Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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8 UCW SEPTEMBER 27 - OCTOBER 3, 2023 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM In today's fast-paced and digitally connected world, one might assume that loneliness and isolation would be rare occurrences. Yet an alarming epidemic of loneliness has gripped societies across the globe, with individuals of all ages and backgrounds falling victim to its insidious grasp. e COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this issue, leaving many feeling more isolated than ever before. However, there is hope. As we navigate this challenging terrain, we can uncover the keys to defeating loneliness and reclaiming the vital social connections that are essential for our health and well-being. e Loneliness Epidemic: A Silent Plague Loneliness is not just a passing feeling of solitude; it is a pervasive sense of disconnection from others, often accompanied by sadness and a lack of purpose. Its effects are far-reaching, impacting not only mental health but also physical well-being. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, and a weakened immune system. e COVID-19 pandemic amplified the problem. Lockdowns and social distancing measures forced many to isolate themselves physically from friends and family. e absence of social gatherings, face-to-face conversations, and physical touch took a toll on mental health. A global survey by the United Nations found that one-third of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety during the pandemic. According to the 19th and 21st U.S. Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, loneliness and isolation harms both individual and societal health. e Surgeon General Advisory calls the American people's attention to urgent public health issues and provide recommendations at https://www.SurgeonGeneral. gov/Connection. He calls attention to the importance of social connection for individual health as well as on community-wide metrics of health and well-being, and conversely the significant consequences when social connection is lacking. In his advisory titled, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community states that, "People may lack social connection in a variety of ways, though it is often illustrated in scientific research by measuring loneliness and social isolation. Social isolation and loneliness are related, but they are not the same. Social isolation is objectively having few social relationships, social roles, group memberships, and infrequent social interaction. On the other hand, loneliness is a subjective internal state. It's the distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or unmet need between an individual's preferred and actual experience. e lack of social connection poses a significant risk for individual health and longevity." e Importance of Social Connection It is crucial to understand the significance of social connections for individual health and well- being. Human beings are inherently social creatures; our ability to form bonds and maintain relationships has been essential for our survival as a species. Strong social connections provide numerous benefits: 1. Mental Health: Engaging in social activities and forming meaningful relationships can reduce the risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Social interaction stimulates the release of oxytocin and dopamine, which promote positive emotions. 2. Physical Health: A robust social network is linked to better physical health. It can boost the immune system, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and even increase lifespan. 3. Emotional Support : Having a support system in times of crisis or stress can make all the difference. Knowing there are people to turn to can alleviate emotional burdens and provide comfort. 4. Enhanced Quality of Life: Sharing experiences, hobbies and memories with others enhances the quality of life. It provides a sense of belonging and purpose, contributing to overall life satisfaction. Victory Over Loneliness: e Path Forward 1. Reach Out : Breaking free from loneliness often begins with taking the first step—reaching out to others. Call a friend, send a text or schedule a virtual meetup. Small acts can have a significant impact. 2. Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledging loneliness can be difficult, but it's essential. Breaking the chains of loneliness: A path to victory over the epidemic of isolation by JAMIE BISHOP OPINION Graphic courtesy of Vecteezy