Illustration by Drew Shannon
On Mar. 6, clinical psychiatrist Thomas Verny answered reader questions about his recent column on loneliness. He wrote that loneliness, particularly social isolation, can actually be bad for our health. So understanding where it comes from, and how to fight it, is key to our prolonged survival.
Readers asked about the root biological causes of loneliness, how it can affect people and their relationships, and some ways people can fight back against loneliness in their daily lives.
Here are some highlights from the Q+A.
The impact on our health
Can loneliness affect our health and why?
Thomas Verny: Perceived social isolation negatively impacts the physical health of both humans and animals, leading to the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s response to stress, and an increase in depressive behaviours. Social isolation and socioeconomic stress have been associated with enhanced inflammation and an impaired immune response.
What does our gut microbiome have to do with our feelings of loneliness?
Verny: Loneliness may result in decreased stability of the gut microbiome (all the viruses and bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract) and, consequently, reduced resistance and resilience to stress-related disruptions, increasing the risk of systemic inflammation. In fact, the more we learn about the bacteria residing in our GIT, the more we come to appreciate their contribution to our health.
Higher levels of social support are associated with gut bacterial diversity and vice versa. In one study, people who were more social were rated wiser than the loners. They were healthier and happier. Bacterial diversity is definitely beneficial. But which came first: prosocial behaviour or gut diversity? And how did the researchers measure wisdom? Despite these uncertainties, the findings mark progress in understanding the connection between the gut microbiome and psychosocial factors, which play a crucial role in health.
What do you think is the most commonly misunderstood thing about loneliness?
Verny: Loneliness is often perceived as a form of mental distress. Actually, it affects the entire body and changes in the body affect how you feel. It’s not just in your head.
Keeping it social
Can loneliness affect how we socialize?
Verny: Yes. The more isolated you are, the more hesitant you become to interact with others. Some lonely people take advantage of shopping or visiting doctors to fight loneliness. Of course, such actions provide only brief relief from loneliness. I mean, how often can you visit your doctor or dentist in a month?
What if one is most comfortable alone? Why does preferring solitude or limited social interaction affect one’s body?
Verny: If a person is comfortable being alone, then there is no problem. Many people are comfortable for a while being alone, but not for a protracted period.
Is there a compelling connection between the rise in loneliness and urban flight? We seem to be so much more physically distant from our friends and connections now, and then we commute alone as well.
Verny: I think urban living and the fast-paced life that is inherently part of that has a lot to do with an increase in loneliness. Life in large cities is hectic and people are preoccupied to succeed and make money. Their focus is not on nurturing relationships. Also, older adults who no longer in the workforce become relegated to second-class citizens.
Is it really true that we’re in a loneliness “epidemic”? Is this a new phenomenon or are we simply addressing it now?
Verny: I don’t think we are in a loneliness epidemic. I agree with you, we are simply addressing it now. Better late than never.
We often talk about the loneliness issue as being a male problem. Is there any truth to that?
Verny: Not really. What is true is that men tend to speak less and are less inclined to talk about their feelings than women. Men have more problems making friends than women. But since they die at a younger age than women, it appears that loneliness among seniors, at least, is just about equal between the sexes.
Fighting back against loneliness
Thomas, is there anything you’ve done in your own life to fight back against loneliness?
Verny: When I first came to Canada, I did not speak English that well – before I immigrated I studied English in Vienna – and I did not have any friends. That was a lonely time. But I quickly joined various clubs at my high school. I even joined the debating club. In my final year I was president of the club. One of its members was Steven Lewis, who later became the Canadian ambassador to the UN. Since high school, I have not been lonely because I have so many interests, including writing a monthly column for this paper.
More from Verny’s Age of Breakthroughs column:
Near-death experiences suggest that our consciousness may not die when our bodies do
The role gut bacteria play in health and disease
The magic and mystery of dreams: Nighttime phenomenon’s purpose still up for debate
The science and wisdom of compassion
The joy of dance: Why our brains can’t help but tap along to a beat
