Mental Health Minute: February is Loneliness Awareness Month

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Loneliness is a feeling everyone will experience at one point or another in their lives, but did you know it can have physical impacts?

“Because once you realize it’s an issue, then it becomes more real to you and you realize the importance of reaching out to people,” said Janet Miller, a program specialist for the Idaho Commission on Aging.

February is Lonely Awareness Month, and according to AARP, social isolation and loneliness costs Medicare an estimated $6.7 billion per year.

Miller said loneliness affects all age groups, but the youngest groups feel it the most.

“25% of seniors consider themselves lonely on a regular basis, but what’s really interesting is young adults are actually the most lonely group,” Miller said. “So like, 16 to 24 are the most lonely, which was really interesting to me and concerning.”

Miller added that these feelings of loneliness not only impact mental health but can have harmful physical effects as well

“Before I did my research, I thought, oh, you know, we’re lonely. It’s this emotional thing. And then you start digging in and you realize that it’s connected to heart disease and stroke and dementia and diabetes,” Miller said.

Miller added that while talking to friends and loved ones is the best way to determine whether someone is feeling lonely, there are other signs to look for as well.

“If you see people withdrawing from their typical, you know, activities, if you invite them out and they decide not to participate for some reason, they’re isolating in their homes,” Miller said.

While feelings of loneliness exist year-round, this month is an excellent opportunity to share a moment with those in our lives because a moment of your time can make someone’s entire day.

“Reach out to a senior citizen that you think might be lonely and have a conversation. And it’s not complicated. We think, oh, we have to have this big plan. You don’t. If you have a that’s lonely, or your grandma is living alone, go have a conversation with them,” Miller said.

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