Am I Doing It Wrong? The Truth About Loneliness
Feb 13, 2025
Dr. Ellen Lee, an associate professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego and a loneliness expert, dives deep into the loneliness epidemic. She shares insights on how societal changes and technology impact human connections, especially among marginalized groups. The conversation highlights strategies to foster meaningful relationships, the unique challenges faced by men in forming connections, and the importance of self-compassion. Ultimately, it's about cultivating quality connections to combat loneliness and enhance overall well-being.
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Loneliness: A State of Mind
- Loneliness is a state of mind, specifically a subjective feeling of distress.
- It arises from a discrepancy between desired and perceived social connections.
Loneliness: An Epidemic?
- Loneliness is considered an epidemic due to rising rates and societal factors increasing isolation.
- It's diagnosed subjectively, by understanding individual experiences, not through a standardized test.
Social Isolation in Cities
- Social isolation is prevalent even in cities, possibly due to the Industrial Revolution changing how we live.
- The feeling of loneliness in crowds might be more intense than being alone in nature.