Understanding Loneliness and the Power of Human Connection

Loneliness is defined as a gap between the connections one needs and the social connections one has. It can manifest even with people around, affecting the quality of connections and leading to feelings of invisibility or isolation. Loneliness can have deep implications, contributing to substance use disorders, violence, and various health issues such as heart disease and mental health challenges. Despite its prevalence and impact, loneliness often goes unrecognized due to societal stigma and misconceptions.