In 2023, the US Surgeon General announced that the country is facing a loneliness epidemic. In his letter to Americans, Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses the health impacts that loneliness and lack of connection has on us all, physically, mentally, and emotionally. With the increase in use of our phones and social media, many of us find ourselves isolated from sources of true human connection. It is imperative that we put down our gadgets and connect with those around us. We are, after all, mammals who need social contact to survive.

In addition to fighting the loneliness epidemic, it is important to acknowledge the deep loneliness that exists as part of the human condition. Being human means that we will not always feel understood for our position in life. No one has the same experience as you. This is due to several reasons – your biology, your coping tools, the ways that you were raised, your attachment style, your resources, your support system, and so much more. Being lonely is part of being human and being able to accept this feeling of loneliness is an important task in our experience as humans.

What do we do when we feel this loneliness? We can ask the loneliness why it exists. We can celebrate the loneliness for telling us that we are human. We can welcome the negative emotions, for they are what help us also feel the positive emotions. We can reach out to others and ask them about their feelings of loneliness. We can put our devices away and try to connect with someone or something around us. We can accept the loneliness that is intrinsic to being an individual, while reaching for the connective tissue that is empathy in those around us.

Are you looking for support as you navigate loneliness? Book a free consultation with me!