Loneliness a health hazard in U.S. and abroad

LOS ANGELES - The commission is making special efforts to help vulnerable groups such as new mothers, people with disabilities, the elderly, refugees, and men under 45, who are four times more likely to take their own life than women.

Evidence shows that:

-One fifth of the population said they are always or often lonely. 

-200,000 people hadn’t had a conversation with friends or family for a month. 

-One quarter of people with a disability felt lonely on a typical day.

-A quarter of parents have reported feeling often or always lonely. 

“Being lonely is a physical thing,” said Kennedy. “There is a lot of research about how it can manifest in physical symptoms, such as falls, hypertension, increased risk of heart disease, depression, drinking.”

Loneliness knows no bounds. A recent study at the University of Georgia concluded that chronic depression in the United States is “a significant public health issue,” one that “contributes to a cycle of illness and health-care utilization.”

Wherever you live, loneliness is no doubt affecting someone in your life. Be it a friend or relative, a neighbor, or a complete stranger. A small conversation could make a big difference in their quality of life. Watch the video to see how loneliness affects us all.