![]() And with more than one in five adults and more than one in three young adults living with a mental illness in the U.S., addressing loneliness and isolation is critical in order to fully address the mental health crisis in America. Loneliness and social isolation in childhood increase the risk of depression and anxiety both immediately and well into the future. In adults, the risk of developing depression among people who report feeling lonely often is more than double that of people who rarely or never feel lonely. In addition to our physical health, loneliness and isolation contribute substantially to mental health challenges. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%. The physical health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. ![]() Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.” “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” said U.S. “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. ![]() It details recommendations that individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems, and community organizations can take to increase connection in their lives, communities, and across the country and improve their health. The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation lays out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection, which has never been implemented before in the United States. In fact, loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges in their lives, and lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily. Disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. ![]() adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately half of U.S. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country. Lays Out Framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection Vivek Murthy Calls for Action to Address Public Health Crisis, ![]()
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