Search all of the Society for Participatory Medicine website:Search

 

We are in the midst of a loneliness epidemic that affects millions, whether you’re married, single or somewhere in between, young or old, an urban dweller or live in a remote village. Loneliness lurks in our shadows, yet unlike smoking or obesity isn’t socially recognized by most as a threat, even though it can be deadly. Ironically, we often see those with just a few “authentic” friends can feel fulfilled, while others with vast social networks can feel empty and disconnected.

“I thought that, as a health professional, my awareness of the dangers of social isolation would protect me from its negative effects on my mental and overall health.  It didn’t,” says Rie Lopez, a patient who will share her personal experiences during our upcoming webinar on this topic.

 

“Sure I have friends and I’m not an introvert but now more than ever, I feel lonely, as if it’s me against the rest of the world, but I am ashamed to admit this to anyone, ” admitted a patient in a recent study.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

  • A lack of social connection is a bigger risk factor than obesity and the equivalent of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day
  • Those with less than three confidants and someone they can lean on for social support are more than twice as likely to die from heart disease
  • Loneliness hurts and can feel like an actual wound
  • There is a difference between social isolation and loneliness
  • Since the 1980s, the percentage of American adults who say they are lonely has doubled from 20 % to 40 %
  • Most lonely individuals are married, live with others and are not clinically depressed. Our youth are also at great risk.
  • Social isolation can be enabled by technology
  • The stigma associated with loneliness can lead to denial among those affected

 

Want to hear from people personally affected by this epidemic? Curious about the data and research that supports this growing problem? Interested in the potential solutions and how to tackle some of these issues?

The archive from our most recent webinar will be shared shortly!

 

 

Please consider supporting the Society by joining us today! Thank you.

Sarah Krüg

Sarah Krüg is a researcher, innovator, and patient advocate, whose mission is to alleviate health disparities and amplify the voices of patients and caregivers across healthcare. She is CEO of CANCER101, a patient advocacy organization whose mission is to help patients and caregivers navigate the cancer journey and partner with their healthcare team to make informed decisions. Sarah is also the founder of the Health Collaboratory, an innovation hub focused on amplifying the voice of the patient and caregiver, and bridging the gaps in healthcare. She is the acting Executive Director and Past President of the Society for Participatory Medicine, and serves on the board of the National Organization of Rare Diseases. She previously held the position of Global Education Director at Pfizer, as well as patient advocacy relations, where she also established the Global Investigator Initiated Research Program. Prior to joining Pfizer, Sarah spearheaded the development of the Pediatric Disease Management clinical pathways and conducted clinical research at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center.

Donate