Loneliness is an experience so many of us have. But what’s surprising is how loneliness impacts both our mental and physical health. To mark this week’s release of a groundbreaking new Surgeon General’s advisory on loneliness & social connection, Dr. Murthy answers the most common questions he’s asked about loneliness. He also shares some of the surprising science around the positive health effects of social connection. This episode is one worth sharing with a friend.

Learn more at SurgeonGeneral.gov/connection (p.s. it’s a really unexpected website).

(01:49) How do loneliness and isolation affect our health?

(03:35) Are there different types of loneliness?

(06:29) How bad is the loneliness problem in America?

(08:13) How do you know if you’re lonely?

(09:42) Do online friends count?

(12:18) Am I at a disadvantage if I live alone?

(13:48) How do I know if someone else is lonely?

(14:33) What can I do if my partner is feeling lonely?

(15:23) How do I know if someone else is lonely?

(17:06) Can strangers help us feel less lonely?

(18:24) What does Dr. Murthy do when he’s feeling lonely?

(23:13) What can we do to address the loneliness epidemic?

(26:36) How can we manage connection in a remote work environment?

(29:12) Embrace the “Acceptance Prophecy”

(30:04) Just how powerful is social connection?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas.

083 Powerfood #2: Grüner Smoothie