Published By: Jayati

5 WAYS LONELINESS CAN CAUSE MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS

Health is closely connected to loneliness and a sense of isolation. Read on to know more about the five adverse effects of loneliness on human health!

Loneliness can often feel like a trivial matter that is easily dismissed, but its effects on the human mind and body cannot be taken lightly. We are social creatures, and when we do not have adequate human interaction, our physical and emotional well-being can suffer. Loneliness can have devastating effects on our health and here are 5 ways how.

Increased Stress and Anxiety

Loneliness can increase the production of the hormone cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health issues. Loneliness also leads to an increase in anxiety levels, making one more prone to depression.

Insomnia

Lack of human interaction can lead to chronic insomnia. Feeling isolated or unsupported can cause significant sleep problems and also weaken the immune system, which could lead to several health problems.

Higher Risk of Addiction

Addiction is another way loneliness can cause significant health issues. People may use drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances to help them deal with feelings of loneliness, which only serve to exacerbate their negative emotions.

Depression and Other Mental Illnesses

Feeling disconnected and isolated from the world around you can lead to depression and other mental illnesses. This can negatively impact both your physical and mental health and can ultimately lead to other complications.

Shorter Life Expectancy

Loneliness has been found to have a negative impact on a person's life expectancy, especially among the elderly. Feeling socially isolated has been linked to a range of health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and other serious illnesses, which can significantly reduce life expectancy. In conclusion, it is vital to take loneliness seriously as it has been proven to be a leading cause of numerous health issues. Therefore, it is essential to seek social support to help reduce loneliness and promote better health. This may involve joining a club, social group, or volunteer organization, and making the effort to build strong relationships with friends and family. As humans, we are wired to connect with each other and lack of connection is not something we can thrive on. Therefore, prioritizing social interaction is an important step towards improving both our mental and physical health and promoting overall wellness.