For years, loneliness has been linked to poor health and now, there may be even bigger problems.
American Psychological Association research found that loneliness may represent a greater public health hazard than obesity. Mainstream Mental Health founder, CEO and clinical forensic psychologist Dr. John Huber explains.
“Being lonely is along the lines of the same kind of stress that we have when we’re actually depressed and your body releases corticosteroids that interfere with your immune system and makes it difficult for your body to react,” said Huber.
Being lonely affects your health and how you respond to being sick.
“We know that lonely people are at significantly higher risk for things like Alzheimer’s, as well as just getting sick in general,” said Huber.
Huber said social isolation is another problem. Health does improve if we're able to help people break through the loneliness barrier.