The Effects of Loneliness on Health
It plays no favorites. No respecter of persons, borders, or barriers. It's an epidemic all over the world.
Loneliness. That's what it is - the big L.
When it's acute and unrelieved, the effects of loneliness on health are deadly. Specialists in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health affirm such reality.
Like the pastor who heard his wife saying these words: "I don't love you anymore." Sobbing during sessions, he wondered about what now, his children, his ministry.
His health deteriorated. Left church, became addicted to alcohol, and raging at home.
How does he face tomorrow?
He is never alone. Like countless others, this wounded minister echoes the words of composer Peter Tchaikovsky who once wrote,
"None but the lonely heart can feel my anguish ...."
There is a vital link between loneliness and sickness/death.
A 9-year study by researchers at the University of California shows that loneliness has a greater impact on death rate than smoking, drinking, eating, or exercise.
The special study found that people without spouses or friends had a death rate twice as high as those with social ties.
For this reason alone, loneliness must be viewed as a serious and even deadly health hazard. As many have experienced to their dismay, it's repercussions affect the whole person.
Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That's where severe, untreated loneliness can induce the most painful and harmful effects.
So it's a matter of urgency.
If you're lonely and unable to cope well enough, it's emergency that you diligently seek appropriate help and therapy ... before it gets too late.
There is no need for loneliness to become your sickbed or prison. It's possible for your mind and soul to rise above your circumstances and heal.
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