Loneliness: The Importance of Making Friends

I recently came across an article in the Monitor On Psychology on loneliness.

Although the article was written in 2014 I was intrigued by its findings due to everything going on with the coronavirus pandemic this year.

According to the article, studies have shown that people who feel lonely and are socially isolated tend to have an increase in mortality.

I would like to place an emphasis on feel because you don’t necessarily have to be lonely it’s the feeling lonely alone that brings about these negative health issues.

Specifically, loneliness tends to trigger your fight or flight response (stress response) which over time has a negative impact on your immune system and overall health.

So next time a friend or family member invites you out, instead of telling yourself that you are too busy I hope you will remember what studies have found and make it a priority to meet with them.

Credit: Anna Miller “Friends Wanted”