Loneliness is a universal emotion. It is not restrained by geographical boundaries, nor is it exclusive to any age group or gender. Although loneliness is a personal experience, most people define it as the outcome of when one’s desired level of social relationships is not met.1 It has been linked to a long list of mental and physical conditions, such as a decline in cognitive functions, depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.2 The loneliness epidemic is a term coined to describe a worldwide trend of people reporting feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
In a United Arab Emirates study, loneliness affected men and women equally and marriage had no impact on its prevalence.3 Within it, Dubai has many characteristics that make people more prone to loneliness. First, there is a high number of international workers living in the city who may not have enough ties to the community. This might lead to the need to examine relationships. The environment is also highly competitive and work-centered. These may contribute to feelings of isolation or feeling anonymous within a big city.
Loneliness Epidemic Causes
A person who is alone is not necessarily lonely. This distinction is particularly important considering that solitude can be an important part of mental health. Some people want to have their time alone. On the other hand, loneliness is feeling separated from others, while craving a connection.
There are many factors that can make people feel lonely. It can be a physical isolation. in Dubai, it is not uncommon to see people move into the city from different parts of the world. They are removed from their usual support systems and can feel lonely while they are still establishing new connections. Another example is situational loneliness. For example, grief over the loss of a loved one can cause extreme and sudden loneliness.
Loneliness can also be caused by a psychological condition Depression, for instance, can cause a person to withdraw from others. This isolation can cause loneliness. However, it also works in reverse. Research indicates that loneliness is a contributing factor to depression.4
Health Risks Associated with the Loneliness Epidemic
Using the word epidemic is not an accident. There are true, physical outcomes related to loneliness. According to the American Medical Association, there is evidence that loneliness can lead to premature death. It can result in a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent risk of stroke. In fact, there are studies that compare loneliness to smoking and obesity when it comes to the ill effects on health.5
Loneliness is also linked with cognitive decline. An extreme example is that there is evidence showing that loneliness can increase the risk of dementia by up to 60 percent.6 One theory as to why this happens is that loneliness affects the biomechanisms of the brain, like cortisol levels and brain volume.
Another consideration is that behavior is affected by loneliness, which can lead to unhealthy results. A person who is lonely tends to exercise less compared to those who are not lonely.7
Strategies to Address Loneliness
There are many layers to the loneliness epidemic, so there is no singular way to address it. It is not as easy as surrounding yourself with people. After all, people can feel lonely even when they are around others. Inversely, there are some people who feel content even if they are alone. The key point to remember is in the definition of loneliness: it is all about meeting the desired level of social connections. This might mean differently for individuals.
In general, loneliness can be addressed by developing quality relationships. Begin with the circle already available to you. Co-workers, neighbors, family, or friends can be a source of companionship by taking steps to open up to them. Schedule meetings with them or give them a call once in a while. Improving existing relationships is often easier than making new ones. If these are not available, joining a group, such as an exercise class or hobby club, can also present a great opportunity to cultivate friendships with people who share the same interests.
Finally, consider reaching out to a therapist if your loneliness is persistent or severe. Mental health professionals are equipped to listen to your thoughts and guide you towards a greater understanding of your feelings. They can also help identify if there are underlying causes to your behavior. Resolving issues about loneliness is essential considering that it has physical and mental consequences.
Conclusion: The Loneliness Epidemic is a Worldwide Issue
People who are lonely can feel disconnected from others. However, being alone does not necessarily mean that a person is lonely. Instead, it is an unfulfilled need for connection. There are many factors that cause loneliness. These range from life changes to mental health conditions. It Dubai, the community is made up of a lot of international people who come for work or other transient reasons. This can cause many people to feel lonely.
It is necessary to address loneliness because it can affect your well-being and health. Those who experience it can try to strengthen existing relationships and form new connections to gain more support. Seeing a therapist can also provide proper assistance. Whatever method you choose, it is important to remember that loneliness does not have to be a permanent state.
Cited Sources
- Ding, Ding, et al. “A Lonely Planet: Time to Tackle Loneliness as a Public Health Issue.” BMJ, vol. 377, June 2022, p. o1464. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o1464 ↩︎
- eClinicalMedicine. The epidemic of loneliness. EClinicalMedicine. 2023 Dec 15;66:102395. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102395. PMID: 38192594; PMCID: PMC10772224. ↩︎
- Dodeen, H., & Hassan, A. (2021). Assessing Loneliness in UAE Populations: the Relationship with Age, Gender, Marital Status, and Academic Performance. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 16(2), 775-786. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-019-09783-4 ↩︎
- Erzen E, Çikrikci Ö. The effect of loneliness on depression: A meta-analysis. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2018g;64(5):427-435. doi:10.1177/0020764018776349 ↩︎
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25663. ↩︎
- Guarnera J, Yuen E, Macpherson H. The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Aging: A Narrative Review. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2023 Jun 29;7(1):699-714. doi: 10.3233/ADR-230011. PMID: 37483321; PMCID: PMC10357115. ↩︎
- Schrempft S, Jackowska M, Hamer M, Steptoe A. Associations between social isolation, loneliness, and objective physical activity in older men and women. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):74. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-6424-y ↩︎