Psychotherapy The Health Consequences of Loneliness Causes and Health Consequences of Feeling Lonely By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial process Kendra Cherry Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on July 01, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, international bestselling author and host of the Mentally Strong People podcast. Learn about our Review Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on March 23, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Definition Causes Health Risks Research Tips Loneliness is a universal human emotion that is both complex and unique to each individual. Because it has no single common cause, the prevention and treatment of this potentially damaging state of mind can vary dramatically. For example, a lonely child who struggles to make friends at school has different needs than a lonely older adult whose spouse has recently died. In order to understand loneliness, it's important to take a closer look at exactly what we mean by the term "lonely," as well as the various causes, health consequences, symptoms, and potential treatments for loneliness. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Definition of Loneliness While common definitions of loneliness describe it as a state of solitude or being alone, loneliness is actually a state of mind. Loneliness is defined by researchers as feeling lonely more than once a week. Loneliness causes people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted. People who are lonely often crave human contact, but their state of mind makes it more difficult to form connections with other people. Loneliness, according to many experts, is not necessarily about being alone. Instead, if you feel alone and isolated, then that is how loneliness plays into your state of mind. For example, a college freshman might feel lonely despite being surrounded by roommates and other peers. A soldier beginning their military career might feel lonely after being deployed to a foreign country, despite being constantly surrounded by other troop members. Causes of Loneliness Contributing factors to loneliness include situational variables, such as physical isolation, moving to a new location, and divorce. The death of someone significant in a person's life can also lead to feelings of loneliness. Additionally, it can be a symptom of a psychological disorder such as depression. Loneliness can also be attributed to internal factors such as low self-esteem. People who lack confidence in themselves often believe that they are unworthy of the attention or regard of other people, which can lead to isolation and chronic loneliness. Health Risks Associated With Loneliness Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health, including: Alcoholism and drug useAltered brain functionAlzheimer's disease progressionAntisocial behaviorCardiovascular disease and strokeDecreased memory and learningDepression and suicideIncreased stress levelsPoor decision-making If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. These are not the only areas in which loneliness takes its toll. Lonely adults get less exercise than those who are not lonely. Their diet is higher in fat, their sleep is less efficient, and they report more daytime fatigue. Loneliness also disrupts the regulation of cellular processes deep within the body, predisposing us to premature aging. What Research Suggests About Loneliness Researchers have found that low levels of loneliness are associated with marriage, higher incomes, and higher educational status. High levels of loneliness are associated with physical health symptoms, living alone, small social networks, and low-quality social relationships. Close Friends Help Combat Loneliness Researchers also suggest that loneliness is becoming more common in the United States. Since 1985, the number of people in the U.S. with no close friends has tripled. The rise of the internet and ironically, social media, are partially to blame. Experts believe that it is not the quantity of social interaction that combats loneliness, but it's the quality. Having just three or four close friends is enough to ward off loneliness and reduce the negative health consequences associated with this state of mind. Loneliness Can Be Contagious One study suggests that loneliness may actually be contagious. In a 10-year study, researchers examined how loneliness spreads in social networks. The results indicated that people close to someone experiencing loneliness were 52% more likely to become lonely as well. Tips to Prevent and Overcome Loneliness Loneliness can be overcome. It does require a conscious effort on your part to make a change. In the long run, making a change can make you happier, healthier, and enable you to impact others around you in a positive way. Here are some ways to prevent loneliness: Consider community service or another activity that you enjoy. These situations present great opportunities to meet people and cultivate new friendships and social interactions.Expect the best. Lonely people often expect rejection, so instead focus on positive thoughts and attitudes in your social relationships.Focus on developing quality relationships. Seek people who share similar attitudes, interests, and values with you.Recognize that loneliness is a sign that something needs to change.Understand the effects of loneliness on your life. There are physical and mental repercussions for loneliness. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Ever wonder what your personality type means? Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cacioppo JT, Fowler JH, Christakis NA. Alone in the crowd: The structure and spread of loneliness in a large social network. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 2010;97(6):977-991. doi:10.1037/a0016076. Sbarra DA. Divorce and health: Current trends and future directions. Psychosom Med. 2015;77(3):227–236. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000168 Hämmig O. Health risks associated with social isolation in general and in young, middle and old age [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2019 Aug 29;14(8):e0222124]. PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0219663. Published 2019 Jul 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0219663 Schrempft S, Jackowska M, Hamer M, Steptoe A. Associations between social isolation, loneliness, and objective physical activity in older men and women. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):74. Published 2019 Jan 16. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-6424-y McPherson M, Smith-Lovin L, Brashears ME. Social isolation in America: Changes in core discussion networks over two decades. American Sociological Review. 2006;71(3):353–375. doi:10.1177/000312240607100301 Additional Reading Beaton C. Why Millennials Are Lonely. Forbes. February 9, 2017. Cacioppo JT, Decety J. What are the brain mechanisms on which psychological processes are based? Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2009;4(1):10-18. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01094.x Ebesutani C, Drescher C, Reise S, et al. The Loneliness Questionnaire—Short Version: An evaluation of reverse-worded and non-reverse-worded items via item response theory. Journal of Personality Assessment. Published March 9, 2012. doi:10.1080/00223891.2012.662188 University of Chicago. Loneliness Affects How the Brain Operates. Science Daily. February 17, 2009.