The Loneliness Epidemic: How Social Isolation Is Becoming America’s Next Major Health Crisis

In May 2023, something unprecedented happened in American healthcare: U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy placed a spotlight on America’s problem with loneliness when he declared the issue an epidemic in the spring of 2023. Murthy explained, in a letter that introduced an urgent advisory, that loneliness is far more than “just a bad feeling” and represents a major public health risk for both individuals and society. What many don’t realize is that social isolation increases the risk of premature death by 29 percent. It’s equivalent to the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

The scope of this crisis is staggering. The latest Healthy Minds Monthly Poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finds that, early in 2024, 30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day. This isn’t just a temporary post-pandemic phenomenon—about half of American adults had already reported experiences of loneliness even before the outbreak.

The Hidden Health Consequences

Loneliness isn’t just an emotional state; it’s a serious medical condition with devastating physical consequences. Loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia, as well as other serious medical conditions. The connection between loneliness and mental health is equally alarming. In the report, 81% of adults who were lonely also said they suffered with anxiety or depression compared to 29% of those who were less lonely.

For healthcare systems, the financial impact is equally concerning. When it comes to older adults, social isolation accounts for an extra $6.7 billion in Medicare spending each year. This makes loneliness not just a personal crisis, but a public health emergency that demands immediate attention from healthcare providers and communities alike.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Contrary to popular belief, loneliness doesn’t discriminate by age. People between 30-44 years of age were the loneliest group — 29% of people in this age range said they were “frequently” or “always” lonely, while 30% of Americans aged 18-34 saying they were lonely every day or several times a week, and single adults are nearly twice as likely as married adults to say they have been lonely on a weekly basis over the past year (39% vs. 22%).

Economic factors also play a significant role. Americans earning less than $30,000 a year were the loneliest — 29% in this category reported feeling lonely, while 19% of Americans earning between $50,000-100,000, and 18% of those making more than $100,000 a year said they were lonely.

The Root Causes

Understanding what drives this epidemic is crucial for addressing it. When we asked respondents who or what they think contributes to loneliness in America, technology (73%) topped the list, followed by families not spending enough time together (66%), people working too much or being too busy or exhausted (62%) and people struggling with mental health challenges that are hurting their relationships (60%).

Social media, despite having the word “social” in its name, has been a major contributor to the general decrease in live interactions and to a corresponding increase in feelings of loneliness, inadequacy and social anxiety, especially among teenagers. The irony is that in our most connected age, we’ve never been more disconnected from meaningful human relationships.

Finding Solutions in Suffolk County and Beyond

The good news is that loneliness is treatable, and communities across Suffolk County are beginning to recognize the importance of addressing this crisis. Mental health professionals are uniquely positioned to help individuals navigate these challenges through evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

For residents of Long Island seeking support, working with a qualified Therapist Suffolk County, NY can provide the personalized care needed to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of loneliness. Professional counseling can help individuals develop coping strategies, improve social skills, and work through the anxiety and depression that often accompany chronic loneliness.

Community-Based Solutions

Research shows that the most effective solutions combine individual therapy with community-level interventions. Collective service can provide important connections that relieve loneliness. 75% of our adult respondents, and slightly more lonely adults, reported that “finding ways to help others, such as doing community service or caring for others” would reduce their loneliness.

Three-quarters of those surveyed said they wanted “more activities and fun community events,” where they live and “public spaces that are more accessible and connection-focused like green spaces and playgrounds.” This highlights the need for both individual treatment and broader community initiatives to create spaces for meaningful connection.

The Path Forward

As we move into 2025, addressing the loneliness epidemic requires a multi-faceted approach. Healthcare providers must begin screening for loneliness as routinely as they check blood pressure. Doctors and other clinicians can make a major difference in their patients’ wellbeing and physical health when they ask about loneliness and how to mitigate its effects.

For individuals struggling with loneliness, the first step is recognizing that this is a legitimate health concern that deserves professional attention. Typically, I advise people to begin with their closest sources of support. People are often afraid to reach out for fear of being a burden, but more often than not they find that others are eager for the opportunity to be there for them.

The loneliness epidemic represents one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, but it’s also one of the most treatable. By combining professional mental health support with community-based solutions and policy changes that prioritize social connection, we can begin to reverse this troubling trend and create healthier, more connected communities for everyone.