I remember when the WHO designated loneliness as a pandemic. Social support networks are also listed as a determinant of health. There are good TED talks on ho

I remember when the WHO designated loneliness as a pandemic. Social support networks are also listed as a determinant of health. There are good TED talks on how loneliness is worse for our health than smoking X amount of cigs per day. We can experience loneliness even around other people. A spouse may feel lonely while sitting right next to the other spouse if there is no meaningful connection. We can go to events, even church, and feel lonely during or right after the event. Loneliness tends to spread because the behavioral and thinking patterns that cause it tend to affect those around. Not just in the US, but globally, people are losing meaningful, long-term relationships. Statistically, we have less close friends now than in the past. Also, loneliness has been touted as the most important component of opioid addiction.