Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, half of the U.S. adult population reported feeling lonely.

Loneliness affects our mental, physical, and societal health. It can even contribute to premature death.

It’s such a concern that U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, recently released an advisory calling attention to the crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection.

“We’ve been aware that loneliness is a public health problem, it’s not something new. However, studies show that it is getting worse post pandemic,” details. Asha Shajahan, MD, Corewell Health family medicine. “Many think that loneliness and social isolation are problems only for the elderly, but new studies are showing a big impact on those under the age of 29, and our digital lives are big contributors.”

Listen below to hear how you can spot warning signs of loneliness:

 

This podcast was originally recorded in May 2018.


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