Loneliness is the leprosy of modern society.
– Mother Theresa
I have noticed a significant rise in a general sense of detachment from society as an underlying cause of depression for many patients. While this trend seems to cross gender and cultural lines, I would say that the Millenial Generation (those currently in their late teens to early thirties) are most likely to identify with these symptoms. One factor they share without fail is a glaring disparity between online communication and face to face communication with family, friends, or even coworkers. Often times when the hours spent per week are calculated the difference will be 9:1 or more in favor of remote relationships. Is it any wonder that we feel disconnected when we don’t actually connect with others?
A great deal of research has been done on physical touch and it’s affects on emotional health. Neurotransmitters like oxytocin and glucocorticoids are released when people share a physical connection. Shaking hands and hugging hello/goodbye, a platonic kiss between friends or a more passionate kiss between partners, even a literal pat on the back between coworkers for a job well done can bring on these chemicals that help us to feel a sense of wellbeing and connection. We first experience this as infants when we are held and comforted by our parents. While infants tend to need much more physical contact than adults, the need is present in all people throughout the lifespan. You can certainly maintain friendships, share thoughts and ideas, and generally keep in touch with others online, but you can not simulate the positive effect of touch.
One man identified this issue and decided to reach out to others in his community by hugging complete strangers. While this may sound a bit odd the overwhelming positive response to his idea would seem to confirm that our need to feel connected to others can override the social pressure to keep to ourselves. For more information on one man’s work to cure loneliness please visit the link below.
