The Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States

In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country.  

Loneliness is more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.  Our feelings of social disconnection began way before the COVID-19 pandemic, but since then these feelings have only been exacerbated.   

​While social connection may be the best medicine, Dr. Murthy stresses that the real remedies to the problem of loneliness, must address not just the lonely people but the culture making them lonely. Our work must acknowledge the structural underpinnings of so much stress and trauma in our society. The most at risk of loneliness are people in marginalized communities, because unequal access to food, housing, education and health care impacts a sense of belonging.

The Surgeon General stated “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”

Taking Action: What is Being Done to Solve the Epidemic of Loneliness on a National Scale?

This Surgeon General’s Advisory lays out a framework for the United States to establish a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection based on six foundational pillars:

1. Strengthen Social Infrastructure: Our connections are heavily influenced by physical elements of a community (parks, libraries, playgrounds) and the programs and policies in place. Communities must design environments that promote connection, and invest in institutions that bring people together.
2. Enact Pro-Connection Public Policies: Accessible public transportation or paid family leave that can support and enable more connection among a community or a family.​
3. Mobilize the Health Sector: Because loneliness and isolation are risk factors for several major health conditions (including heart disease, dementia, depression) as well as for premature death, health care providers are well-positioned to assess patients for risk of loneliness and intervene.
4. Reform Digital Environments: We must critically evaluate our relationship with technology and ensure that how we interact digitally does not detract from meaningful and healing connection with others.
5. Deepen Our Knowledge: Invest in research to better understand social disconnection, at-risk populations, and effective solutions.
6. Cultivate a Culture of Connection: Everyday norms and practices shape relationships, making a culture of connection essential to supporting the other pillars.

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Taking Action: What Can We Do on an Individual Scale to Solve the Epidemic of Loneliness using Relational Life Tools?

1. Deepen Knowledge: about relational skills through affordable RLT Mini Lessons, Relationship Revival Course, or our free blog. 
2. Transform & Deepen Connections: by joining sliding scale RLT Relationship Bootcamps or receiving Sliding Scale RLT Sessions from a trained therapist or coach (individuals & couples are welcome).
3. Bring Community Together: by joining the free, virtual, expert-led Community Conversations Series.
4. Join the Movement and Spread the Word: about Relational Life Foundation and other nonprofits seeking to make relational therapy accessible to everyone 
5. Stay Connected: by joining our newsletter.
6. Donate to a good cause:. We appreciate your support so that we can continue spearheading this widespread epidemic of loneliness. ​