Loneliness has been considered a serious problem for mental health, and a large population of the world is its victim. Health experts say that the problem of prolonged loneliness is not only dangerous for mental health, but its effects are also seen on physical health. Chronic loneliness can lead to serious problems like depression, anxiety, and even suicide. Given the health risks caused by loneliness, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified loneliness as a serious 'global health threat'.
WHO acknowledged that loneliness is an emerging serious health disorder, the risk of which has increased rapidly among youth. Its risk has increased significantly in recent years in many countries including India, especially after the Corona epidemic, the problem of mental health problems due to loneliness is now being reported more.
Loneliness is as dangerous as smoking
The WHO report states that loneliness is as harmful to our overall health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Not only this, its side effects can be greater than the problems caused by obesity and physical inactivity.
The World Health Organization has launched a commission in Japan to improve social connections, the first global initiative of its kind to tackle loneliness, which is expected to have benefits in reducing this risk, The Guardian reports. Has been expressed.
This problem is more prevalent among Indian youth.
In a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in May 2022, concern was expressed about the problem of increasing loneliness among Indian youth. This data found that about 20.5% of adults over the age of 45 suffer from loneliness, which increases the risk of many types of physical and mental health problems.
What do psychiatrists say?
Psychiatrist Dr. Satyakant Trivedi says loneliness has emerged as a major health risk in the last few years in India, especially in urban areas. Social isolation during the Corona pandemic has further triggered this. The surprising thing is that most of these people are unaware of the problem of loneliness because the mental health problems caused by it are not diagnosed and the physical symptoms are considered to be some other disease and are treated for a long time.
At present, loneliness is being seen as the main reason for most cases of depression.
Need to pay serious attention to the problem of loneliness
Dr. Satyakant says this initiative of WHO is commendable. This serious mental health risk factor has of late been discussed among health organizations. This problem can increase the risk of everything from heart disease, and dementia to stroke, depression, anxiety, and even premature death. Individually too, everyone needs to pay serious attention to this situation. If you are also struggling with the problem of loneliness, then take it seriously and seek advice from psychiatrists.
(PC: Freepik)
