The United States is facing a ‘loneliness epidemic’

Do you feel alone? Seeing your friends less and less? Well, you're probably one of the millions that are currently facing a so-called 'loneliness epidemic'.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has warned BBC News of a new epidemic that is sweeping millions of Americans: “A profound sense of loneliness”.

This is part of a report published by the US Department of Health and Human Resources titled ‘Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation’.

Pictured: Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

According to the US top health official, loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The study argues that solitude has dire consequences such as increasing the risks of health disease, suffering a stroke, or developing dementia in later life.

“We now know that loneliness is a common feeling that many people experience. It's like hunger or thirst. It's a feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing,” Murthy told Associated Press.

The top US health official highlighted that “Millions of people in America are struggling in the shadows, and that's not right”.

About 50% of the US population is thought to have reportedly been affected by some level of loneliness.

Solitude was already a problem before the pandemic, which only worsened after the outbreak of Covid-19.

NPR comments that across age groups, people are spending less time with friends than two decades ago.

The report singled out young people between the ages of 15 to 24, with 70% less social interaction with their friends than the same age group two decades ago.

The Surgeon General’s advisory study proposes the basis of a national strategy to tackle solitude across America.

Number one, strengthening social programs, as well as parks and libraries.

Secondly, public policies that aid connection with other people such as funding public transportation or paid family leave.

Number three, the government should address the health issues that originate from solitude.

Next, reevaluate the connection of people with technology.

Second to last, further study how loneliness affects society and individuals.

And finally, that is important to cultivate a culture of human connection.