How Dangerous Is Loneliness, Really?

Loneliness isn’t much fun, but it might also be harmful to your heart-not just in a metaphorical sense, but your actual physical heart, as well as some of your body's other functions.
Hosted by: Hank Green
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[@ThePhoenixpaw]

Loneliness shortens ones life? That's ... good to know. Means my suffering will be shorter than expected.

[@Gabriel-xp8nh]

I guess that's why lonely people die sooner

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

You have a really good, witty sense of humor. Kudos! Of course, if I misunderstood and you were being serious... OUCH & apologies, as I hope that changes for you.

[@argenfargen]

Aha! But we both just fucked up because now we're communicating which makes us not feel so alone! And on that note time to look up hobo johnson again lol

[@coolfiretire12]

Shorter than expected, yes, but still pretty long.

[@MikhaelAhava]

PhoenixPaw Same though.

[@muffinpuncher9461]

I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone. -Robin Williams

[@sueg2658]

True.

[@NessaOfDorthonion]

I read this in his voice, Robin Williams was amazing.

[@THETRIVIALTHINGS]

He tried to tell us. This was him asking for help, you know? We didn't listen because we just thought of him as someone who made us laugh so much that we assumed he was a happy guy himself.

[@ditokoent]

Alex Mercer This is most of the time, what comedians are up against. Especially the ones who have self-deprecating humour. It's saddening that the people who could make us laugh tend to be the ones who are unhappy, with themselves or with other people.

[@greenanubis]

Another one from Williams: 'Divorce is like ripping a man’s genitals out through his wallet’ . He had two of those. Dont get married boys! You might live less, but you will be more likely to want to stay alive!

[@wardenm]

As someone who once spent a couple years homeless, I can say without a doubt that the hardest part wasnt the sleeping outside, or the eating out of the trash, or stressing over safety... it was waking up each day, knowing without a doubt that no one, no where, gave one damn whether you lived or died. And that feeling never really goes away, not entirely. Loneliness can have a PROFOUND impact on our mental, emotional, and physical health... and most certainly not in a good way.

[@essennagerry]

I know you might get super annoyed by my comment but Imma take my chances and say it anyway. God cares, He really does care a lot whether you live or die, whether you eat well and sleep well, whether you're lonely or anxious or happy or excited, how you live your life, He really cares. And by extention I do too, I'm just a little... tiny? I would love to care for the whole world individually and actively but my capacity is too smol. :( If you want to hear more about God I would love to talk more about it. And I would love to be your friend even though we _most_ probably don't even live near each other in order to meet up irl but hey, online friends? :) I guess you've got some stories to tell, I'd love to hear.

[@baruchben-david4196]

@@essennagerry The claim that God cares is utterly meaningless, unless God Himself shows it. You telling me that Someone else cares is futile.

[@essennagerry]

@@baruchben-david4196 He does show it, but people don't recognize it. That's why some of us testify about it and try to explain it. For me, He's shown it to me personally. I do agree with you though.

[@CutieBanana09]

I don’t know if it helps, but me and my comrades are trying to end the conditions that produce homelessness in the first place, and I know myself and many others care deeply on a personal level, even if we don’t know someone ourselves. Are you doing okay now?

[@masterpieces2218]

@@essennagerry I'm beyond annoyed. SHOVE iT Up uR aSs

[@rudra62]

The thing about loneliness is that while it appears to shorten your life, it certainly makes it SEEM longer!

[@marylouirick7316]

Fine things u love 2 do! Be nice 2 folks,go 2 Church Sunday and let Christ our Lord Jesus Christ, tell u what 2 do.Praises The Lord!

[@wthisthis670]

True

[@StormDatIsApproaching]

@@marylouirick7316 Stfu

[@hozkahilgarri3936]

Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy I hear that!!!! XD

[@coolbreeze1627]

@turkeyman yeah. I feel that. Hope all of us find peace...soon ✌

[@pinecone2214]

Yep, I definitely needed to know that my loneliness isn't just complete and utter suffering, but that it also is slowly killing me, yaaay D:

[@enlnh]

You: "I'm lonely, help." SciShow: "Don't worry, it'll be over sooner than you think." >:)

[@weregretohio7728]

Sometimes I'm thankful because it's bound to be over sooner rather than later.

[@commanderwaddles3483]

Ikr

[@mskay9597]

Stupid Google I feel the same way. Can’t wait to die.

[@Vladutz.19]

People said that I exaggerate when I say that loneliness is killing me. Well well well, look who's laughing now. *cries in Spanish*

[@CamaroAmx]

My problem is that I was always alone as a child. Eventually I got used to it. When I eventually tried to interact socially, I failed. So back into my own world I went. Eventually I made friends but they never stuck around. I got so used to bring alone, I didn’t want socialization. Once in awhile I’d try socialization but I still felt alone, even in a crowd, even if I was with people I knew. Now the only kind of socialization I get is work. If I go out, I stay by myself. Now I’m getting older and really have no friends. Due to my lack of socialization over the years, I have few social skills. All of this led to depression. Health issues have further isolated me as well. I’ve now accepted to a degree that many certain “life events” will never happen to me.

[@MegaIkkuh]

pour soul, this shows very well how definable childhood is for the rest of a kid's life.

[@PersonsUnknown]

I had a very not lonely childhood, but I feel that I'll be forever lonely and isolated now for the rest of my life, (I am 18)

[@DJNHmusic]

that's a rut a lot of people get stuck in, namely feeling that it's too late to change. but trust me, it's never too late. if you haven't tried it, guided group therapy would help immensely. it helps you be vulnerable in an accepting and non judgmental environment which can help you with social skills, give you confidence and offer an opportunity to meet people who can relate.

[@TheAbsol7448]

I have fully accepted that I'll never achieve certain life events, particularly romance. I was never going to be able to, and I wish I didn't obsess over it. It's actually painful, and I hate it. I shouldn't care about it as much as I do.

[@MCO945]

Fell ya. I’ve never asked a girl out because i know that i will be rejected. My insecurities have created a little judgement voice in my head who constantly makes me fell inadequate for every situation and i wish to live the same feeling i have while i’m lost in my imagination.

[@tonym.6455]

Sometimes I feel as if I’m going to loose my mind from loneliness, sometimes I drive to Walmart or the Supermarket just to be around people, this is def not easy

[@Livey01]

Yup... I do that too

[@geraltvonriva9873]

I wanna die

[@diannerussell4849]

Hang in there. It's the same for me, it's been this way for 10 years now. And I just keep growing older. We have to see it through.

[@paulcooper5748]

I can relate.

[@driper8084]

thats sad men

[@noweaponshallprosper2651]

Loneliness physically hurts terribly. Intense pain.

[@UN1VERS3S]

Evolutionism (evolution as a philosophy) kinda sucks. It misleads us to the wrong conclusion. Feeling Loneliness is way more than to urge us to seek company to help us survive and pass our genes. How about the kids? And the elderly. They can feel lonely too. So no. It urges us be happy and love one another. Life is way more than survival and passing genes.

[@66cuda]

Sucks being lonely and living in my car, so far its been 18 months, I actually work 40hrs and can't get out of this cycle and know there's no way out yet, especially when your over 50

[@blueStarKitt7924]

True.😞

[@justaguyontheinternet7104]

I've been lonely my entire life. It'll never change. Ill probably die of a heart attack in the shower at age 35. And I just don't even care anymore. Hope y'all have a nice life.

[@marylouirick7316]

Go 2 Church and make friends,go 2 Bible class. U will meet nice folks.Praises The Lord! Washes ur body good and look good went 2 go.Praises The Lord 😄

[@diannerussell4849]

I've been alone for 10 years now, I've gotten so used to it that I can't walk near people or stand or sit near them when I am out, my mind does not recognise what they are anymore , I may have to do a google search to find out more about these two legged upright creatures, sometimes they walk hand in hand. Could they be humans.

[@moi1057]

Hey let's talk here if

[@renmier3996]

y'all have a nice life too guys

[@zidanmotorkovic]

Yeah exactly same. Worst thing about this is, that you can't even help yourself, because you don't know how to deal with it.

[@Dookie6891]

One thing I've learned about being lonely, is that if you are a loner for a long enough time, you become more stringent on how you measure people worthy of being in your life. Isolation becomes so normal and grounding that if it's anything less than a perfect person, they're not worth the effort of flipping the coin.

[@reedwalls326]

Aaaaand then your expectations start to mount, which further exacerbates the problem. My solution? Watch a good, character-driven TV show. One that drills into the nitty-gritty of relationships. Might just give ya the little spark you need.

[@sisterlavender1188]

Yes OP. Spoken truly. I think this is a problem..but you're not wasting your life with losers. It's like people just go unchecked, these days. Even with friends n social life a total scum bag can still get away with murder n still have support n no one questions them bc they surround themselves w those who won't. So letting people in your life who are getting away w bad behavior plus at this point I personally have lost the ability to know who is bad or good for me at least in.a linear manner so I just feel I'd rather be alone. You are a poet. It's extremely grounding n I don't feel like I'm being true to myself with other people. I notice how it pollutes them n like children or dogs influenced by the Ill mannered child or dog's behavior, most people are trashy af, have bad habits, zero morals and no intention of changing. You, the loner are the problem. So I think it definitely creates an observation skill in me.

[@zainafyl]

@@sisterlavender1188 I agree, I've pondered so much who was truly good and who was bad, it can be complicating so now I don't look forward to meeting anyone new

[@bunsenn5064]

@@reedwalls326 When I do that, those relationships just seem less and less appealing. It just reveals all the bad things about them, things that no one involved walks away from with anything gained.

[@pettylabelle_]

Yup

[@brokenacoustic]

I've been with friends and I've been on my own, but I'm never lonely, when I'm alone. But some people need it, someone to call home. But I'm never lonely, I'm just alone.

[@jerardogarcia4337]

Minnesota Acoustic nani

[@jacobduran8256]

@@jerardogarcia4337 crying

[@TheRocketman136]

You just haven't been alone long enough, fam :D

[@TheTruthSentMe]

nice poem

[@05anonymous50]

I'd snap to that.

[@drzilt4755]

Waw turns out i really am dying on the inside

[@astoldbynickgerr]

ha ha 😅

[@astoldbynickgerr]

same !

[@saraoln]

Yeah. I know. I knew that some time ago, but now I actually have evidence to prove to people that I am dying.

[@yYSilverFoxYy]

Everyone is dying on the inside. Some people faster than others but still...🙃

[@rnt45t1]

I'm 33 and I'm the loneliest I've ever been in my life. I don't have any friends, and I haven't had a girlfriend in over ten years. I really wish it would change...

[@rnt45t1]

@@jellopy24 no, I’m still more alone than I’ve ever been. People hate me. I am a societal pariah

[@rnt45t1]

@@jellopy24 I'm not.

[@jacquesdemolay4516]

Embrace it. Become the outcast archetype

[@cloverhighfive]

I've read somewhere that a reason we get caught up in fandoms is because the brain doesn't differentiate between real friendships and the ones we fantasize of having. Something along those lines. So being caught up in your favourite show and favourite characters/actors does provide a break from loneliness.

[@AlphaCrucis]

I have a waifu and am not lonely. Coincidence? I think not!

[@UN1VERS3S]

Evolutionism (evolution as a philosophy) kinda sucks. It misleads us to the wrong conclusion. Feeling Loneliness is way more than to urge us to seek company to help us survive and pass our genes. How about the kids? And the elderly. They can feel lonely too. So no. It urges us be happy and love one another. Life is way more than survival and passing genes.

[@Preciousvibez]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@xcolonist4799]

Honestly it feels like a constant downwards spiral. It just never ends.

[@sage7296]

XColonist 💙

[@UN1VERS3S]

Evolutionism (evolution as a philosophy) kinda sucks. It misleads us to the wrong conclusion. Feeling Loneliness is way more than to urge us to seek company to help us survive and pass our genes. How about the kids? And the elderly. They can feel lonely too. So no. It urges us be happy and love one another. Life is way more than survival and passing genes.

[@starflyer3219]

Living alone is very dangerous. Imagine having a medical emergency and being unable to call for help..

[@PraveenSriram]

That is really scary 😟

[@WaterBananaEnjoyerFromPH]

Help is not option anymore for those lonely people for the fact that they are all alone they became numb thus help is not an option anymore they just tend to accept it rather than seeking help

[@LucMMailloux]

Good luck to everyone suffering from loneliness. In my experience, you either get lucky and someone helps you, or you muster up the strength to keep trying no matter the pain involved. Is it worth it? I don't know, as it's failed me so far, but the alternative is to give up, and that's a rough time I do not recommend. Keep at it.

[@MegaIkkuh]

you can also take matters into your own hands and look for help.

[@PersonsUnknown]

you don't have a choice.

[@DJNHmusic]

Stoicism is a great philosophy to help deal with this. Also, the realization that you should not dwell on your past, which you can't control, but look to the future every day and give yourself and everyone else another chance.

[@kunokoaeri3505]

Hope u gonna be well one day dear. If u need to talk. Im here : )

[@astoldbynickgerr]

Anton-Constantin does “choice” exist? isn’t everything already pre-written? the futures been planned out and it’s already happening. i’m making no sense + rambling 😅

[@phantomstrider]

Just the healthy reminder I needed today. Cheers Hank.

[@UN1VERS3S]

Evolutionism (evolution as a philosophy) kinda sucks. It misleads us to the wrong conclusion. Feeling Loneliness is way more than to urge us to seek company to help us survive and pass our genes. How about the kids? And the elderly. They can feel lonely too. So no. It urges us be happy and love one another. Life is way more than survival and passing genes.

[@grandmastergyorogyoro532]

Would like to add my two cents here,just what I have observed. Lonliness is when deep emotionally we have need for some love and affection,and that need not being met.Then it becomes difficult.its not a thought in mind,but comes from a deeper place from within.

[@marylouirick7316]

True, that why l read the Bible daily which has 66 books.Therefor, God is wonderful and fill ur heart with His Love.

[@bunsenn5064]

The problem is, I couldn’t receive that love even if it was being given right to me. I’ve become so numb without it that at this point, I don’t think it could be introduced to me. You can’t force someone to take something they won’t accept.

[@grandmastergyorogyoro532]

@@bunsenn5064 We gotta learn to love ourself buddy. Be your own best friend, love n accept ourself as we are.

[@blackbullet4254]

@@grandmastergyorogyoro532 That's a crap advice when yourself absolutely sucks. It's impossible to have self love when you are so messed up

[@UN1VERS3S]

Evolutionism (evolution as a philosophy) kinda sucks. It misleads us to the wrong conclusion. Feeling Loneliness is way more than to urge us to seek company to help us survive and pass our genes. How about the kids? And the elderly. They can feel lonely too. So no. It urges us be happy and love one another. Life is way more than survival and passing genes.

[@RangerRuby]

Ahhh Loneliness... My old friend. Hey! I have a friend!

[@MajaElise95]

I love that you guys always end these videos with something encouraging to people who may experience it and never fail to mention that people can reach out for help

[@UN1VERS3S]

Evolutionism (evolution as a philosophy) kinda sucks. It misleads us to the wrong conclusion. Feeling Loneliness is way more than to urge us to seek company to help us survive and pass our genes. How about the kids? And the elderly. They can feel lonely too. So no. It urges us be happy and love one another. Life is way more than survival and passing genes.

[@Beryllahawk]

Why thanks I will keep hanging out with y'all.

[@HarshJain-sl6pq]

Cheers mate!

[@SalvatoreEscoti]

So, there is no "cure" for loneliness. If you just don't find the persons with the same vibes that are compatible to you and you to them you stay alone! You just cannot be with random people just to not be alone. So, some people are lucky and find those special persons for friendship, but other aren't just lucky enough.

[@scottcupp8129]

Often times I feel lonely in a room full of people that I know. When my wife pushes me away, that intensifies it horribly and that has been happening a lot more lately.

[@UN1VERS3S]

Evolutionism (evolution as a philosophy) kinda sucks. It misleads us to the wrong conclusion. Feeling Loneliness is way more than to urge us to seek company to help us survive and pass our genes. How about the kids? And the elderly. They can feel lonely too. So no. It urges us be happy and love one another. Life is way more than survival and passing genes.

[@phoule76]

it fascinates me that living in cities, or using the internet and being potentially so connected, ends up even further alienating and isolating many people than in the past when we were less urban and relied on newspapers and letters for faraway news of others.

[@DJNHmusic]

it's the modern way of life. urban environments don't have the same social connection among people and there's less meaningful interactions. tech has made this much worse, because people can rely on it for a lot of their communication and that makes for much less actual in person interaction.

[@DJNHmusic]

also there's less people getting married and that was a big factor in making people socialize and develop true bonds among themselves. it was important in bringing people together.

[@samanthanorton4538]

Are there any stats on this? I live in suburbia, but I feel like living in a place where I could take a class would offer more socialization then rural areas with nothing going on.

[@PersonsUnknown]

I don't think that the Internet makes things worse, that is a myth.

[@DJNHmusic]

@@PersonsUnknown it does tho. 1. people spend less time interacting with each other face to face. conveying information and socializing via phone/text/social media is vastly inferior to that in person. 2. people see a distorted image of others on social media, i.e. they usually see only the positive, thus making them feel less like others can relate to their own problems and challenges. 3. I believe this has also impacted how girls see guys and vice versa, now people who have a popular presence on social media have a better chance of finding a partner and those who don't are pushed further to the fringes. I admit the latter may be conjecture but it seems to make sense.

[@Im-Not-a-Dog]

I use the KZbin comment section to curb my loneliness.

[@Just-A-Guy-TV]

*hug*

[@Im-Not-a-Dog]

Just-A -Guy-TV See, you just proved that KZbin is full of nice people.....and trolls. But they aren’t your fault. Lol.

[@fiveohfivethree]

That's what we're here for! ❤

[@celtgunn9775]

@Kathryn Mercier I agree. There can be the absolute worst of people in the comment sections on KZbin. It's sad that people don't even consider controlling themselves here much at all.

[@Im-Not-a-Dog]

Tina Abrahamson That’s why I like posting things like this. It attracts the more so altruistic commenters and highlights a section of the KZbin community that promotes kindness and compassion. If not for people like all of you who have left a like or comment, people would only see the darker, more so maliciously cynical side of the community. Essentially, evil is like a weed, it will grow no matter what. Good is like a orchid, it needs a specific environment in which to thrive. I’m just providing a space for that environment with posts like these.

[@becool365]

Honestly loneliness is usually both the symptom and the cause to many problems. A lot of mental health issues see the sufferer detach themselves from friend and family. The people with mental disabilities you see are also often alone.

[@Fuar11]

Loneliness isn't being there with no people. It's being there with people who don't understand you. Like literally not having a single person there for you but you interact socially with everyone.

[@driper8084]

facts

[@TinaLynn]

48 yr old single woman, kids are grown and gone... I am very lonely.. but then, I did start collecting cats a few years ago... so I am the poster woman for the crazy cat lady, with 18 cats from 14 years old to 6 months old plus a feral colony. My only stress now is trying to feed all these attention hogs. :D :D

[@farahs1905]

Tina Lynn crazy cat lady or not, that sounds lovely either way!

[@TinaLynn]

@@farahs1905 You're welcome to come visit anytime! I can always use an extra pair of petting hands :)

[@kittybeans8192]

More like sane cat lady. Cats are the best! Only sane people have a herd of cats. Or dogs. Or birds. Or fish. Or tomatoes... you can also rely on those to feed you, so that's a bonus, but tomatoes don't chase strings. Take what you can get I guess.

[@TinaLynn]

@@kittybeans8192 Ha! Well, I have a couple of cats that bring me dead animals, so technically, they are trying to feed me. It's just not quite as productive as having a garden, but it's great entertainment.

[@JamesSmith-rb5lv]

What ever works. I love cats too!

[@earth2jio]

Being all alone too much hurts pretty bad, but being around other people and still feeling alone is killer. The more alone I am, the more difficult it gets to socialize without feeling that loneliness. It's not fun.

[@commanderwaddles3483]

I've felt lonely for 8 years straight & I need it to stop but regardless of my attempts I can't develop any genuine relationships that habe the same bond on both sides with anybody & it feels like hell. I assume I'm just not a likeable person or something but I have all the traits of people I & many find likeable so I really don't understand

[@DJNHmusic]

why do you feel you can't develop genuine relationships?

[@fion3943]

A lot of people these days can't or don't want to commit hence relationships are so fleeting and on the surface. I've also tried to form deeper bonds with some people but they don't seem to want to commit, rejecting meet ups with small excuses and such. So it's not easy at all to find really committed friends who will support you, but keep trying you never know when you might meet the person that you can depend on. Also any relationship is better than none, the benefits are evident.

[@alexcaffrey983]

Commander Waddles I can relate to that. Do you think it’s usually you who can’t form a real bond with the person or them who can’t form a real bond with you?

[@CraazyDano]

try reading up on how to become more interesting and charismatic. it will help a ton

[@zainafyl]

I relate with this too

[@yosoyysoyyo]

You guys, I read all 77 comments that were here when I saw this video, and all I have to say is- please seek help if you need it! You can always chat with nerdfighters on the official subreddit, as an example of how to try to combat loneliness. If you need to see a psych and your country isn't terrible about healthcare, then by all means do! It's not a sign of weakness or anything, and you'll live a better life. 💜

[@DJNHmusic]

There's a lot of people hurting and it breaks my heart. I would also like to add that exercise (even if it's just taking short walks), travel, being in nature, meditation, reading books, learning stoic philosophy, educating yourself, volunteering, getting a new hobby, will all help immensely.

[@AllegedlyHuman]

Also, if your psych isn't working out for you for whatever reason, get a new one. Spent almost two years with someone who I could not communicate with, despite speaking the same language, we needed an interpreter because most of the time, we couldn't understand each other. Have later met some wonderful people that have been very helpful, so don't give up on therapy even if it doesn't work out at first!

[@donloder1]

these are some amazing advises that I wish I read them three years ago.

[@NN-ir9bj]

Highly agree. If you truly are lonely, I guarantee there is someone who WANTS to talk with you.

[@sandralobato7725]

@@donloder1 better late than never. I wish you strength to carry them out

[@adamschannel8685]

I’m lonely all the time, good to know I’ll die sooner than those who aren’t. Especially seeing as I’m too gutless to do it myself.

[@zara4100]

Exactly. Literally all I want at this point

[@breadoflife7775]

Me too It made me happy

[@RadTrashed]

"Loneliness can kill you, and can have more public health problems than obesity." *me, drinking a glass of bleach and windex* : "I drink to that, my dude."

[@scottcupp8129]

You'll be clean on the inside XD

[@Slip_HD]

I wish all of us could hang out together

[@heatherbusjahn9614]

How do you combat loneliness caused by crippling social anxiety? My two cats are great but they aren't as effective as real human friends.

[@Hurricayne92]

Love how Hank glosses over how there have been no long terms studies. I think it's pretty why, I can't imagine any ethics committee allowing that much potential harm to a person when it so easy to fix the problem if your aware of it and studying them 😂

[@algirdz]

From your videos i understood that i have chronic stress, depression, and loneliness. Everything is causing sooner death. Great.

[@diannerussell4849]

Hang in there. I am doing time in solitary confinement as well, I am still trying to find the warden of this prison I've been here for 10 straight years. I need to ask him what crime I committed.

[@uniquescience7047]

@@diannerussell4849 if you're talking metaphorically , same.

[@amanatee27]

This channel is a blessing. Thank you for making videos that matter. You are loved and appreciated.

[@isabellabihy8631]

Very good, you discerned between being alone and loneliness. Being alone and feeling OK, no problem. Being alone and suffering, something needs to be done about it. I also liked that pointed out the problem with psychological data analysis: If there is a self-enforcing "mechanism", like cortisol levels, it is hard to figure out the root cause from the data.

[@FelipeKana1]

"loneliness can be contagious" well thats a new puzzle for ya

[@ctcboater]

I have the opposite "problem". I have a very low tolerance for excess human contact. Contact with one or two people isn't bad, but I can't stand more than that for any length of time.

[@MegaIkkuh]

yet you do feel the need to share this with other humans.

[@emmettdonkeydoodle6230]

ohw well It’s easier to type to you because I don’t really think of you as a person. You’re like an insignificant grain of data that I don’t have to respond to or even acknowledge. I’m the same exact way to you. If you were a human being that I could see, id have to do something called interaction... And human interaction is one of the most grating and emotionally draining things I’ve ever experienced

[@katrinhaerterich2454]

I was already watching this show and many others to make myself feel less lonely. I think its maybe the eye contact that really makes it better than podcasts. And if its educational it makes me feel less guilty about how much of it I watch.

[@BlueSkies30]

Being alone is better than dealing with people who stress you out. I sometimes miss my family and then when they visit I remember why I spent most of my time in my room growing up. ha -- Nah, they don't all cause me stress. I consider myself an introvert but we still need some social time. I however, mainly get mine from my dog and just being around other people (going to the movie theater, going to class, etc.). And I talk to friends online. So 99% of the time I don't feel lonely. Now I only really miss family when I'm really bored or sick because when you're alone you don't have much options for fun.

[@alexgaggio2957]

I remember being incredibly lonely when I was studying abroad. It was awful. I felt sad and angry all the time, my motivation would disappear, and I would spent all day doing nothing and then feeling bad about it. I was able to keep up with my exercise at least but only barely and only because I was using destructive habits to keep me going. Loneliness is a slow killer. But there’s hope and I now am in a better space with friends, family, and a partner that make me feel like I belong. I also sought out a therapist once I got back home.

[@Sergio0hf]

Yes, this videos does help me cope with loneliness... and to that I thank you Hank and everyone behind SciShow

[@kellymaldia128]

Very informative. Mad props for the HP- Mad Eye Moody reference.

[@joyl7842]

Having been lonely for nearly a decade now, I knew most of these things already, but it's nice to have it all confirmed. Thanks :)

[@NanaMamaS]

These videos always help me remember that I'm not intellectually alone. Thank you.

[@MissRIOTbegins]

i really enjoy your content

[@toamastar]

Thank you so much for this video Hank! I love you sci-show! :)

[@ObsidianStray]

This video is very comforting. Thank you.

[@a.a.4251]

NOT much. If you're surrounded by toxic people. Better safe on top of a building than together burning at the basement.

[@mariapaz6379]

Are you okay?

[@_hector__]

Woah

[@PizzaManager101]

A. A. until the flames rise & you have nowhere to run & noone to help you

[@theuserintheroom4450]

A. A. Finally. I was waiting for this comment.

[@knocknockify]

Not the very best of metaphor here lol

[@sinistershin8769]

Very logical analysis of loneliness, very interesting

[@kylebarry8208]

Thank you guys for this. Couldn't have come at a better time. No joke this was on my mind then youtube had this in my inbox.

[@Rociel]

I love hanging out with you, Hank. I followed you here from Crash Course. Please don’t ever stop producing vids! :D

[@Lillenmedmillen]

“Being alone for a while can be dangerous. It’s addicting once you realize how peaceful it is” -Tom Hardy

[@Linkous12]

I wonder if these negatives apply to people who *prefer* to be alone. For some, myself included, "hell is other people", as Sartre said.

[@bsteven885]

What you're talking about is called "Social Isolation" and it's different from loneliness. I think you're OK then.

[@MegaIkkuh]

it does not, being lonely is different from being alone.

[@issecret1]

I’ve always thought that people who use that Sartre quote have never been alone for more than a very short while

[@christopherellis2663]

Being alone is freedom. It's nice to be kind to others, but others are not necessarily nice. I'm 69, so what would I know?

[@melloyellofreak]

Give me loneliness any day. I'd much rather be by myself than have to try to find a woman to spend my life with. First, I gotta ask them out. Then, I gotta keep them interested in keeping company with me. Then, I gotta marry them. Hell with all that. Relationships of any sort are just too much damn trouble to try to pursue.

[@troydorr4867]

Hank is awesome! Definitely one of my favorite KZbin personalities.

[@CutieBanana09]

I mean I usually have one of the scishow channels playing while I’m getting ready for work in the morning so I’m not quite so alone feeling, so there’s that. Plus your nerdy humor makes me laugh, so that’s always nice.

[@RaikenXion]

Hannah do you get moody? Im going to guess that you're a red head am i right?

[@gigglysamentz2021]

Good to know! I'll definitely volunteer after I retire ^^

[@ralakus8784]

We can all be lonely together, guys.

[@featherpoet]

That was the most creative call to action I’ve ever seen. Cheers, scishow psych

[@nope7823]

This is brilliant. Thanks Hank.

[@renmier3996]

the worst thing that I've ever felt was jealousy while being lonely as if I'd end up myself alone but nah, there's no good reason to die and no reason to live either

[@ArcaneOwlchemist]

This just made me feel worse about my life decisions.

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

Thanks for including tips!

[@p.bamygdala2139]

I’m glad you clarified at the one-minute mark that you define ‘loneliness’ as a perceived deprivation of a desired external input source. Many introverts don’t have that same need. Personally, I don’t think I can relate to loneliness. I’m happiest as can be when I’m alone and pursuing my own interests in solitude. Interacting with other people is pleasant. I can relate socializing to mowing the lawn. It needs to get done, it’s better to do it regularly, and it feels fine while doing it. Then, when it’s done, I feel a sense of accomplishment, and I look forward to heading inside for a refreshing drink, a yummy snack, and doing activities I prefer. Even typing this is note is a personal, internal act of working through and clarifying my thoughts for my own benefit, not an interaction with others. It feels like a diary. The hard part for me is trying to share this part of myself with people in my life, without upsetting them by making them feel unwanted by me.

[@AtariEric]

I'm dying from the combination of a lifetime of physical assault, and a lifetime without any social or psychological support whatsoever. My parents went out of their way to make sure they never supported me psychologically and I have yet to meet a human being who doesn't refuse to acknowledge my humanity. I've never *not* been lonely.

[@uniquescience7047]

i acknowledge your humanity i swear! same has been my condition all my wife! life is really unfair, its really sad how few people in this world can understand our problem!

[@allisond.46]

That sucks, dude.

[@anantgillmusic]

3:32 makes sooooooo much sense I stay alone for months without having any face-to-face conversations based on my current life setup and I get scared of my mildest things like someone opening the door of the adjacent room. Loneliness most def has made me more antisocial for no reason.

[@olivernordin]

One time I died of loneliness

[@wateryagarvideos5186]

The hidden veritified comment.

[@ajaeflint2632]

Wish i could shake this mans hand for educating me so much throughout my life

[@dualfluidreactor]

If you want to have a friend you need to be a friend

[@CalebHansonlets]

I'm lonely, and I've been binging the last couple moths of various scishow channel content I missed, and now I know why

[@snickzonesnickzone5242]

So glad I found a comprehensive video

[@xoxrockxisxlovexox]

“Cutting short our lives” Oh thank god

[@adamwhite2641]

John Cacioppo was a researcher in Chicago who specialized on Loneliness. He wrote a book called Loneliness that explored all of these topics.

[@journeymanX]

i think the worst kind of loneliness is urban isolation being alone in a big city,putting up with the demands of work,your overbearing boss and artificial co-workers that'll betray you when they see fit,you waste your weekends dining,drinking alone,going to the movies by yourself then when the break's over you resume the mundane,top it all off you gotta put up with crowded commutes,traffic,paying bills,crime etc rural hermits have it better,and i don't mean the basketcases,just those that have built their own cabins,grow or hunt their own food,do enough exercise to keep them healthy,have kept pets for companionship it's like they've found peace with themselves

[@snowwonder9814]

I definitely had a loneliness problem in high school and it was quite problematic for me. It wasn't even my fault. Even though my school was in the city, where I lived, most of my classmates lived in the suburbs. Also, I didn't come from a feeder school. Most people are going to choose to hang out with the kid they've known for 10 years and who lives 5 minutes away over the kid they've known for 2 years and who lives 30 minutes away. Who can blame them? :/ My one friend who lived near me, like me, was frequently busy with school, so we often didn't have overlapping free time. Not surprisingly I was active on Reddit a lot as a result. I'd be less active in the summer when I could actually hang out with my nearby friend. In college I've hardly touched Reddit, however. I'm just not so lonely anymore.

[@floridahighwaypatrol7713]

Last thing a person suffering from loneliness needs, is for someone to talk to them about personal responsibility, Reality, and the choices they make. Such a discussion will only make them feel guilty and a greater sense of hopelessness over something they have no control over. If you’re reading this and you’re not suffering from loneliness, then you’re probably not going to agree with me.

[@patrickbateman6335]

I see it as a help that loneliness has a potential to end ones life , it's what I want when I'm lonely

[@AwwesomeVal]

Great video! Thanks

[@ukhtikhulailahbaried8675]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou sooo soo sooo sooo much for making this videoo 👍👍😊

[@lor3nz42s2]

This just fueled my anxiety even more. I get anxiety from being lonely, (not alone), but alone in the definition of this video. Now sense I learned that being alone can cut my life short, it's made it even worse. Lol. I'm not blaming the creators of this video. They only want to inform ppl, and I want to inform myself, I could have easily avoided this video.

[@sage7296]

Lor3nz42 S 💙

[@Medietos]

I see you, but fear can be a good, useful kick in our behind to get going and be pushed forward. Even though fear cana lso be crippling, paralyzing, I know.. But it is up to the human I to will change. to ask (god) for help. to help ourselves.

[@rolandotokes8531]

Don't want to sound weird but I'm actually a girl and I would appreciate a good video on mental distress setting of ur menstrual cycle. Is that just me? Ok I'll sit down

[@Life_42]

Sit up! I hope they make a video for you soon!

[@Samantha2209]

Giiirrlll... 😕

[@fiveohfivethree]

I've had stress make me miss a month and also give me two menstruations in a month (2 weeks apart) on multiple occasions (I obviously prefer the former). I'd love a video on the why of it all. All my doctor said was "your body knows it isn't ready for a child and is acting accordingly". HOW THOUGH?! lol

[@MiracleWinchester]

Not weird at all! That’s actually very interesting

[@gabbybear666]

I agree. granted, now I'm on birth control so my cycle is endlessly inconsistent and unknown...but before I was on BC, I'd notice my periods would literally go out of their way to start right before or during vacations! Once I was like 3 weeks late and freaking out, only for my period to start day 2 of the trip. I wonder if stress (even if it's good, excitement stress) played a role

[@jamescarmody4713]

You're my friend, Hank Green. Never leave us alone.

[@6gradosproducciones]

I love hanging out with you guys

[@danielfahrenheit4139]

that makes sense. your brain feels like its isolated and helpless in the middle of the savannah. Just like with depression, it seems like a self destructive mode turns on. the same goes with feelings of rejection. your mind just wants to abort the whole mission. its futile to go any further!

[@gcisbani]

Having a pet requires a strong emotional and empathetic connection. This relationship requires no words but a true link. Also you tend to focus in basic emotional things instead of rationalisations, decreasing chances of neurotic behaviour

[@dieselexhausted]

Well that got real meta, real fast. "Or, yaknow, just keep hangin' out with us!" I may have initially come for the science, but I stayed because of the whole "parasocial relationship" thing - even just getting the on-camera personality I can see the everyday-conversation personality through it, and SciShow people are my kind of people. It's not that I don't have a couple of friends I can message with some degree of regularly; I do pretty much have support in that way. But familiar voices, friendly "eye contact," shared humor, and finding relatability and calm and enjoyment in *who* people are - well, that requires that I either drive hundreds/fly thousands of miles... or turn on SciShow. Thanks, friends. 💚

[@reddir]

"group activities ...with an ...educational focus" - like SciShow videos? Yay! Might be part of the explanation why we like these so much! -edit-- D'oh! You called it out ~10 seconds after the point I paused the video to post.

[@orionmarques120]

Me: lonely for 6 years Someone: Dont be lonely! Me: how? Someone: Make some friends Me: *Thats exactly the problem*

[@HarshJain-sl6pq]

Consult therapist..

[@wreckervilla]

Hm, I wonder if I stop watching youtube if then I'll start to feel the stress of loneliness or if it's just stress from boredom

[@Forty2de]

Why not both?

[@camillecirrus3977]

Both, maybe?

[@joelkennedy2701]

I self identify as an introvert but in the last three years, I've had weekslong periods where I felt isolated and lonely. I had moved away from my hometown for college, away from my pets and friends, and into an environment where everyone was partying, experimenting with romance, or working tirelessly toward lifelong goals. I was none of them. I felt like an ice berg in the sahara. I've since moved back home, seen my family at least every Sunday, and have even gained back a couple of the friends I'd lost touch with. but Loneliness can kill.

[@shikasta123]

yeah helping other is a good solution (i did this a lot i even suggested it to someone i know before seen this video) but only if you do it selflessly or you have to be prepare to ppl not reacting as you would hope them to. I think this is worth clarifying because a lot times loneliness is the result of a disassociation between the world as it is and the expectations we build around it. I m speaking from experience helping others not expecting anything in return made my have my bests friends and they are my lifeline.

[@kaz101]

Whenever I see Instagram posts or something about someone I know out with their friends actually doing things and having fun, it just kills me, I mean I'm happy for them, they have good friends but I wish I had that, I have friends but I'm the outsider of my group, I barely talk to them yet I'm always around them. I just wish I had friends who I could talk to and interact with so that I don't always feel *invisible* :)

[@allisond.46]

Womp womp.

[@Vivi_Pallas]

Now I know how I managed to live through being lonely for 4 years. I did all of the things suggested to help reduce it. Good thing I did. Don't know how I would've lived through that otherwise.

[@j.dimitrijevic2807]

O.o That cover photo though. Last year I spent about 6 months abroad on my own; I felt very lonely and I described the feeling to one of my friends back home as being surrounded by fog, knowing that there are people all around me, but I just couldn't seem to reach them. Allegory is a freaky thing.

[@sogerc1]

Loved the not-so-subtle invitation to subscribe :D

[@nelsona9381]

loneliness,please leave me alone.