Former surgeon general on how loneliness could reduce lifespan

Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy tackled a range of public health crises such as Zika, drug and alcohol addiction and obesity. Now, he's shedding light on the rising number of lonely people in America and how it affects our health. Murthy joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss technology's role in what he calls an "epidemic," why the culture of masculinity may put more men at risk, and what we can do to combat loneliness in the workplace.
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[@rose4490]

Thinking about needing to spend more time with people actually makes me feel more lonely inside. Sometimes being around a lot of people makes me feel much more lonely, and then I disassociate. I feel like I don't fit in, like no one understands me, and like I am fundamentally flawed in some awful way. When I'm alone I don't feel those awful feelings. I NEVER feel bad when I'm with animals.

[@giazadora7030]

I feel like I just don't fit in.

[@user-bl8jd9]

standrew me too /:

[@EricMHowardII-yh1rn]

I listened to podcasts to numb loneliness sometimes and other times not so much.

[@phillynurse9492]

The loss of my parents cracked the foundation of my family. We tried for about five years but eventually we’re all on our own during holidays. I’m going to do better and restore that tradition. I truly believe that loneliness and not feeling worthy of luv is the underlying cause of gun violence and addiction in our society. Thank you Vivek for bringing this important topic to the forefront of society ❤

[@blackcatlover9907]

This is so true.. Noone likes to visit, call.. I've become invisible to my children. I feel beyond lonely.. 😢💔

[@amarnandyala2800]

I know it's difficult given our messy social and cultural priorities, but I sincerely hope you've found some way to adapt and find connection despite your circumstances.

[@jbkormos]

I don't have children and my wife died over 24 years ago. In the entirety of that 24 year arc, not one woman has looked at me and said "that's the guy I want to spend forever with'. Despite the fact that I work at being fit both cognitively and physically, women ignore me. I have endured more holidays, birthdays, etc. alone than anyone should. It's not for lack of interests--I have many but, they're cold comfort in the dark of the night.

[@tekkenfan01]

You have to find ways to battle loneliness like get hobbies, interests, stay busy, find meetup groups, volunteer, attend rallies, go out, try new things, get people together, don't always sit at home and wait for someone to call or approach you

[@LawndaleLancaster]

So true...

[@thegreatestoftheseislove1c379]

I wish I had a friend--someone to share thoughts, moments, memories. Instead, I'm all alone bc people always leave me. I'm kind of glad to hear loneliness shortens the lifespan. It gives me hope.

[@severusrogue259]

Give me your email. We can chat :)

[@JT-xj1pg]

We can talk I need to practice English

[@lordmichaelofglencoe9618]

he must be really good he is surgeon general again

[@SpiralBreeze]

I need a break from people, more alone time.

[@victor256in]

One may be alone but still never be lonely. It’s a frame of mind and going beyond the mind. Also, I personally would rather be alone (lonely for some) than being surrounded with toxic people. Again- perspective.

[@dogwood8031]

If you are misanthropic you don't have to worry about any of this. It works for me.

[@JJ-yu6og]

Not sure about loneliness. It's about people treating them like a pariah.

[@johndavidwolf4239]

Is there a current Surgeon General, and if so who, and if not, why?

[@dertychurchtablet3101]

John David Wolf according to my fresh beer here tonight, there is a surgeon general still giving out warnings

[@SpiralBreeze]

You would think it would have been Ben Carson, cause he was a brain surgeon, but you know, America doesn't work on logic anymore.

[@molliedowns4172]

Ignore the trolls, dude. The current one is Dr. Jerome Adams, a recent Trump appointee; which I don't like, but I DO like the guy personally.

[@teresachase354]

Im lonely and so hurt my family wont hear me. I have lupus. N inflammation in bone

[@oxm18]

Lonellines doesn't shorten your lifespan. It does the opposite if you are lonely you are bored amd when you are bored time passes slowly and this is why you live longer! Lonellines doesn't affect lifespan at all! Total nonsense!

[@npatil85]

like you would know...

[@randomfella8084]

hope that was a joke.

[@amarnandyala2800]

@@randomfella8084 yes, I hope so too!

[@marshacreary9771]

Let's work on making a salary and home ownership a priority first

[@SpiralBreeze]

Yes, so people can own a massive house to brood in, alone.

[@wiseass2149]

Marsha Creary Lonely people aren't living long enough and frankly who wants to live in some big house alone?

[@lloydfrancis9149]

Exactly this is why I'm becoming a minilminst and moving back to Europe

[@zampnanpy207]

um no. loneliness doesnt reduce lifespan. i heard multiple centenarians credit their long life to staying single. also chuando tan made it to 56 and still looks 20. he says he lives a stress free life without marriage, partner, or children.