The U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently issued a warning about the health impacts of chronic loneliness, equating social isolation to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This serious concern has prompted San Mateo County in California to become the first in the nation to declare loneliness a public health emergency.
Leading the charge against this growing issue is Edward Garcia, who heads the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, a nonprofit organization collaborating with healthcare experts and policymakers. Garcia stresses that loneliness has always disproportionately affected marginalized communities, such as those of lower socioeconomic status, BIPOC communities, and LGBTQ youth.
In today’s society, drivers of loneliness include hyper individualism and personalized online media consumption, which can lead to feelings of not belonging in the real world community. The prevalence of technology has made it easier for people to stay connected virtually, but it has also resulted in increased feelings of isolation in the physical world.
As the nation grapples with the mental health impacts of loneliness, it is crucial for communities to come together to combat this issue. By raising awareness about the negative effects of social isolation and working towards creating more inclusive spaces for all individuals, we can begin to address the root causes of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging in our society.
“Food expert. Unapologetic bacon maven. Beer enthusiast. Pop cultureaholic. General travel scholar. Total internet buff.”
