Don’t Let Loneliness Harm Your Health
Reviewed on 8/22/2021
What It’s Not
Loneliness isn’t simply about being alone — some people are happy on their own. And it’s not how many people you know or how often you see them, or a bad day when you don’t feel connected. What matters is to have strong connections. Those who do tend to be happier, healthier, and more productive. Those who don’t may feel isolated, misunderstood, and depressed: lonely. It can take a physical toll, too. But you can take steps to overcome that.
Immune System
If you’re lonely for a long time, it may to make it harder for your body to fight sickness. Part of the reason for this may be that loneliness triggers some of the hormones your body makes when you’re under stress. And that can dim how well your immune system works, too. Many other things also affect how well your body defends itself. Your doctor can help you pinpoint what changes might help.
Blood Pressure
If you’re lonely — especially if it lasts for 4 years or longer — your blood pressure is more likely to go up. Scientists who study this effect can’t prove that loneliness is to blame. But they found that the rise isn’t caused by other things like age, gender, diet, or family background.
