The Health Risks of Social Isolation & Loneliness
Loneliness and social isolation – which have been on the rise the past few years – pose a great risk to our health. It’s difficult to gauge the true impact of social isolation, but there have been several studies in the past few years that indicate its importance.
Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, whereas social isolation is the lack of social connection. One can feel lonely with or without social isolation, but typically it involves some lack of quality relationships or connection. Whether someone has social connections and they aren’t easily accessible, or if they lack connection altogether, isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes.
Most of us have likely experienced loneliness, and the events of the past few years made social isolation necessary at times. According to the CDC, this lack of connection to our community, to our neighbors, and to our friends rivals the health risks of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Poor social relationships (or complete lack thereof) is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, risk of heart disease and stroke, and dementia.
Although the findings are preliminary, the indications are clear. If we are experiencing loneliness or social isolation, our health is at risk, even if we are doing “all the right things.” Harvard reported in 2021 that among American adults, 36% of respondents reported serious loneliness—feeling lonely “frequently” or “almost all the time or all the time” in the four weeks prior to the survey. That study places over a third of American adults at a greater health risk. This data can feel disheartening, because there is no quick fix to make sure everyone has a community to connect with.
As a physician, I see patients who are going through their own health journey and feel completely alone. When you have to alter your lifestyle, your diet, or behavior with the hopes of improving symptoms, not everyone will understand. The process of change can feel isolating, overwhelming, and at times, impossible without the support of others.
It has always been my goal to reduce suffering, and it seems that social connectedness is a bigger piece of the puzzle now than ever before. My practice serves as a support system for many people who are seeking change and better health. We offer an opportunity twice per month for our members to meet each other on zoom and ask questions, share tips and advice, and just not feel so alone. These group gatherings have been great, but I knew there had to be more options.
This is why I decided to start the Wild Collective, a women’s group health program. From a young age, women are often not taught enough about their bodies, their cycles, and the awesome power they hold. Learning about women’s health is frequently experienced without the support of other women. We are tribal beings by nature. We are wired for connection, and we deserve it.
The Wild Collective is a supportive community of like-minded women, offering health education that is meant to reignite your zest for life and passion for health. It’s all about creating meaningful connections, transforming your health (without the struggle of going through it alone), connecting to your physiology, and reclaiming your health.
My first cohort of the Wild Collective just wrapped up, and it was better than I could’ve imagined. We spent 10 sessions together discussing experiences, sharing stories, learning about our health, and just being there together. I am so excited to offer the second semester starting this fall, and early sign ups have already begun.
There is limited space in each semester. This means that once the spots are filled, registration is closed until the next group is offered. Our upcoming Wild Collective will begin in September 2022, and run through January 2023.
Does this program speak to you? Are you even a bit interested? I encourage you to take a chance on yourself and invest in your health and in your future. You can learn more about the program at my informational webinar on Thursday, 8/25 at 7 pm on zoom. Click HERE to sign up.
Or if you have questions, or feel ready to sign up today, just contact our office and we will help you get started.
I hope that the Wild Collective can reduce the prevalence of social isolation by not only connecting this group of women, but also by giving them the tools to go out and seek connection elsewhere in their lives.
And if you are a man, I see you and understand how prevalent isolation can be for you as well. As of right now, I do not have a program for men. But I encourage you to reach out to an old friend that you haven’t talked to in a while, or join the basketball league, church men’s group or other community support program available to you. It just might save your life!
In health,
Dr. Emily
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html