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Visions Journal

A reminder that this article from our magazine Visions was published more than 1 year ago. It is here for reference only. Some information in it may no longer be current. It also represents the point of the view of the author only. See the author box at the bottom of the article for more about the contributor.

Loneliness and Social Connection

PDF | EPUB | Vol. 14, No. 3 (2019)

Loneliness is the sense of feeling alone. While some people who are lonely are physically separated from others, we can be around others and still feel lonely when important connections are missing. We may feel lonely for different reasons and experience loneliness in our own ways, but loneliness is always painful. Research increasingly shows that loneliness is a serious health risk, impacting physical health as well as mental health and emotional well-being. As technology allows us to live increasingly isolated lives and replace personal interactions with online interactions, some consider loneliness to be an epidemic. However, loneliness doesn’t have to be constant or permanent, and there is more to solving loneliness than simply never being alone. Embracing solitude, a reflective space to stop and look at the bigger picture, can be an important part of combatting loneliness. However, we can also all take steps to reach out for support when we need it, offer support to others who need it, and help build communities that allow everyone to feel connected and included.

Background

Experiences and Perspectives

Alternatives and Approaches

Resources

 

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