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Life Kit

How to combat loneliness

Dec 5, 2023
Dr. Jeremy Nobel, a primary care physician and author of Project UnLonely, addresses the pressing issue of loneliness affecting one in four adults. He highlights the dire health consequences of social disconnection, like heart disease and dementia. The conversation dives into various types of loneliness—psychological, societal, and existential—and offers actionable strategies for overcoming them. Nobel emphasizes the power of creative expression and authentic connections, encouraging listeners to engage actively with their communities to combat feelings of isolation.
17:10

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Different types of loneliness exist: psychological, societal, and existential.
  • Smartphones and social media can enhance or hinder authentic connections, but embracing genuine self-disclosure can combat loneliness.

Deep dives

The Three Types of Loneliness

Loneliness can be categorized into three types: psychological, societal, and existential. Psychological loneliness refers to the need for a friend or confidant. Societal loneliness occurs when individuals feel excluded due to factors like race or class. Existential or spiritual loneliness arises from a sense of disorientation in the bigger human narrative. These types of loneliness can intertwine, and addressing them involves recognizing and navigating the specific kind of loneliness one is experiencing.

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