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The loneliness epidemic is not isolated to the United States. It is global. The World Health Organization revealed that 1 in 6 people worldwide are living with loneliness. That’s over a billion people.
Further, loneliness is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour—more than 871,000 deaths annually. Your heart doesn’t know the difference between physical isolation and emotional isolation. Both can have very detrimental effects.
Ironically, the loneliest cohort is teenagers, and they are the generation that’s supposedly more connected than ever. We are likely confusing being online with being seen, scrolling with connecting, and networks with relationships. Healthy, human connections can be challenging and uncomfortable, but they can also be life-affirming.
Loneliness isn’t just being alone—it’s the ache of not being heard, not being seen, not mattering. The feeling of loneliness is just a cue for our bodies. Like hunger tells us that we need to eat, loneliness tells us that we need connection.
In response to a more disconnected workforce and the loneliness epidemic, well-being initiatives have been a top priority for many organizations for several years. By and large, these workplace initiatives are programmatic for efficiency’s sake. However, healthy connections are built person to person, not program to person.
So, it is no surprise that existing wellness and mental health initiatives have not moved the needle on feelings of connection, according to the latest Gallup report.
Whether you feel lonely or completely seen, stay tuned to learn simple, proven ways to build healthy, human connections.