Combating loneliness with a mindfulness trainer.

Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Loneliness – that social pain of not feeling connected, is widespread. Inadequate social connections or social isolation is also a growing problem today.

Social isolation and loneliness have significant, yet often overlooked, consequences for our health and longevity. The health risks are comparable to smoking daily, excessive drinking and obesity, said the World Health Organisation.

Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with anxiety, depression, suicide, dementia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, said WHO.

Why do we feel lonely? Can we stop feeling lonely? What can we do about it? In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out why we feel lonely and gets tips on how the young and old can combat loneliness from a mindfulness trainer.

She is Adjunct Associate Professor Angie Chew, the founder and chief executive of the Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living.