The Silent Epidemic: Understanding and Overcoming Loneliness

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

Nearly all of us find ourselves physically alone from time to time—whether briefly while commuting, for example, or perhaps longer-term if living on our own. But being without company doesn’t necessarily create loneliness. Nor does surrounding ourselves with others always keep us from feeling lonely.

So what exactly is loneliness? How does it impact our health and happiness? And what are some practical steps we can take to address it?

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Audience Questions

Jacqueline Olds, MD, and Richard S. Schwartz, MD, explain what factors drive loneliness and how to address them, explore the roles of companionship and relationship dynamics, and answer questions about how to feel supported even when physically alone.

  • What is the difference between being alone and feeling lonely?
  • Can it be healthy to spend time alone?
  • Are we more or less connected to one another due to today’s technology?
  • What are the pros and cons of social media in regard to loneliness?
  • What have we learned about loneliness from the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Can you walk us through how our social skills have impacted us through evolution?
  • Has the topic of loneliness long been “taboo”?
  • What do we know about how age impacts loneliness?
  • What is the physiology of loneliness?
  • What are some of the causes of loneliness?
  • How might mental health conditions impact loneliness?
  • Specifically, how might trauma impact loneliness?
  • What are some issues that arise with loneliness on a societal level?
  • How common is loneliness? Do we know how its prevalence has changed over time?
  • What are some steps to take to address loneliness?
  • What key elements do you recommend incorporating into small group settings to effectively combat loneliness and create a sense of belonging?
  • What are some ways to get involved in a small group environment if socialization is extra challenging because of mental health challenges?
  • Is it wrong to try to impose social connection on someone who chooses to isolate? Where do we draw that line?
  • At what point might it make sense to involve a professional to help address chronic feelings of loneliness?
  • What should clinicians know about incorporating loneliness considerations into their practices?
  • Can pets fill our need for connection with others, or is there no complete replacement for human interaction?
  • How can we support elderly family members who may be lonely?
  • What should caregivers know about addressing loneliness?
  • How can one deal with the loneliness expected around death and grief?
  • What are some guidelines around building a healthy relationship, a healthy marriage, or a healthy family?
  • What happens if partners in a couple isolate together and lean on one another a little more than is healthy?
  • Is it okay to separate oneself from family members or friends that feel like a negative part of their life?
  • Are there skills that one can learn to become more comfortable with alone time?
  • Where are we in terms of conversations about loneliness? Where would you like to see us going?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

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About the Speakers

Jacqueline Olds, MD, and her husband, Richard S. Schwartz, MD, both consult for the MGH/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Training Program. They are also associate professors of psychiatry, part-time, at Harvard Medical School. Through their creative partnership, Drs. Olds and Schwartz have written three books.

Originally aired March 13, 2025

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