Can You Die From Loneliness?

What Is Loneliness?

Loneliness is a feeling of social and emotional isolation that isn’t a personal choice. People can benefit from time alone, however only when they make a choice themselves. When people don’t have the choice to socialize and lack a strong support system, loneliness can breed within them. It is increasing year after year, and the pandemic has perpetuated that feeling for many. Loneliness is a feeling that can impact anyone. Those with a huge social circle and always have friends around them are not immune to the feeling either.¹

Can You Die From Loneliness?

Loneliness can certainly contribute to premature death. People of all ages are at risk for loneliness. However, the elderly, who are limited in their abilities, teens, and young adults are especially prone to loneliness due to age-specific social pressures. Loneliness can be triggered by prolonged periods of isolation, such as during the pandemic. However, isolation combined with a desire to connect with others and an inability to do so can trigger deep loneliness. When this happens, it increases the risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, and cardiac disease. It is believed that loneliness has the same negative health impact as smoking cigarettes and leading a very sedentary lifestyle.²

Loneliness & Mortality

Loneliness triggers the fight or flight response at baseline. When people operate from there, they are more likely to be hypervigilant and trigger their fight or flight response. These responses are also correlated with changes in heart rate, breathing rhythm, and hormone levels such as cortisol. This all takes a huge toll on our bodies, and over time, this stress can cause a lot of damage and age us faster than if we had meaningful social connections we could access when we needed them.²

Social Connection & Longevity

Positive and meaningful relationships can contribute to longer, healthier lives. Being with others can reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Social connections help us interact with others and help us to maintain healthier lifestyle options. When we spend time with others, we often laugh, share stories, and engage in physical contact such as hugging. These things can increase feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin. As a result, it is believed that having a strong social support system acts as a protective factor against the negative impacts of loneliness.³

Loneliness & Mental Health

There are many psychological impacts of chronic loneliness. It can lead to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Loneliness can exacerbate the symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing the perception of suffering. It can make it harder to find optimism and perpetuate negative thoughts.⁴

Depression, Anxiety, & Loneliness

Loneliness can sometimes be a precursor to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Though it doesn’t have to be, loneliness can make the treatment of these conditions more challenging. There is an increase in feelings of pain, helplessness and a general pessimistic outlook on life. It can make it harder to maintain relationships as well, which makes it even harder to cope with.⁴

Physical Health & Loneliness

There are many physical health issues that prolonged loneliness can contribute to, such as cardiovascular health risks, weakened immune systems, and increased vulnerability to chronic diseases. Loneliness can negatively affect heart health and the immune system by triggering heart attacks and strokes due to heightened levels of cortisol. When we have an excess of cortisol, it can manifest as high blood pressure and unstable glucose levels. Stress also impacts the thyroid, which can trigger a multitude of endocrine-related issues, such as diabetes.⁵

How to Cope With Loneliness

Coping with loneliness is something that can be learned. Some recommendations include seeking social connections, engaging in community activities, and taking good care of your mental health.

Ways to cope with loneliness include:

• Spend time with friends and family who love you
• Engage in activities that bring you joy
• Move your body daily
• Engage in gratitude and guided meditation
• Journal your feelings
• Try different activities like gardening and painting
• Volunteer for a cause you care about
• Call a friend or loved one to watch a movie or go for a walk

The Importance of Social Support & Loneliness

It is very important to have a social support system in combating loneliness. Loneliness can be related to something from our past, something we recently experienced, or a combination of both. Psychotherapy can be very effective in dealing with the root causes of loneliness and improving social skills. It can help you identify loneliness and learn where the loneliness comes from. This can give you information to help you make different choices and decisions that are aligned with the kind of life you want to live.

Treatment for Loneliness

Treating loneliness can look different for everyone. Some may benefit from individual therapy, group therapy or family therapy, depending on the kinds of issues they are facing.

Ways to treat loneliness include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT may help because it will help you reframe the thought you have before it becomes an action so future actions will be more intentional.
• Psychoanalysis: This can help identify any underlying or historical feelings of loneliness and if certain situations trigger loneliness more than others.
• Support groups: This can help people make connections and help one another find ways to cope and validate their unique experiences.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have been feeling chronic loneliness for 2-4 weeks despite making social connections, it may be time to seek professional support with loneliness. You can use an online therapist directory or online therapy platform to find a therapist and access therapy from the comfort of your home. It is important to find a therapist who has experience with treating the symptoms of loneliness and has a good understanding of depression and anxiety, as loneliness can spur into these conditions. You can work with a therapist to determine if medication is a good choice and consider speaking to a psychiatrist.