low-cost way to get support outside of sessions

Discretion of A.I. therapy helping people explore mental health support in a low- pressure, judgment-free way

While A.I. therapy may have some benefits for those seeking support with their mental health, it also poses several potential risks, including:

It can cause A.I.-induced psychosis

It can give unsafe advice and misinformation

It engages in sycophantic behavior by validating a user’s emotions, which can be dangerous if they have suicidal ideation, delusions, mania, or hallucinations

There is a lack of human connection and empathy: A user might take a self-assessment without human input that can lead to false reassurance or dangerous delays in getting help. A.I. can miss nonverbal cues, and a user may take its output as definitive

A.I. therapy can offer those who are seeking support with their mental health a convenient way to do so. However, effective mental healthcare should be safe and provided by trained, human mental health professionals.

If you or a loved one needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Postpartum refers to the time after childbirth. Postpartum mothers may experience mental health changes or challenges after giving birth, including mood disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that happens after having a baby. It affects up to 15% of women, involving emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety. A postpartum mother may have trouble caring for their baby or themselves.

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a mental health emergency that affects a postpartum mother’s sense of reality, causing hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or other behavior changes. In severe cases, postpartum mothers with PPP may attempt to harm themselves or their newborn.

Postpartum depression is common. A mother who has just given birth may experience baby blues, which affects between 50% and 75% of women after delivery. Up to 15% of them will develop postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis is rare, as experts estimate that it affects between 0.089 and 2.6 out of every 1,000 births. In the United States, that means it happens in between 320 and 9,400 births each year. Globally, that means it happens between 12 million and 352.3 million births.

A mother can experience postpartum depression for up to one year after their baby is born. However, this doesn’t mean that they will feel cured in one year.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

· Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, or guilty

· Worrying excessively or feeling on edge

· Loss of interest in hobbies or things you once enjoyed

· Changes in appetite or not eating

· Loss of energy and motivation

· Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time

· Crying for no reason or excessively

· Difficulty thinking or focusing

· Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead

· Lack of interest in your baby or feeling anxious around your baby

· Thoughts of hurting your baby or feeling like you don’t want your baby

It is believed that hormonal changes are linked to postpartum depression; however, more research is needed to determine the link between the rapid drop in hormones after delivery and depression. The levels of estrogen and progesterone increase tenfold during pregnancy but drop sharply after delivery. When a mother is three days postpartum, levels of these hormones drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.

In addition to these chemical changes, the social and psychological changes associated with having a baby increase the risk of postpartum depression. Examples of these changes include physical bodily changes, lack of sleep, worries about parenting, or changes to relationships.

Experts don’t know why postpartum psychosis happens, but suspect it involves a combination of factors, including:

· History of mental health conditions

· Number of pregnancies

· Family history of mental health conditions, especially PPP

· Sleep deprivation

· Hormone changes

· Other medical conditions

Hallucinations and delusions are the two main symptoms of postpartum psychosis. However, there are several other common symptoms, including:

· Mood changes, such as mania and hypomania or depression

· Depersonalization

· Disorganized thinking or behavior

· Insomnia

· Irritability of agitation

· Thoughts of self-harm or harming others, especially their newborn

Researchers have organized the symptoms of PPP into three types: depressive, manic, and atypical/mixed.

The depressive subtype of PPP is the most common, making up about 41% of cases. It is also the most dangerous. Research shows that depressive symptoms and psychosis are almost always a factor in cases that involve self-harm or harm to a child, especially hallucinations or delusions that command a person to harm their child or themselves. The rate of harm to a child is about 4.5% with this subtype, about four or five times greater than with the other subtypes. The rate of dying by suicide is about 5%. Symptoms that are most likely experienced with this type include:

· Anxiety or panic

· Delusions and hallucinations

· Depression

· Feelings of guilt

· Loss of appetite

· Loss of enjoyment related to things they usually enjoy

· Thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming their child

The manic subtype is the next most common of the types, affecting about 34% of cases. The risk of self-harm or harm to children is lower but still possible, happening in about 1% of cases. Symptoms can include:

· Agitation or irritability

· Disruptive or aggressive behavior

· Talking more or faster than usual, or both

· Needing less sleep

· Delusions of greatness or importance, such as believing your child to be a holy or religious figure

The atypical/mixed subtype makes up to 25% of cases. This can mix the symptoms of manic and depressive subtypes. It can also involve symptoms where a person seems much less aware or completely unaware of the world around them. Symptoms can include:

· Disorganized speaking or behavior

· Disorientation or confusion

· Disturbance of consciousness, where a person doesn’t appear to be awake or isn’t aware of activities or things taking place nearby

· Hallucinations or delusions

· Inappropriate comments, behaviors, or emotional displays

· Catatonia or mutism

There isn’t a specific test that diagnoses postpartum depression. A healthcare provider will evaluate you at your postpartum visit, which may include discussing your health history, how you have felt since delivery, a physical exam, a pelvic exam, and lab tests. They may also perform a postpartum depression screening or ask a series of questions to assess if you have postpartum depression.

Postpartum psychosis can be diagnosed by a mental health provider who can determine either by observation or what you describe whether you have the condition or not. They may also perform physical and neurological exams and order blood, urine, or imaging tests.

Postpartum depression is treated differently depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, and support group participation.

Treatment for postpartum psychosis may include medications to treat depression, anxiety, and psychosis. You may also be admitted to a treatment center for several days until you’re stable. To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic

How Having a Sedentary Job Contributes to a Higher Risk of Insomnia

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

According to a study published on January 7^th, 2025, by the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, people with sedentary jobs, an estimated 80% of the workforce, have a much higher risk of experiencing insomnia compared with people who are active at work. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A sedentary job is any job that requires an employee to sit for about six hours of an eight-hour workday.

Researchers surveyed nearly 1,300 people twice over a span of ten years, inquiring about their job schedules and physical activity levels while at work. They also asked about the participants’ sleep habits, identifying three sleep health categories: good sleepers, insomnia-like sleepers, and catch-up sleepers.

Good sleepers are people who exhibit optimal sleep patterns, such as regular sleep cycles with low levels of daytime tiredness.

Insomnia-like sleepers are people who experience short sleep cycles and higher levels of daytime fatigue.

Catch-up sleepers fall between both groups and often rely on naps or extra weekend sleep to compensate for irregular sleeping patterns.

Compared to active work, sedentary work was 37% likely to lead to a variety of insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, and frequent daytime tiredness. The findings of the study also indicated that workers who fall into a pattern of poor sleep due to their job design (defined as elements such as the amount of technology used at work, levels of physical activity, and work schedules, and specifically the time of day when the employee works) can end up stuck in such unhealthy patterns for many years. Insomnia-like sleepers, for example, reported their symptoms persisted ten years later, at the end of the study.

Those experiencing insomnia may have the following symptoms:

Having a hard time falling asleep at night
Waking up during the night
Waking up too early
Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
Feeling cranky, depressed, or anxious
Having a hard time paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering
Making more errors or having more accidents
Having ongoing worries about sleep

If you are experiencing insomnia, there are several ways you can improve your sleep, including:

Taking short breaks throughout the day to move
Unplugging smartphones and computers two hours before bedtime
Using light exposure to readjust your circadian rhythms if you work a night shift

If you are experiencing symptoms of insomnia, you can learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

How Making Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, are conditions that tend to have a long duration and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. These diseases include:

Cancers
Cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes
Chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
Diabetes

A person’s lifestyle and daily habits can increase their risk of developing a chronic disease. About 80% of chronic diseases are driven by a person’s daily habits. These include:

Tobacco use, including the effects of exposure to second-hand smoke
Unhealthy diets, including excess salt, sugar, and fats
Excessive alcohol use
Insufficient physical activity

These habits can contribute to metabolic changes that can increase a person’s risk of chronic disease, including:

Hypertension
Obesity
Diabetes
High cholesterol

Making the following lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to address harmful habits and help prevent chronic diseases.

Dietary changes include eating whole, unrefined, and minimally processed plants. Eating plant-based foods can help reduce diabetes, heart disease, and the risk of cancer
Increasing physical activity by engaging in a recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week
Getting a good, restful night’s sleep of about seven to nine hours. This can be achieved by:
- Having a consistent bedtime and waking up on time, even on weekends
- Being physically active
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Putting digital devices away 90 minutes before bedtime
- Keeping your sleeping area cool, dark, and comfortable
Reducing stress by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude can help relieve stress and improve your physical and mental health.
Staying socially connected with friends and family can help keep you emotionally and physically healthy.
Quitting smoking, or never starting, lowers the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and lung disease, as well as premature death
Limiting alcohol use can reduce health risks that excessive drinking can lead to, such as high blood pressure, various cancers, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease

By avoiding these risks and getting good preventive care, you can improve your chance of staying well, feeling good, and living longer.

For more information on how you can make lifestyle changes, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is coming to an end, and a new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

There could be many reasons why a child may have anxiety about going back to school. Some reasons can include:

A child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may avoid going to school because it is hard for them to manage their anxiety there
A child who has been bullied may be afraid to go to school because their bully or bullies are there
A child with separation anxiety may be fearful that something terrible will happen to their parents if they are apart
A child with an undiagnosed learning disorder may be avoiding shame and embarrassment

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities, so the transition is less sudden
Arrange for a hand-off with someone the child knows and trusts
Listen to their worries

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

The Loneliness Epidemic

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

In May 2023, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a report that drew attention to an epidemic that affects half of American adults: loneliness and social isolation.

Dr. Murthy said that loneliness and social isolation are “urgent public health concerns, more widespread than smoking, diabetes, or anxiety”.

Loneliness is feeling lonely or disconnected from others and not having 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, which 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. However, a few small acts of connection can build supportive and meaningful relationships.

You can take various steps to fight against loneliness, including the following:

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 (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Loneliness

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

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