Is loneliness an epidemic nowadays?
Irine Maria
Journalist | Writer (Content/ Copy/ Features) | Content Manager | Marketing Communications | PR | Social Media Content Coordinator| Interviewer | Media
Living in one of the busiest metropolitan cities in the world, experiencing the high-end facilities, excellent mobility, top-notch shopping malls, entertainment and marvellous cuisines, I have heard people sharing stories of how lonely and bored they are!?
Many want to join communities that would help them meet new people and create connections! But being an expat in a foreign country, it’s often difficult to find individuals with whom to bond.?
Almost lost in the crowd!?What if I say cities are lonely even though they are the most happening place in a country!!
Be it New York, London, Dubai, Beijing or Tokyo! It is challenging to live in an urban place as an expat. It reminds me of the famous lines by John Donne:
“No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.”
The conceit clearly states that nobody can live isolated in society. It’s a human urge to connect to others (except a few who enjoy solitary life). The phrase is used as an expression to share the universal notion of the interconnectedness?of humankind.
Let’s get insights into the isolation and loneliness of cities!
A few months back, I read an article on the World Economic Forum website titled ‘ People feel lonelier in crowded cities – but green spaces can help’.?It was shocking how loneliness increased among people in crowded cities globally. Do you know? “While air pollution, obesity and excessive alcohol use increase a person’s risk of death by 6%, 23% and 37% respectively, loneliness can increase this risk by as much as 45%.”
What is loneliness?
As per the psychological definition, “Loneliness is defined as a distressing feeling that accompanies the perception that one’s social needs are not being met by the quantity or especially the quality of one’s social relationships.”
Loneliness is relatively subjective and perceived isolation from social life. You can live solitary, not feeling lonely, whereas you can enjoy an ostensibly social life and still feel lonely.?
And 15%-30% of the general public goes through chronic loneliness with infinite consequences to mental and physical health. There are effects on the daily physical, emotional, and cognitive activities of human beings with associated risks for internal functioning, behavioural patterns, hypertension and mortality.?
Is it really true?
Effects of Loneliness
- Cardiovascular health risks
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Personality disorders
- Decline in cognitive performance?
- Anxiety, stress and low optimism
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease risk
Why is loneliness on the rise?
As more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, by 2050, 66% of people will live in urban cities, increasing the evidence of how urbanization can badly impact loneliness among people.?
The factors accounted for often include social inclusivity. It’s not the quantity of social circles we have; it is the quality of the relationships that matters.?
What would really contribute to loneliness in cities?
Work and Job shifts: Most people work for long hours to afford to live in a city, indulging themselves in either corporate rate race or unstable work schedules.?
We could barely see our neighbours as well! Even sometimes, you own family members.?
Interestingly, I found a website- The Loneliness Lab, an organization that structures communities to make cities less lonely! And they provide resources to curb your loneliness!
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Will it be helpful??
In a world of social media connection, the hashtag #lonely is always a trending hot topic! Loneliness is an epidemic. It is a universal and timeless experience. It is often considered a public health issue in the United Kingdom and the USA.?
Have you ever thought of elders and younger children? Being in my late 20s, I can feel isolated from a community in one of the busiest cities! In the U.S., a 2010 study reports?about one-third of adults over age 45 meet the UCLA Loneliness Scale criteria for being lonely.
These feelings are higher in senior adults over the age of 45. The World Health Organization (WHO) already listed that loneliness among old-aged individuals increases the likelihood of worst chronic diseases.?
Only recently has there been research on loneliness among younger children. They might not know the concept of loneliness and isolation. It is often evident that they express it in different ways. Developing a close relationship with children and open conversations can help you understand their feelings facilitating emotional health and more confidence.?
If you’re feeling lonely, you are not alone! Loneliness is global. Hence there are a lot of international organizations that offer support.?
?What really helps? How to cope with loneliness?
1. Join a club/ Volunteer?
Join sports, arts, literature, and social clubs or volunteer for charity campaigns or anything you like.
2. Strengthen your existing connections?
Enjoy the existing bonding with friends and family.
3. Visit places
You can explore the city- through public libraries, art exhibitions, and board games. Visit new hotspots in the city. You may find your tribe there.?
Nature can always heal. People might experience less loneliness with the trees, birds, beaches and mountains.?
4. Adopt any pet?
Pets are good companions. If you have a dog, you can take them for a walk, and often they feel your feelings.
5. Talk to strangers?
You can try to connect with random people you meet and interact with them. Put away your phone and have face-to-face conversations with the person sitting next to you in the coffee shop or metro.
6. Keep yourself occupied?
Create a to-do list and invest your time in your hobbies and interests. It can boost your mood as well!
7. Get Active
Hit the gym, go for a run or do any exercises. It can also be one of the best ways to meet new people.?
8. Write it
You can also start writing what you feel- a journal or diary entry. It would help in self-reflection. Find yourself, your feelings and even your pain points!
9. Talk to a therapist
If it’s going out of your hands, please consult a therapist. Book a session and take the first step of handling your struggle.?
10. Meditation and prayer
Meditation or prayer helps you relax your stress. In a study, there is a positive improvement in individuals experiencing loneliness.?
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer
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