• Lonely individuals are at higher risk for disability.
• Loneliness puts individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline.
• Loneliness raises the risk by 32% for stubbiness
• Loneliness raises the risk of poor physical health in children.
• Loneliness increases suicide in the geriatric population.
• Loneliness increases suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in teenagers.

1. Interpersonal Loneliness

This is the most common kind of loneliness children and adults experience. This is where a person is socially isolated or perceives him or herself as cut off from a significant other.

2. Social Loneliness

Social loneliness is where children or adults are excluded, rejected, or perceives themselves to be disconnected from a group or community.

3. Cultural Loneliness

When a person feels a disconnect from their own culture or the mainstream culture so much so that they feel they don’t belong anywhere.

4. Intellectual Loneliness

Where a child or an adult feels a lack of intellectual stimulation and connectedness to others or a group.

5. Psychological Loneliness

When trauma disrupts a person’s sense of belongingness, loneliness can result. Because no one else can understand the trauma, social withdrawal can occur.

6. Existential Loneliness

When morality is faced by a child or an adult, an isolating sense of loneliness can develop.

1. Ask for help. 

Reach out to friends and family with a phone call or a personal visit. Talk about feelings of isolation to cue in loved ones. If you have a significant other, tell him or her that you’re feeling lonely in the relationship. Sharing feelings helps open the door to greater social involvement.

2. Find purpose. 

Join a local community, church, or temple group that dovetails with some of your interests. Consider volunteering as another great way to make new friends and socialize.

3. Seek a four-legged friend. 

Consider adopting a pet. Creating a bond with a dog, cat, or another animal companion can ease feelings of loneliness and improve well-being.

4. Unplug from computer/phone/social media and connect in real life.

Remember to disconnect from technology and put yourself into the real world. Studies show that offline interactions have more positive social effects than online activities. Young adults and teens who spend a lot of time on social media are twice as likely to feel lonely.