Wellness Monthly: Silent Mode Lifted on Loneliness Epidemic

The loneliness epidemic harms individual and societal health, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., said while releasing a comprehensive advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. The advisory provides the framework for a national intervention strategy, including the proposed use of community health and well-being metrics to help identify and alleviate root causes of loneliness.

“Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled and more productive lives,” Dr. Murthy said. “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connections the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely and more connected.”