That’s one heck of a concerning statistic.
In truth, loneliness is something we all experience. And we’re often told to embrace this loneliness as a chance to grow. However, researchers are finding that doing this too much could actually be detrimental to your health.
Study after study shows that loneliness carries with it the ability to make you sick. In fact, the Campaign to End Loneliness says that loneliness can be as dangerous as smoking and being overweight.
So just why is loneliness so dangerous?
For starters, loneliness can have an effect on the immune system. In fact, one study concluded that the immune system can actually change due to excessive loneliness.
Researchers found that not having enough interaction with others can alter the genes that drive inflammation. This may explain why those who are socially isolated have a higher risk of developing heart disease, viral infections, and even cancer.