Is there a cure for loneliness?

The University of Cincinnati's Stephen Rush joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss the "loneliness epidemic" and ways to foster greater connection to address feelings of loneliness.

Rush said evolving social norms and reduced face to face interactions following the COVID-19 pandemic likely contribute to feelings of loneliness.

"We kind of live in a society now post-pandemic where only 35% of people feel that we have returned to the baseline pre-pandemic," said Rush, associate professor of clinical psychiatry in UC's College of Medicine, medical director of ambulatory services and a UC Health physician. "And breaking some of those habits we created for our health, social distancing, staying away from other people, may have turned into longer term habits that isolate us in emotionally negative ways."

Shairi Turner, MD, chief health officer, Crisis Text Line, told WVXU people experiencing loneliness can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer with the Crisis Text Line. Alternatively, if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis,  you can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. 

Research additionally shows activities including reading, exercising, participating in team sports and going to outdoor spaces to enjoy nature can help ease feelings of loneliness. Volunteering can also make an impact, Turner and Rush said.

"Volunteering forces one to step outside of yourself. Volunteering can be powerful in as much as it gives you a sense of control," Rush said. "You are engaging in an activity of your own will for the benefit of others, and anything that we do that takes us outside of ourselves in that way, stops us from focusing on what we’re unhappy with internally and can convert that into helping other people is usually going to make us feel better than we did going into it."

Listen to the Cincinnati Edition segment.

Featured photo at top of a person sitting on a bed facing a window. Photo/wombatzaa/iStock Photo.