Lifestyle
How Loneliness Impacts Your Health: What Researchers Want You to Know
A recent poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association in 2025 revealed that 33 percent of adults experience loneliness at least once a week, marking a three percent rise from the previous year. This growing sense of isolation is not just a fleeting feeling; it has profound implications for both mental and physical health, leading researchers to label loneliness as a “hidden epidemic.”
A study published in the journal PLOS One highlights loneliness as a “strong and independent predictor of depression and poor health outcomes.” The authors emphasized that loneliness affects “every aspect of health,” both mentally and physically. Their findings underscore the urgent need to address this “hidden epidemic.”
To delve into the effects of loneliness, researchers surveyed 47,318 Americans aged 18 to 64, asking them about their frequency of loneliness. Participants also reported their mental and physical health status, including the number of “not good” health days experienced in the past month.
The results were telling: Over 80 percent of participants reported experiencing loneliness to some degree. Those who felt lonely “always” reported an average of 10.9 additional poor mental health days each month. They also experienced five more poor physical health days, on average.
Women, in particular, “consistently” reported a higher likelihood of depression and more poor mental health days compared to men. “Our study highlights that loneliness is not just an emotional state—it has measurable consequences for both mental and physical health,” the authors concluded. They stressed that “addressing loneliness may be a critical public health priority to reduce depression and improve overall well-being.”
Combating loneliness requires proactive steps toward social engagement. While joining a mahjong group or book club might seem straightforward, it demands courage and openness. Volunteering can be an excellent avenue to meet like-minded individuals. “Offer your skills or interests to a local organization that you resonate with,” suggested Ray Christner, PsyD, NCSP, ABPP.
Colleen Marshall, MA, LMFT, vice president of clinical care at Two Chairs, advises strengthening existing relationships. “This could be with a friend, family member, grandchild, or really anyone that is important to you,” she explained. Regularly scheduled visits can reinforce connections and provide a sense of anticipation and support.
“If the person you want to connect with can’t do it weekly, think about several people that could be on your schedule so you have at least one touch point a week for a meaningful check-in,” Marshall added. By taking these steps, individuals can begin to counteract the adverse effects of loneliness on their health.
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