1 in 4 Americans Lonelier Now Than Before Pandemic, APA Poll Finds

Experiencing consistent feelings of loneliness —defined as a lack of a meaningful or close relationship or sense of belonging—is common among U.S. adults, suggest the findings of APA’s latestHealthy Minds Monthly Poll. In early January, 30% of adults reported that they had experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% said they were lonely every day.Younger people were more likely to experience feelings of loneliness, the poll found. Thirty percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 reported that they were lonely every day or several times a week. Additionally, when asked how their feelings of loneliness have changed since before the COVID-19 pandemic, 25% of respondents said they feel lonelier while 23% said they felt less lonely and 43% said their levels of loneliness had not changed.“The Healthy Minds Monthly poll confirms loneliness is widespread, especially in young people,” APA President Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., said in a news release. “Doctors and other clinicians can make a major difference in their patients ' well-being and physical health when they ask about loneliness and how to mitigate its effects. Helping people feel less lonely is straightforward and deeply gratifying. ”The poll was conducted online January 10 to 12 among 2,200 adults by Morning Consult.Additional findings from the poll include the following:Single adults were nearly twice as likely as married adults to report feelings of loneliness on a weekl...
Source: Psychiatr News - Category: Psychiatry Tags: APA poll COVID-19 distraction exercise family friends loneliness pandemic social media substance use technology Source Type: research