Loneliness has become a serious public health problem, which can spill over into other areas of society, such as security (risky behavior) and the economy (productivity) and civic participation (distrust in people and institutions).
When, in January 2018, the UK created the Ministry of Loneliness, it caused surprise around the world – and with it a few jokes. “This is so British. They’ve identified the most ineffable human problem and come up with the coldest, most bureaucratic solution,” commented comedian Stephen Colbert. But after the awkwardness, the pertinence of the measure emerged. Other governments contacted their British counterparts to learn and join forces because, after all, this is a global reality with a major impact.
The probability of dying early is 5% for those exposed to high levels of air pollution, 20% for obese people, 30% for those who drink too much alcohol and 45% for those who suffer from loneliness. It is therefore a serious public health problem, which is beginning to worry governments around the world.
If we plot the incidence of loneliness by age group, we see that it has a U-shaped curve, with the ends representing sections of the older population and also sections of the younger population. In fact, if 46% of Americans say they feel lonely, it is in the so-called Generation Z – aged 18 to 22 – that this feeling is strongest (according to a 2018 study ).
Contrary to what Colbert’s joke suggests, loneliness has very concrete and proven consequences, some of which entail costs that no government can ignore. It has been scientifically proven that loneliness generates a self-preservation mode in the human brain, which in turn potentiates negative social interactions. When you see potential enemies in others, you lose empathy and trust, and antisocial behavior – including criminal behavior – tends to emerge.
This mode of survival also triggers neuro-biological mechanisms that degrade physical and mental health: lonely people are more prone to depression; they have poor sleep quality at night and show high levels of cortisol in the morning (a stress-inducing hormone); they develop more impulsive behaviors that put them in risky situations and they are less resistant to inflammation.
What can be done? For a person affected by loneliness, once they have recognized the problem and what it does to their mind and body, neuroscientist John Cacioppo – who has studied loneliness for decades – prescribes a simple solution: they must create connections in three areas or levels of their life. On an intimate level, by managing to trust a few (very few) people. On a relational level, by sharing pleasant moments with family and friends. At the community level, by getting involved in realities that are bigger than your personal sphere, for example by joining a cause or volunteering. “The next time you feel alienated, isolated or excluded, respond to that aversive signal and do as you would if you were hungry or thirsty. Connect.”
(Vítor Simões)
