Greetings once again, dear readers. As we continue our exploration through the interconnected realms of loneliness, mental health, and human connections, we now confront one of the most profound yet often hidden barriers: shame. Building on our understanding from the previous articles, this offering delves into how shame intricately weaves into our lives, shaping our ability to connect authentically with others and ourselves.

Shame—a powerful and often unacknowledged force—lurks in the shadows of our interactions, creating barriers to connection and understanding.

It is a hidden player in many of our societal woes, from loneliness to political polarization. In my work, I’ve observed how shame operates on both an individual and a collective level, and how moving past it is crucial for building a healthier, more cohesive society.

But how do we move past this paralyzing emotion? 

The first step is recognizing its presence and understanding its origins. Often,...

Welcome back, dear readers. In our previous discussions, we explored the loneliness epidemic in the United States, and its physical health implications. As we traverse the landscape of human connection, our focus now shifts to a more intimate terrain—the internal struggles that underpin loneliness and its impact on our mental health. It's crucial to understand that overcoming feelings of loneliness is not just about seeking external connections but also about bridging the inner gaps within ourselves.

What the Surgeon General Missed

One of my patients poignantly remarked that while the Surgeon General's report on the epidemic of loneliness addressed its external aspects, it overlooked the internal issues that prevent people from forming connections. Her insight is profound. Many, like her, struggle with childhood traumas and the internalization of a 'negating other'—often a parental figure whose critical voice continues to echo within, long into adulthood.

This...

Our exploration into the loneliness epidemic began with the Surgeon General’s alarming depiction of its threat to societal health. As we delve further today, we focus on the tangible health consequences of loneliness, akin to the risks associated with daily smoking. The realm of human connection and its pivotal role in our health is one I have thoroughly examined, offering a deeper understanding, and some solace.

In the intricate dance of human experience, our physical health often mirrors the emotional contours of our lives. One such shape—loneliness—emerges not just as an emotional void but as a silent signal of numerous health risks. It is here, in the cavernous space of isolation, that we confront the consequences of disconnectedness—not just metaphorically, but in the very sinews of our being.

Loneliness is not a mere absence of company, but a deficit of meaningful connections—a malnourishment of the psyche that can manifest in the body. The...

The U.S. Surgeon General's warning in 2023 cast a spotlight on a silent epidemic sweeping across America—an epidemic of loneliness—likening its health impact to smoking daily. This critical issue underscores a significant public health priority, resonating with the core of human bonds and relationships. This is a realm that I have studied and nurtured for over two decades.

And this issue is not limited to the United States, it is being felt around the globe. Both Japan and the U.K. have formally appointed national Ministers of Loneliness to help their government more fully address the problem. 

Loneliness and isolation gnaw at nearly half of the individuals in the United States, bringing grave health consequences akin to those of chronic diseases. Loneliness has been linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, but also to a myriad of physical health issues. Not only can it increase one’s risk of severe illness, it can also decrease...