Loneliness is a significant issue in the United States. Loneliness is a subjective feeling of being alone and anxious or depressed over the isolation. According to some estimates, more than one-fifth of the United States population suffers from loneliness. The seriousness of the epidemic has only risen with the global pandemic of Covid-19.

Loneliness is not a concept to take lightly. Sustained loneliness is equally as deadly as cigarette smoking and more dangerous than obesity or a sedentary lifestyle. Despite the ubiquity of loneliness and its impact on health, the topic is not addressed adequately in America.

I am a big fan of Mark Hyman's podcast, The Doctor's Farmacy. I was particularly interested in the episode Why Loneliness Is A Public Health Issue. Human connection is one of the critical Pillars of Wellness. Without relationships, loneliness frequently evolves into poor physical and behavioral health. The guest for the podcast was Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., the 19th Surgeon General of the United States, who chose loneliness (over more traditional topics like obesity and diabetes) as a signature focus of his tenure in office.

At the end of April 2020, Dr. Murthy published the book, Together-The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World. I'm early into the book, but it's written clearly and concisely with both anecdotes and science. So far, I've learned a lot. The lessons are even more valuable during the current global crisis.

If you'd like to get a small taste of the contents of the book, try the podcast first (it's free). One of the things I admire is how authentic and approachable Dr. Murthy comes across. After my introduction via podcast and book, I'm adding Dr. Murthy to a list of people I would love to meet.

Check out the book. You won't be disappointed.