Curing America’s loneliness epidemic would make us healthier, fitter and less likely to abuse drugs

Image caption: Loneliness increases the risk of chronic disease and mental health challenges. Image credit: An Kirillova / 500px Prime via Getty Images. Article by Clay Marsh. The Conversation – July 14, 2023.

A national health advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on May 3, 2023, sheds light on the urgent public health issues of loneliness and isolation. The report reflects Dr. Murthy’s personal and professional experience with the damaging health impacts of loneliness. As surprising as it sounds, social isolation and loneliness have the same effect on human health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, which is to say, it can shorten life span by up to 15 years. […]

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988 mental health crisis line gets 5 million calls, texts and chats in first year – NPR

National Strategy to Advance Social Connection – HHS.gov

What doctors wish patients knew about loneliness and health – American Medical Association