Loneliness
Loneliness itself can negatively affect your mental and physical health, and may be implicated in the following:
Chronic disorders
Depression and social withdrawal
Mental illnesses
Inflammation and impaired immune system (from the chronic release of the stress hormone cortisol)
Premature death in the elderly (from a lack of social interaction)
Changes in gene expression (from living in a stressful, lonely environment)
Heart disease
Type II diabetes
Alzheimer's (from the lack of intimacy in relationships with family & friends)
Combating Loneliness
1) Make a date – with your child, parents, family, or friends
It is important to show kindness and respect, and that starts with taking time to talk and to listen to others without distractions
Do an activity together, such as going for a walk, going to a cafe (https://www.sarahfreia.com/coffee has some excellent suggestions!) , participating in shared interests, cooking and sharing meals together.
2) Set aside some time with others, without screens
More time spent in front of screens and cellphones means less time having eye contact and learning about verbal and non-verbal cues,
Young people may be losing the ability to identify social cues, given that more time is spent with online communication.
Parents are generally using more technology as well, which means that overall there is less casual conversation going on, whether it’s in the car, at the dinner table, in a restaurant, or walking
It’s crucial to build trust, respect, and intimacy in relationships, by taking the time to turn off screens and reconnecting with face-to-face conversation
3) Physical touch is important
Chemically, a lot of important things happen in our bodies when we touch, even with a quick hug. Touch can provide a sense of intimacy, security, and happiness, as well as decrease stress and improve our overall health
Disclaimer: Although I am a registered MD, information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Please view this website’s “Disclaimer” for further details.