A new study [Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences] sheds light on how loneliness triggers
physiological responses that can make us sick. Loneliness has been linked to everything from heart disease to Alzheimer's
disease. Depression is common among the lonely. Cancers tear through their
bodies more rapidly, and viruses hit them harder and more frequently. In the
short term, it feels like the loneliness will kill you. The study suggests
that's because the pain of loneliness activates the immune pattern of a
primordial response commonly known as fight or flight. The human body isn't
built to hold a high level of inflammation for years. "That explains very
clearly why lonely people fall at increased risk for cancer, neurodegenerative
disease and viral infections as well," says Steve Cole, a
genomics researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, and lead
author on the study. NPR
Given the season of the year, thought it was worth
posting some quick tips on dealing with loneliness during the holidays as well
as link to the post from September 2014- The Loneliness of Chronic Disease.
Consider the following:
• Make the
first move, by accepting invitations to social gatherings and reaching out to
old friends and family.
• Volunteer to
help out with a local charity, school, neighbor. Even if your chronic condition
keeps you home bound, you can reach out to others by sending e-mails and making
phone calls to check on others.
• Organize an event,
such as: caroling, bonfire, watching holiday movies, a walk or hike, potluck
supper, cookie swap (or bake) etc. If you are going to use Facebook to invite
friends, ask people to message you so if no one is interested, at least it’s
not public.
• Limit social
media as it can be depressing seeing all the photographs people post of their
“fabulous” holidays.
• Smile, as it will
make you and those around you feel better.
Holiday Posts from
Previous Years
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