How Loneliness, Isolation, and Solitude are Different (and why it matters)
Including some prime examples of what these deeply human experience can look like
Recently, the World Health Organization declared the rise in loneliness to be a ‘global public health concern’. With loneliness having potentially the same health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, and studies suggesting that loneliness is growing with the technologization of our societies, preventing loneliness will be one of the major human challenges in the coming decades.
In order to prevent loneliness, we need to understand it. And particularly to distinguish it from two other terms that are often misunderstood to mean the same as ‘lonely’.
Getting clear on terminology
Terms like loneliness, isolation, and solitude are often used interchangeably, yet they each reflect distinct experiences and have different implications for mental health.
Loneliness
Loneliness is a complex, subjective emotional state in which you feel disconnected or alienated, even when in the company of others. It arises when there is a discrepancy between the desired and actual quality of social interactions. It’s about your perception, your unique…
