Stigma One of Biggest Issue Around Loneliness Says Expert

Loneliness is a problem that affects people all around the world. It doesn’t discriminate: people of all ages, of all social-economic classes can be affected. One of the biggest problems one expert has suggested is that the stigma around the issue, only makes it worse. People should be able to access help for it in the same way they do for everything else. But the stigma means people do not try and solve the issue or admit it’s a problem.

Last month, the World Health Organisation recognised Loneliness as a global health concern. The organisation has set up a special task force to report and research the issue. Dr Jeremy Nobel, a lecturer from Harvard Medical School recently highlighted why Loneliness is such a problem. He said:

“Just like thirst is a signal you need hydration, loneliness is a signal you need human connection. Why is it we’re guilty and ashamed about being lonely, when we don’t feel that way about being thirsty?” 

Nobel highlighted how loneliness can often be one of the biggest factors that can lead to more serious health concerns both physical and mental such as depression, addiction and suicide. Nobel said:

“[Loneliness] increases risk of heart attack or stroke or death from either by 30 per cent; risk of dementia by 40 per cent; type 2 diabetes 50 per cent. So bottom line, we need to take it very seriously as a medical issue.”

During the covid pandemic – people were a lot more open about loneliness – as it was forced upon us all – it was easier to talk about and share such feelings, because there was a clear reason for it. Since the pandemic has ended, that stigma seems to have returned straight away however, which Nobel sees as a missed opportunity. He said:

“We were isolating in response to a common threat, not because we were flawed or unattractive or excluded. And so, yes we were lonely, but we didn’t feel embarrassed, ashamed or guilty about that loneliness. So we were able to talk about it. If you feel you’re lonely, the most important thing to know is you’re not alone in that. Also, that it’s not your fault.”

It’s a hurdle that social discovery apps will need to overcome. They need to find the right audience, many of whom will be lonely, but ensure they speak to them in a way that does not speak down to people or make them feel the loneliness stigma more keenly. It’s a huge challenge – the apps that successfully navigate that delicate balance will be best positioned to succeed.