Consequences of Loneliness

Do you struggle with loneliness?
The lack of social interaction and inter-personal connecting with others can be as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Loneliness and Isolation
Naturally, all of us have experienced the feeling of loneliness and isolation at one time or another. This in and of itself is not a bad thing. Taking time to retire from the cares and stresses of our busy lives can serve as a much-needed re-boost, allowing us to reengage with our personal and professional affairs with new energy and perspective.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “Solitude is naught and society is naught. Alternate them and the good of each is seen.” In other words, balancing our need for alone time with social interaction is key to ensuring a healthy, balanced life.
Unfortunately, many of us are experiencing an imbalance in the direction of loneliness and isolation. Whether due, as some believe, to the advent of impersonal technologies in our increasingly digital and online world or other factors, there is a very real epidemic of loneliness in our country today.
Negative Effects of Loneliness
In a paper from January 2019, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration said that “Loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day” along with chronic conditions like obesity. Perhaps even more alarming is the fact that “Two in five Americans report that they sometimes or always feel their social relationships are not meaningful, and one in five say they feel lonely or socially isolated.
“The lack of connection can have life-threatening consequences”, said Brigham Young University professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad, who testified before the U.S. Senate in April, 2017 “that the problem is structural as well as psychological.”
This is a multi-generational problem. Over 43% of American seniors report feeling lonely on a regular basis, with a 45% increase in mortality rate among those seniors reporting loneliness. And, with the likelihood of an upswing of social isolation due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, it is even more important to be aware of the dangers to mental and physical health prolonged loneliness can pose.
Necessities to Survive
Shocking as it may seem, none of this information should be surprising. We all know that we are social creatures by nature. Psychologist Abraham Maslow (1908-1972) in his well-known Hierarchy of Needs, identified belonging as the most important necessity to our survival after food, water, shelter and our immediate physical safety was taken care of. Relationships, or the belonging component of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, is also the most difficult imperative that most of us experience as human beings, with its complex and interconnected psychological, neurological, biochemical, and emotional components.
Unhealthy Trade-Off
Though many of us may be aware on an intellectual level of the negative effects of being in unhealthy relationships, the unconscious, emotional drive for belonging can override our conscious reasoning, leading us to stay in relationships that are not conducive to our well being. Being in relationships that feel bad is unhealthy and not happy – and not being in relationships with others can also feel bad, unhealthy and not happy. This is the reason why many individuals will remain in unhealthy situations even though they do not want to continue in a dysfunctional relationship.
Depressed Functioning
The negative effects of depression are becoming more apparent through growing research. In numerous studies, loneliness (especially in the elderly) has been shown to have a significant impact on an individual’s health and well-being in addition to their feeling of being valued or loved. Depression is a real problem for those experiencing loneliness. Depression has an immediate impact on an individual’s health and ability to function. According to Healthline, among the most prominent effects of depression, which affects 26% of Americans, are:
- Insomnia
- Weight fluctuations
- Fatigue
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Feelings of dependency
- Weakened immunity
- Decreased sex drive
Ways to Alleviate Loneliness
Along with more traditional ways of achieving beneficial social interaction, such as attending church or joining a faith community (which has been shown to positively boost health) and utilizing social technologies like FaceTime and Google Hangout, there are a number of effective strategies to alleviate loneliness. Pet ownership has increased dramatically over the last 10 years in the U.S. Pets can eliminate the sense of being “alone” or lonely and have proven to have healing effects on individuals of all ages and all stages of illness.
Even our relationships with plants can help us to feel less alone and caring for them provides a sense of purposeful work and fulfillment, along with helping to naturally boost our mood. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and eating a plant-based, whole food diet can reduce symptoms of depression, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
References
The Effects of Depression in Your Body
Harvard Study: Going to Church Boosts Health
The Health Benefits and Risks of Pet Ownership
Exercise, Depression, and the Brain
Article shared from AllNurses.com
Learn more:
Tips to prepare for a nursing interview
Content shared from Indeed By taking some steps to plan for your interview, you may feel more confident and prepared. Here are several tips you…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Interview Question: “Why Do You Want To Be a Nurse?”
Content Shared from Indeed During interviews for nursing school or entry-level positions, employers may ask you, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” Preparing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Memorial Day – Sumner College is closed
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why nurses love their job
Content shared from Scrubs Magazine staff. We all have good and bad days when it comes to working as a nurse. On my best days,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Register for FREE Nursing Info Sessions
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Info Sessions will be held on our Portland campus. To reserve a spot for an upcoming session please…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Interview with KATU’s Afternoon Live
Joanna Russell, President of Sumner College visits with Kara Mack, host of KATU's Afternoon Live, showcasing the new nursing program at Sumner College, a Bachelor…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Hawaii and the West Coast Beckon to Travel Nurses
Article shared from Travelnurse.com. Written by Jennifer Larson, Contributor Travel nursing opportunities abound in the Pacific Region of the United States, including the West Coast…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Johnson & Johnson | Nursing Scholarships
Nursing Scholarships Whether you're pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing, there are a variety of nursing scholarships and grants that can provide…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
For healthcare to work, it takes nurses.
Johnson & Johnson is proud to advocate for, elevate, and empower nurses for over 125 years. J&J Objective To attract and strengthen an innovative, thriving, and diverse nursing workforce, empowered to advance health equity and transform healthcare. During…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
May 12 – National Nurses Day
To acknowledge the contributions of nurses and call attention to their working conditions, the International Council of Nurses established May 12 as International Nurses Day in 1974.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere – Always.
We celebrate the extraordinary contributions Nurses make to our communities, this May 6-12th during National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week begins each year on May…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College – BSN, LPN, RN to BSN – Classes start July 17th
Sumner College Nursing Programs Our Vision Drives Us. Education with Integrity. Sumner College is committed to providing excellent care to patients in the community through…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Get Started in a Nursing Career
Do you like to help others? Inspired by the possibility of saving and improving lives? For many people entering the nursing field, there’s a feeling…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Find Your Path
There are many different ways into a nursing career. Choose a starting point to get a personalized guide of the steps you’ll need to take.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome New Sumner College Students
Sumner College starts a new cohort of nursing students today. You are embarking on a new educational journey, pursing a career in healthcare. We welcome…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Students – Tips for the first year
Content shared from nursecrets So, you have been accepted into nursing school. First of all congratulations! You have made it through the process, so now…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN vs BSN: The Differences
Changes in nursing involve a major shift in higher education standards, requiring more nurses to hold a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Student of the Month: February 2023 Medical Assisting Program
Kayleigh was selected by Sumner College faculty and staff for the February Student of the Month. Some of the reasons she was chosen include: "....her…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Phlebotomy Program – Arizona
If you're interested in a career in phlebotomy that will allow you to work in a safe, professional environment and give you the skills and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
20 Types of Nursing Positions
Information shared from Indeed.com 20 types of nursing positions Though all nurses seek to provide proper care and treatment for their patients, their day-to-day duties…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
5 Tips for Working While in Nursing School
Information and article shared from Indeed.com Here are five tips for being a successful nursing student while working a full-time or part-time job: 1. Review…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Pros and Cons of Working While in Nursing School
Information and article shared from Indeed.com Editorial Team The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing and Midwifery
Article shared from the World Health Organization Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New BSN Program
Enroll today in our new BSN program. Graduate in less than 3 years. Classes start April 24th. Learn more www.sumnercollegeBSN.com …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
OR Nurses Returning to Full Capacity, plus Backlog
By Debra Wood, RN, contributor In the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governors ordered elective surgeries postponed to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE)…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Nurture Their Emotional Health
Article Shared from TravelNursing.com By Jennifer Larson, contributor “How are you feeling?” If the truthful answer to this question is something along the lines of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why BSNs are Important
Article shared from TravelNursing.com Cost vs. reward still a factor for BSN-prepared nurses By Debra Wood, RN, contributor When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
8 Fast-growing Travel Nurse Specialties
This article is sourced from TravelNursing.com. With a nursing shortage compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven thousands of nurses from the bedside, many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Prolyn
PROLYN’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was a psychology student who was extremely interested in medicine. I wanted to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Alora
ALORA’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College, I was working as an EMT and a CNA. I really loved the work I was doing,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn