America's Loneliness Crisis- Not Just an Elderly Issue

The US Surgeon General warns loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes daily (HHS, 2023). From teens to retirees, isolation affects everyone. Loneliness increases anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular risk. As a PMHNP, I encourage daily social habits- not grand gestures- to rebuild connection.

5 Ways to Reconnect:

1. Make eye contact: Face-to-face time matters.

2. Volunteer weekly: Gives purpose and social interaction.

3. Reconnect offline: Call or meet up—don’t just scroll.

4. Schedule “talk time” with family: 10 minutes a day makes a difference.

5. Join group activities: From walking clubs to hobby groups.

Reference: U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Social Connection, 2023.