Loneliness And Social Isolation
Despite an ever expanding electronically connected world, social isolation and loneliness have become widespread threats to mental and physical health. Increased risk of addiction, depression and anxiety, suicidality and self-harm, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes and dementia are cited as evidence.
Loneliness is feeling alone or disconnected from others and is perceived as not having meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It reflects the difference between a person’s actual and desired level of connection. Even a person with a lot of friends can feel lonely.
Social isolation is the lack of relationships altogether with others and little to no social support or contact. It is associated with risk even if people don’t feel lonely.
Loneliness and isolation may be shaped by many factors, including culture, demographics, and the places where people live, work, learn, and play.
{Cohort Oregon} 2024-CT-OR-104