02/19/2024
Thanks, TJ Wright for sharing an enlightening video on loneliness and its profound effects on health and well-being.
Here are my thoughts: 💭
◽️Humans are inherently social creatures designed to create and maintain meaningful connections with others. Healthy interpersonal relationships contribute significantly to an individual's sense of purpose, self-worth, emotional fulfillment, and cognitive stimulation. Conversely, a lack of such connections can lead to feelings of loneliness, social isolation, heightened stress levels, and susceptibility to depressive symptoms. The subjective experience of loneliness varies among individuals and can manifest in many ways.
◾️Extensive research indicates that loneliness disproportionately affects young adults aged 16-24, followed by older adults, with profound implications for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Chronic loneliness has been linked to the development of various health conditions, accelerated aging processes, and cognitive decline over time. Unfortunately, everyone experiences a sense of loneliness regardless of their demographics, occupation, or income level, which underscores the importance of feeling a strong sense of belonging through supportive and healthy relationships with others.
▫️As a healthcare provider, fostering trust and cultivating community with patients is essential to premium care and vital to me. When patients feel a genuine connection and belongingness with their healthcare provider, their overall health outcomes are optimized. Addressing the fundamental human need for social belonging can positively impact patient well-being and improve health outcomes. I uphold this valuable understanding and prioritize this in each of my patient's interactions.
◾️For further insights into loneliness and its impact on health and wellness, I recommend checking out this informative 5-minute BigTalk video on the subject.
How loneliness is killing us, according to a Harvard Professor:
https://youtu.be/JxbYPk1MIyw?si=8yhAYrg9F3dJ8Ar2
Please commentt and share your thoughts!
60% of people feel disconnected. Harvard professor Robert Waldinger addresses the science behind humanity’s loneliness epidemic and suggests ways to solve it...
