Loneliness can trigger inflammation and chronic diseases like heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer's. Discover how to combat loneliness here.
You've likely experienced loneliness at some point, whether due to being far from family, friends, or a partner. Loneliness doesn't just make you feel sad; it can also have adverse effects on your physical health. What are the dangers of loneliness for your health?
Loneliness Sparks Inflammation and Chronic Diseases
A study led by Lisa Jaremka, a researcher at the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University, found that people who feel lonely have higher levels of inflammation compared to those who don't experience loneliness. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury, but if it persists, it can lead to chronic diseases.
The study involved 200 healthy adults and 200 adults suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or breast cancer. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires about their levels of loneliness, stress, and mood. Additionally, their blood was examined for levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are markers of inflammation.
The results showed that lonely individuals had higher levels of CRP and IL-6, both in the healthy and sick groups. This suggests that loneliness can trigger inflammation associated with coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, inflammation can also lead to a decline in immune and cognitive functions related to aging.
Ways to Combat Loneliness
Jaremka emphasizes the importance of understanding how loneliness affects health. "The more we understand the process, the more potential there is to counter its negative effects," says Jaremka.
Here are some ways to combat loneliness:
- Seek social support from family, friends, or communities with shared interests.
- Engage in enjoyable and beneficial activities for yourself and others, such as exercising, gardening, volunteering, or donating.
- Develop good communication skills and interpersonal relationships, such as active listening, providing positive feedback, and respecting differing opinions.
- Accept yourself as you are and avoid comparing yourself to others.
- Seek professional help if loneliness is affecting your psychological well-being.
Loneliness is not to be taken lightly. If left unchecked, it can pose risks to your physical health. Therefore, don't hesitate to explore ways to reduce loneliness and improve your quality of life.
Source: okezone
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