Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does It Mean to Be Chronically Lonely?Signs of LonelinessCauses of Chronic LonelinessImpacts of LonelinessOvercoming Loneliness

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Table of Contents

What Does It Mean to Be Chronically Lonely?

Signs of Loneliness

Causes of Chronic Loneliness

Impacts of Loneliness

Overcoming Loneliness

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In 2023 theUS Surgeon General saidloneliness had become a new kind of insidious epidemic in America, and that’s worth talking about. We’re seemingly more connected than ever in an online capacity, but quality face-to-face interaction and a sense of in-person community are seriously lacking.

There’s also a difference between being alone and chronically lonely. When you’realone, it can be an active choice to be in solitude. You enjoy deep, fulfilling connections with others while having intentional time away on your own.

Chronic loneliness is a profound aloneness from being involuntarilyisolatedfrom meaningful relationships for a long period of time. You may be around others but still feel like you are an island of your own.

The Impact of Social Isolation on Mental Health

Developing a connection with others is an enduring desire that begins in infancy with our earliest caregivers. Before we know anything about the world, there’s already an innate yearning to attach to emotionally responsive individuals who can meet our fundamental need for closeness.

There’s a biological incentive to get along with others and thrive. Research shows that people who developed a healthy, secureattachment stylewith others reported having higher levels of happiness and well-being.

With loneliness, you may harbor strong feelings of socialization but go without satisfying human intimacy for days, weeks, months, or years. Being alone without acommunitycan cause suffering, sadness, silence, and pain.

When you feel like you do not have anyone you can really confide in, it can leave you vulnerable to loneliness, negatively shift the way you approach the world, and have detrimental health outcomes.

Chronic loneliness isn’t considered a specific mental health condition but a psychological natural phenomenon and a public health epidemic. Loneliness can happen to people of all ages, gender, sexuality, races, and socioeconomic background at various points in life with serious mental and physical health consequences.

Loneliness Test: Are You Feeling Lonely?

Signs Of Chronic Loneliness

The biggest indicator of chronic loneliness is feeling like you don’t have any significant relationships to share your problems and experiences with. You may want to connect with a partner, friend, or family member and feel like you have no one.

If you are dealing with chronic loneliness, here are some of the other subtle symptoms you may experience:

Are You Feeling Lonely? Take the Test

This fast and freeloneliness testcan help you analyze your current emotions and determine whether or not you may be feeling lonely at the moment:

Chronic loneliness can happen for several reasons. Researchoutlines it as follows:

A 2022 study found one-third of adults 45 and older feel lonely, and one-quarter of adults age 65 and older feel socially isolated from others. Older immigrants are more at-risk for chronic loneliness since moving countries can augment cultural differences such as a lack of community, fragmented social networks, and language barriers to connect with others.

Newer research has also recognized high rates of loneliness among older LGBTQ+ people. This population can be high risk because they’re already a stigmatized group who may not be connected to friends and family because they were rejected because of their sexuality. As a result, chronically lonely LGBTQ+ individuals find it difficult to pursue meaningful companionship because of anxiety, depression, health issues, and uncertainty engaging with others within the community.

While there’s been a perception that older populations are more vulnerable since the experience can surge with age, the experience doesn’t discriminate. A 2014 study reported 80% of adolescents and young children below the age of 18 reported feeling loneliness at one point in their life as well.

Researchers suggest that loneliness could be especially poignant for adolescents since they have not yet developed the skills to deal with isolation. The impacts of loneliness can be tough to feel when being seen, understood, accepted, and loved is essential to their growth.

Being chronically lonely is a distressing experience that can bring intense feelings of emptiness, pain, and emotional heaviness. Research from the Genomics Core Laboratory at UCLA found loneliness modifies and weakens cells in the immune system, promoting inflammation and escalating the risk of chronic diseases.The CDC also found loneliness can put you at risk for severe health conditionssuch as:

Other research echo similar findings about chronic loneliness and note that sufferers of chronic loneliness also have a higher chance of needing psychotropic medications.

We live longer and we are more connected than ever, yet the current level of loneliness is unprecedented. It may feel insurmountable to get out of chronic loneliness but it’s far from impossible. It’s important to remember: loneliness is a totally normal and universal experience that happens to everyone.

The solution for chronic loneliness is connecting with others. However, that’s easier said than done. It takes courage to open yourself to others and risk rejection when you already feel so vulnerable.

There are easy, small, and effective steps you can take to increase care and affection in your life:

Craving connection is a powerful motivator to feel close to others. We are biologically wired to be around people, where we can share our stories, journeys, and perspectives. Being connected can give you a greater purpose, a deeper sense of self, and help you build your circle of loved ones.

17 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Darban F, Safarzai E, Koohsari E, Kordi M.Does attachment style predict quality of life in youth? A cross-sectional study in Iran.Health Psychol Res. 2020;8(2):8796. doi:10.4081%2Fhpr.2020.8796Dong X, Chang ES, Wong E, Simon M.Perception and negative effect of loneliness in a chicago chinese population of older adults.Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2012;54(1):151-159. doi:10.1016%2Fj.archger.2011.04.022Yanguas J, Pinazo-Henandis S, Tarazona-Santabalbina FJ.The complexity of loneliness.Acta Biomed. 2018;89(2):302-314. doi:10.23750%2Fabm.v89i2.7404Hämmig O.Health risks associated with social isolation in general and in young, middle and old age.PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0219663.Sun JJ, Chang YJ.Associations of problematic binge-watching with depression, social interaction anxiety, and loneliness.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1168. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18031168Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR. 2014;8(9):WE01. doi:10.7860%2FJCDR%2F2014%2F10077.4828Tiwari SC.Loneliness: A disease?Indian J Psychiatry. 2013;55(4):320-322. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.120536Jang H, Tang F.Loneliness, age at immigration, family relationships, and depression among older immigrants: A moderated relationship.J Soc Pers Relat. 2022;39(6):1602-1622. doi:10.1177%2F02654075211061279Hughes M.Loneliness and the health and well-being of lgbt seniors.Innov Aging. 2017;1(Suppl 1):606.Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(9):WE01-WE04.Cole SW, Capitanio JP, Chun K, Arevalo JMG, Ma J, Cacioppo JT.Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(49):15142-15147.The CDC.Loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions. 2021.Ingram I, Kelly PJ, Deane FP, et al.Loneliness among people with substance use problems: A narrative systematic review.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2020;39(5):447-483.Brady S, D’Ambrosio LA, Felts A, Rula EY, Kell KP, Coughlin JF.Reducing isolation and loneliness through membership in a fitness program for older adults: implications for health.J Appl Gerontol. 2020;39(3):301-310.Fakoya OA, McCorry NK, Donnelly M.Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:129.Hoang P, King JA, Moore S, et al.Interventions associated with reduced loneliness and social isolation in older adults.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(10):e2236676.National Academies of Sciences E, Education D of B and SS and, Division H and M, Board on Behavioral C, Policy B on HS,Adults C on the H and MD of SI and L in O.Interventions. National Academies Press (US); 2020.

17 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Darban F, Safarzai E, Koohsari E, Kordi M.Does attachment style predict quality of life in youth? A cross-sectional study in Iran.Health Psychol Res. 2020;8(2):8796. doi:10.4081%2Fhpr.2020.8796Dong X, Chang ES, Wong E, Simon M.Perception and negative effect of loneliness in a chicago chinese population of older adults.Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2012;54(1):151-159. doi:10.1016%2Fj.archger.2011.04.022Yanguas J, Pinazo-Henandis S, Tarazona-Santabalbina FJ.The complexity of loneliness.Acta Biomed. 2018;89(2):302-314. doi:10.23750%2Fabm.v89i2.7404Hämmig O.Health risks associated with social isolation in general and in young, middle and old age.PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0219663.Sun JJ, Chang YJ.Associations of problematic binge-watching with depression, social interaction anxiety, and loneliness.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1168. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18031168Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR. 2014;8(9):WE01. doi:10.7860%2FJCDR%2F2014%2F10077.4828Tiwari SC.Loneliness: A disease?Indian J Psychiatry. 2013;55(4):320-322. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.120536Jang H, Tang F.Loneliness, age at immigration, family relationships, and depression among older immigrants: A moderated relationship.J Soc Pers Relat. 2022;39(6):1602-1622. doi:10.1177%2F02654075211061279Hughes M.Loneliness and the health and well-being of lgbt seniors.Innov Aging. 2017;1(Suppl 1):606.Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(9):WE01-WE04.Cole SW, Capitanio JP, Chun K, Arevalo JMG, Ma J, Cacioppo JT.Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(49):15142-15147.The CDC.Loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions. 2021.Ingram I, Kelly PJ, Deane FP, et al.Loneliness among people with substance use problems: A narrative systematic review.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2020;39(5):447-483.Brady S, D’Ambrosio LA, Felts A, Rula EY, Kell KP, Coughlin JF.Reducing isolation and loneliness through membership in a fitness program for older adults: implications for health.J Appl Gerontol. 2020;39(3):301-310.Fakoya OA, McCorry NK, Donnelly M.Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:129.Hoang P, King JA, Moore S, et al.Interventions associated with reduced loneliness and social isolation in older adults.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(10):e2236676.National Academies of Sciences E, Education D of B and SS and, Division H and M, Board on Behavioral C, Policy B on HS,Adults C on the H and MD of SI and L in O.Interventions. National Academies Press (US); 2020.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Darban F, Safarzai E, Koohsari E, Kordi M.Does attachment style predict quality of life in youth? A cross-sectional study in Iran.Health Psychol Res. 2020;8(2):8796. doi:10.4081%2Fhpr.2020.8796Dong X, Chang ES, Wong E, Simon M.Perception and negative effect of loneliness in a chicago chinese population of older adults.Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2012;54(1):151-159. doi:10.1016%2Fj.archger.2011.04.022Yanguas J, Pinazo-Henandis S, Tarazona-Santabalbina FJ.The complexity of loneliness.Acta Biomed. 2018;89(2):302-314. doi:10.23750%2Fabm.v89i2.7404Hämmig O.Health risks associated with social isolation in general and in young, middle and old age.PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0219663.Sun JJ, Chang YJ.Associations of problematic binge-watching with depression, social interaction anxiety, and loneliness.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1168. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18031168Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR. 2014;8(9):WE01. doi:10.7860%2FJCDR%2F2014%2F10077.4828Tiwari SC.Loneliness: A disease?Indian J Psychiatry. 2013;55(4):320-322. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.120536Jang H, Tang F.Loneliness, age at immigration, family relationships, and depression among older immigrants: A moderated relationship.J Soc Pers Relat. 2022;39(6):1602-1622. doi:10.1177%2F02654075211061279Hughes M.Loneliness and the health and well-being of lgbt seniors.Innov Aging. 2017;1(Suppl 1):606.Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(9):WE01-WE04.Cole SW, Capitanio JP, Chun K, Arevalo JMG, Ma J, Cacioppo JT.Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(49):15142-15147.The CDC.Loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions. 2021.Ingram I, Kelly PJ, Deane FP, et al.Loneliness among people with substance use problems: A narrative systematic review.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2020;39(5):447-483.Brady S, D’Ambrosio LA, Felts A, Rula EY, Kell KP, Coughlin JF.Reducing isolation and loneliness through membership in a fitness program for older adults: implications for health.J Appl Gerontol. 2020;39(3):301-310.Fakoya OA, McCorry NK, Donnelly M.Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:129.Hoang P, King JA, Moore S, et al.Interventions associated with reduced loneliness and social isolation in older adults.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(10):e2236676.National Academies of Sciences E, Education D of B and SS and, Division H and M, Board on Behavioral C, Policy B on HS,Adults C on the H and MD of SI and L in O.Interventions. National Academies Press (US); 2020.

Darban F, Safarzai E, Koohsari E, Kordi M.Does attachment style predict quality of life in youth? A cross-sectional study in Iran.Health Psychol Res. 2020;8(2):8796. doi:10.4081%2Fhpr.2020.8796

Dong X, Chang ES, Wong E, Simon M.Perception and negative effect of loneliness in a chicago chinese population of older adults.Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2012;54(1):151-159. doi:10.1016%2Fj.archger.2011.04.022

Yanguas J, Pinazo-Henandis S, Tarazona-Santabalbina FJ.The complexity of loneliness.Acta Biomed. 2018;89(2):302-314. doi:10.23750%2Fabm.v89i2.7404

Hämmig O.Health risks associated with social isolation in general and in young, middle and old age.PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0219663.

Sun JJ, Chang YJ.Associations of problematic binge-watching with depression, social interaction anxiety, and loneliness.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1168. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18031168

Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR. 2014;8(9):WE01. doi:10.7860%2FJCDR%2F2014%2F10077.4828

Tiwari SC.Loneliness: A disease?Indian J Psychiatry. 2013;55(4):320-322. doi:10.4103%2F0019-5545.120536

Jang H, Tang F.Loneliness, age at immigration, family relationships, and depression among older immigrants: A moderated relationship.J Soc Pers Relat. 2022;39(6):1602-1622. doi:10.1177%2F02654075211061279

Hughes M.Loneliness and the health and well-being of lgbt seniors.Innov Aging. 2017;1(Suppl 1):606.

Mushtaq R, Shoib S, Shah T, Mushtaq S.Relationship between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health ? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(9):WE01-WE04.

Cole SW, Capitanio JP, Chun K, Arevalo JMG, Ma J, Cacioppo JT.Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(49):15142-15147.

The CDC.Loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions. 2021.

Ingram I, Kelly PJ, Deane FP, et al.Loneliness among people with substance use problems: A narrative systematic review.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2020;39(5):447-483.

Brady S, D’Ambrosio LA, Felts A, Rula EY, Kell KP, Coughlin JF.Reducing isolation and loneliness through membership in a fitness program for older adults: implications for health.J Appl Gerontol. 2020;39(3):301-310.

Fakoya OA, McCorry NK, Donnelly M.Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.BMC Public Health. 2020;20:129.

Hoang P, King JA, Moore S, et al.Interventions associated with reduced loneliness and social isolation in older adults.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(10):e2236676.

National Academies of Sciences E, Education D of B and SS and, Division H and M, Board on Behavioral C, Policy B on HS,Adults C on the H and MD of SI and L in O.Interventions. National Academies Press (US); 2020.

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