Loneliness

Overview

Loneliness is about how connected you feel, not how many people are around.

Long-term loneliness raises the risk of depression, heart disease, and dementia.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Feeling lonely or isolated

Less common

• Low mood
• Trouble sleeping

When to get medical care

Causes

Moving, loss, retirement, illness, hearing loss, and social anxiety.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults living alone
• Young adults

Possible complications

• Depression

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can talk with you about it.

Questions you may be asked

• Mood and support

Treatment

Reconnecting takes small, steady steps.

Self-care

• Reach out to one person this week
• Join a class, club, faith group, or volunteer
• Spend time with others in person when you can
• Consider a pet

Therapy can help with social anxiety or depression.

Prevention

To stay connected:

• Regular calls or visits
• Shared activities

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a psychiatrist (for medicine) and a psychologist or licensed therapist (for talk therapy).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Free support groups and a helpline (1-800-950-6264) for people and families.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time for free, private support in a crisis.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
• Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
• If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Connection can be rebuilt.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Where can I find groups nearby?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Loneliness