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Loneliness isn’t the same thing as being alone. Instead, it’s a feeling of loss or sadness stemming from a lack of meaningful social connections. A person who isn’t lonely can be by themselves and never feel isolated or sad. A lonely person may feel lost and despondent, even if they’re surrounded by others.
Between one-third and one-half of adults in the United States report feeling lonely, according to government research. And while you can’t see loneliness the way you can a broken leg or an open wound, it can have serious and long-lasting effects, physically and emotionally.
If you feel lonely, don’t shrug it off or think you just have to accept it. Here’s what to know about loneliness, plus strategies for finding a community and building strong relationships.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Preventi... + 10
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. May 15, 2024.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. 2023.
- Pew Research Center. Men, Women and Social Connections. January 16, 2025.
- National Institute on Aging. Loneliness and Social Isolation: Tips for Staying Connected. July 11, 2024.
- Okeke CC, Ojo A, et al. A Systematic Review of the Impact and Outcome of Loneliness and Self-Isolation on Individuals Living With Cardiovascular Disease. Cureus. 2025 Mar 27;17(3):e81277.
- Macchia L, Fett AK. The association between loneliness and pain, and the role of physical health and distress: an analysis in 139 countries. Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 20;15(1):30554.
- Noguchi T, Ikeda T, et al. Association of Social Isolation and Loneliness With Chronic Low Back Pain Among Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study From Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). J Epidemiol. 2024 Jun 5;34(6):270-277.
- AARP. Disconnected: The Escalating Challenge of Loneliness Among Adults 45-Plus. December 3, 2025.
- Ben Simon E, Walker MP. Sleep loss causes social withdrawal and loneliness. Nat Commun. 2018 et al. Associations of social isolation and loneliness with the onset of insomnia symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in the United States: A population-based cohort study. Psychiatry Res. 2023 Jul;325:115266.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sleep. May 15, 2024.
- Lifeline Australia. Loneliness. Accessed March 11, 2026.
