Loneliness may be a global epidemic, but Black and Hispanic adults are staying strong, according to a new study.
Conducted by Howard University and published in PLOS ONE, the study looked at the data of over 47,000 adults living in the U.S. Through their statistical methods, the researchers analyzed the effects of loneliness on these adults. In their results, they found that those who reported that they “always” felt lonely were five times more likely to deal with clinical depression.
They were also more likely to live with another 11 mentally unhealthy days each month, with an additional five physically unhealthy days each month.
The researchers found an overall strong relationship between those who always felt lonely and those who screened positive for depression. More than 50% of those who felt non-stop loneliness suffered from depression as well.
Among Black and Hispanic participants, however, depression was less likely. Per the study, Black and Hispanic participants reported feeling fewer depressive symptoms despite reporting nearly the same levels of loneliness as white participants.
“Loneliness is undeniably damaging, but we were struck by the resilience we observed among minority communities,” said lead researcher Oluwasegun Akinyem, MD, Ph.D., per a statement. “It points to cultural strengths and social ties that may help protect mental health, even when people feel disconnected.”
The latest research comes as loneliness is being identified as a global epidemic.
Per the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 6 people are affected by loneliness around the world.
Loneliness is especially common amongst the youth, as 17% to 21% of 13-to 29-year-olds reported that they felt isolated, as well as in lower-income countries, where 24% of the population reported they felt lonely.
The lack of social connection may impact a variety of aspects of living, according to the WHO’s report. While teenagers who felt lonely were 22% more likely to get poor grades, adults reported that they found it harder to work, creating a more difficult standard of living. Mental health was impacted across all demographics, leading to more anxiety and thoughts of self-harm.
Overall, approximately 100 deaths are recorded every hour due to loneliness. About 871,000 deaths are recorded annually.
To help solve the growing epidemic, WHO researchers are suggesting changes in terms of policy, research, interventions, shifts in societal views and improved measurements to prevent the rate from growing.
“Apart from the toll it takes on individuals, families and communities, left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in terms of health care, education, and employment,” said the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “I welcome the Commission’s report, which shines a light on the scale and impact of loneliness and isolation, and outlines key areas in which we can help people to reconnect in ways that matter most.”
