The Loneliness Epidemic | Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on Social Isolation

[@akashparua4606]

I left my job in America and returned to India to live in my ancestral village. Here it is like the whole village is a family. Internet is still slow in these parts of the country , we still gather around the village fire every night . I know I have to move on soon but its just a different sense of security

[@ZDoggMD]

I'm just a little jealous.

[@sahar.kamali]

I want to gather around the village fire every night.

[@NolaGB]

Loneliness isn't always something that an individual can control or do much about. I just celebrated my 70th birthday. I received a text message from 2 of my 3 children ... the youngest took me out for lunch. I live alone with 3 dogs and 5 Budgies. There are times I just walk around a local home improvement store, just to be around people. No one wants to hire someone 70 years old. They don't tell you, because that would be illegal, but it happens. I live in a small city (more like a big town), on a very limited income, so I don't have television service and there's few places to go, other than a bar. There's little in a small southern city. I have KZbin. Until someone actually walks in lonely shoes, they seem to have plenty to say, but don't really understand. Some people talk about family ... what if, like me, someone only has a a few children who work 12 hour days and live in another area or state. You just hang in there. You keep busy. To give up is the worse thing one can do!

[@HoneyDubey23]

Hi! There are alot of free events in cities to be around other people, where do you live? You can do a google search or you can try a website that I often check www.events12.com I just read your comment and it connected with me for some reason. Take care! 🙏🏼

[@cynthiavelasquez304]

Could you volunteer somewhere? There must be places that can use your time. A school where they need someone to help tutor kids (even at the elementary level), or a nursing home? I'm sure you'd find some lonely people there... Good luck!

[@phillipstephens4522]

I got you beat. You are 70 and I am 72. I do NOT get lonely. I have just 2 women friends and that's plenty and I'm gay. I have my house, my little demons (cats), and my books, movies, hobbies. Not only that I am taking a writing course and an art course. I also pick up trashed furniture for restoration. I used to do volunteer work when I lived in a big city. I taught literacy classes at the local jail and then at a school for pregnant teens. I don't have time to be lonely. I have too much living to do before I drop dead!! I don't much care for older people because they seem to be giving up on life. I enjoy younger people, those who are building lives and planning futures and are vitally alive. Much more fun! I'd suggest finding one or two (or more) people with the same interests. Get involved, volunteer, do something to try to make the world a better place. I guarantee you will improve your lot immensely!! I also live in a small southern town with very little here so I do understand your situation. You CAN make changes!!

[@NeoGeoFitness]

I'll hang out with you, lol. I'm in GA. I hate when people feel hurt in any way.

[@DrAdnan]

The impact of loneliness on morbidity and mortality is frightening.

[@kimberlycooper4170]

I wonder.... Are they counting among the lonely and disconnected the people who are so physically ill that they can't get out of the house? If that is so, then the people's illness would increase morbidity as they die from their illness.

[@Spotter000]

@@kimberlycooper4170 I doubt it .. because that would be stupid .. someone who is so physically ill probably isn't dieing because they lonely in large part but more so because they so I'll they can't even get out of bed ???

[@kimberlycooper4170]

@@Spotter000 , scientists, psychologists, and other people do all kinds of things to "prove" their point. I used to trust statistics until I saw one too many twisted "statistic".

[@LibertarianJRT]

Humans are social creatures. We need each other. The lesson of Alexander Supertramp: Happiness is not real unless it is shared.

[@merickson20]

That’s just because he had no way out and was about to die. He never got lonely until he was on deaths door. If your happiness and fulfillment in life relies on other people you will never be happy.

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

Loneliness should not drive people to reconnect with TOXIC people, just to not be alone! Loneliness + self-reflection + self-education + therapy = drive towards creating healthy relationships built upon true virtues! And true VIRTUE creates nothing but real, true LOVE! Imagine a world in which people strove towards that. What an amazing world that would be!

[@linkking46]

One thing is being voluntarilly alone introspecti g and another thing is feeling lonely, you can be alone and not feel lonely

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

@@linkking46 i used loneliness in a more casual sense to mean broadly alone, so sure that's true. Still loneliness in a strict sense, is inevitable, unless probably your brain chemistry is jacked up, which would be even worse anyway.

[@linkking46]

@@AleksandarIvanov69 precisely their point is that the exhacerbation of loneliness is atleast partly because of deatachment from reality by staring to much at a screen and missing actual interaction it's not about negating pain or bad feelings thats just inevitable

[@Spotter000]

@@AleksandarIvanov69 you make no sense . Read your comment again .. "loneliness in a strict sense is inevitable . Unless your brain is jacked up" so a person with a healthy brain before loneliness cannot arrive to being lonely ?? ...

[@joshuabuchanan1141]

I agree

[@dramaturge231]

This was a really great episode. Thanks so much. I was feeling lonely and depressed last week and was so uplifted after going out and connecting with patients and providers at a community clinic I volunteered at.

[@phillipstephens4522]

Good for you! I really mean that. Not only are you improving your lot but you are also impacting other lives in a positive way -- kind of like throwing a stone in water and watching the ripples spread out. Who knows, maybe one of the lives you touch will touch another life and you will never know, but just the idea of what could happen is exciting!!! The way I see it you have 2 choices -- you are either part of the solution or part of the problem. So I suggest we get out and be part of the solution. Make the world even a slightly better place by your existence here. Just my personal philosophy!!

[@blupatches3030]

Love Vivek Murthy's open and generous insights on this

[@v.britton4445]

Volunteer to help with something good. Meet the best people ever.

[@JohnDoe-kv3cm]

Volunteering has been a great way for me to break the lonelyness cycle. You meet great people, and the purpose keeps me from just shutting myself off.

[@KoiAcademy]

Your advice is so underrated

[@ccpperrett7522]

Volunteering reminds us we are a great resource for others. Live, love and laugh.

[@skapur]

Be careful when choosing an organization as some volunteer organizations are rife with cliques and politics which can leave you disheartened and depressed

[@singlaki]

I want more of this conversation

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 8 months ago about self development. Now I have 942 subs and > 800 hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I could haven’t learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@amys4360]

I mean, Britney did warn us about this a while ago 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

Therapy, therapy, all day m-f-ing therapy! Reading "Feeling Good" by David M. Burns MD right now, and understanding how depression is so rampant (myself being severely depressed for years, without realizing why I was the way I was), I feel like that if humanity manages to eradicate depression with the same success as we eradicated smallpox, that we just might live in a world of all the Heavenly things every religion has promised, but failed to deliver.

[@KoiAcademy]

Stankin' Thankin' stay strong, and good book

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

@Dant'e Stackz everyone does. The problem is, people don't use psychology for their own inner good.

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

@Dant'e Stackz pick up any sales, marketing or negotiation book and see for yourself

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

@Dant'e Stackz hustle means fraud, I am not talking about fraud. "why sale what is given" given ? nothing's free in this life, sorry. You pay for everything, now or in the long run, but you always pay.

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

@Dant'e Stackz nope, it should

[@organicchemistry6357]

Types of friends also matters, as loneliness can be selective and complex

[@franciscofernandes265]

ICU doctor here. I spend more time and even consider the staff of the ICU my family more than my actual.

[@christopherdeleon513]

francisco fernandes don’t be fooled by the F word. family members will use the term family cause they think blood entitles them to you. stick with the people that love and support ya. just don’t burn bridges

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

I’m a surgeon and I’m also mostly at work.

[@esthersanborn7581]

One's peace within ofttimes can open toward another. Yet, if one is not settled within their own spirit, it is difficult to be with and for others. To aid oneself in personal loneliness, sit with yourself and become very comfortable with silence and purity of spirit. Stepping, then away and out becomes natural and with great ease.

[@muskrat477]

Underrated comment.

[@fauxdauteur]

1:20 This is probably the most seamless and funny code switches I've ever witnessed in my life. And seeing doctors share their insights on loneliness.

[@Crimson_626]

This is a tough subject!!! Most people i grew up around....i am glad i don't talk to them no more. I also suffer from social anxiety which makes it worse to find company. I am not lonely since i live with a lot of family members and at work....i work with a lot of people so i goes i am not but on the weekends.....just only me. This is hard habit to break and i am glad that the surgeon general is talking about this....since this does have real consequences

[@Artimes.]

I am sorry but this is a serious conversation and social isolation and disability is not something to laugh at. It affects alot of people and one of the ordeals we face especially for people that have disabilities. The guy on the right is very disrespectful and he's making light of the subject and laughing. I find that aggravating as hell.

[@anitajohnson3713]

I was thinking the same thing he’s a total douche!!!

[@justincooper1626]

Yeah I think so too

[@jigargandhi1654]

I m lonely too... Any guy from mumbai?

[@karld1791]

Online connections best use is to make plans to meet in person.

[@humaalimd6004]

So insightful. I feel like my job as a hospitalist makes me crave loneliness. At the hospital there are at least 100 ppl looking to talk to me at any given day, ( and all these are meaningful conversations ) so I come home and want to see no one , hear no one and just want stillness around me. My deepest truest connections have also formed at work. I don’t seek any relationships outside work as I feel my need for human connection is more than fulfilled with what I do. I wonder what will happen when I’m unable to work 12 hour days and nights. Is there data on loneliness in medical professionals once they stop working ?

[@sahar.kamali]

This is a really interesting insight and I think there is a difference between loneliness and solitude. Many of us are introverts who enjoy solitude after a period of sustained interaction with others. But even when we need solitude to recharge, it doesn't mean that we should consider social connection a non-vital part of the equation.

[@humaalimd6004]

Sahar Kamali thx for the distinction. This makes so much sense. I crave solitude not loneliness. From a spiritual perspective , Isn’t what we need already inside of us. I wonder if seeking social connection is just a evolutionary need. Evolution isn’t necessarily concerned with our wellbeing.

[@sahar.kamali]

@@humaalimd6004 I love that, what we need is already inside of us. Sometimes takes a lifetime to figure that out. I enjoy solitude (I always look forward to that quiet time at the end of the day) and I think they are not exclusive, maybe even that one complements the other, once we really love and enjoy ourselves in solitude, we can better appreciate being in other's company, and then enjoy the social time as well :)

[@justincooper1626]

You should have become a lawyer

[@nairitamukherjee]

Did he just do a fake Indian accent? Because he's speaking to Vivek Murthy? Wow!

[@burgermister7580]

I can't trust anyone. I have pets

[@user-yo7fx2xn8m]

I now envy the people who still don’t know anything .

[@FaveORitt]

I like the guy in the white shirt, the guy in the blue shirt doesnt listen

[@lostinthesauce8345]

I feel like I'm just living to work. All of my time goes towards work work work. I'm 20 and live with my parents. I still can't afford to support myself even after working and going to school full time. I really just don't enjoy life whatsoever right now. I feel completely powerless and hopeless. Thank God I'm not the violent type, because if I was I would have snapped a long time ago.

[@geniemeadows5122]

@Lost in Sauce. I understand. One of my sons went through a very dark time between study and finding a job. We are born again believers in Jesus and we prayed and in a while God completely turned his life around and gave him his heart's desires. This is true. I can pray for you. Shoot me a message if you like, to my discussion page also. If you dont want to, I will pray for you anyway. We are living in the final generation now to Jesus return and heading to the tribulation. It is vital people get saved and born again. This world is temporary but heaven and hell are real for all humans (heaven if saved/born again and obeying Jesus, hell if not). God does amazing things for his saved children.

[@Zapdos97]

Genie Meadows I wouldn’t mind some much needed warmth... I’m kidding. Glad things are working out for you guys.

[@Zapdos97]

I mean you sort of are. That’s the problem in and of itself. It’s stress inducing, can lead to depression. You cope by doing a number of things, some that may not be as healthy as others.. I’m 22 and have already given up, so I guess things can be worse for you. Good luck friend

[@geniemeadows5122]

@Zapdos...well life is tough even for born again christians (true ones) in fact we go through fiery trials but the Lord gives us character that others (which He calls 'the world') do not have. The 'world' are those not committed to Him who wont repent of sin. He sends us the Holy Spirit to live inside our heart and body and teaches us His ways and gives us eternal life in heaven. All humans enter hell unless saved and walking with Jesus and His Word, daily. Jesus answers prayers of those who from the heart repent of sin and want to follow Him for life (but people should not follow religions, they are man made). Only Jesus. He gives good things to his children and turns bad situations around too. Jesus changes the born again believers to think like Him. People have to get (supernaturally from Jesus) , born again and obey. Here are His words telling you cannot enter heaven unless born again:....(that is repent of sin, tell Him so and commit, and down the track sooner rather than later, get baptised under water by a true saved person). Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again' ...[John 3 verse 3]....christian bible. (The angels of God actually have a celebration when one sinner repents of sin)....[Luke 15 verse 10]. We are all sinners until saved and born again of the Spirit. If a person takes the steps in Romans 10 verses 9 and 10 even before being baptised, they will be saved (if sincere and wanting to give up sin)

[@geniemeadows5122]

@Zapdos...how's it going Zapdos? I hope you are good today.

[@nitirajdaby2554]

This man should have been a psychologist !

[@BlueSkyBS]

Oh noes! Pursuing solitude because I find humans insufferable will shorten my life, leading to fewer occasions where I have to tell people to fuck off. Whatever will I do?

[@robertgraham5709]

Loneliness will kill me💯

[@rachelcovington59]

The o my way I can tell you are Indian is by the eyebrows and your intelligence

[@jorgejara3198]

This AI is awesome

[@thethinkinggriesbach7600]

But I wanted to be like Batman😭😭😭

[@burgermister7580]

My family lives 3,000mileswawy

[@quantumfineartsandfossils2152]

0:20 "how many of us marry doctors or nurses because no one else seems to understand us" there's no way ill ever be able to enter a relationship & no way it will be mutuals healthy unless it is with someone who has prosecuting crime as a focus when others design your life for you your talents are funneled into specific strengths & skills & you cannot be a benefit to anyone unless they have cultivated those skills as well you can't date a person leading a double life of perpetrating crime usually without your knowledge until they surprise you with abuse when it is obviously totally impossible for you to be of any benefit to someone like that & when you are only a benefit to someone who is also not interested in anyone who is mentally unstable, engages in criminality & never reached adulthood & does not appreciate the consequences of our actions there is a split between severely mentally ill delusional criminally abusive party animals types like marylin manson the ugliest transexual that ever lived & men who's job it is to protect everyone specifically children & women & who needs a woman to be stable & who also shares his interests these two groups of males are at odds making it really confusing & hard for everyone to find friends & partners because there are so many imposters & Alex jones' out there & so many people engaged in criminal activity leading a double life & causing pathology in the population exacerbating an inability for people to utilize the fact that all communication is formal communication because all communication has effects algorithms should be able to separate violently abusive mentally ill people & people who commit crimes & hate crimes from the mentally healthy ones leading to more face to face life experience

[@legoproductions7286]

"Dr im lonely...tests confirmed it).... doc says..(mmmm....ok im sorry to tell you, what you have is terminal, about 6months at best, good idea to get you affairs in order)..very very sorry....

[@artgirl96]

😎

[@NikkiTrudelle]

Party at zdoggs house

[@ticnatz]

I have never been lonely in my life. I do not associate with other people, or at least I keep it to a minimum. I don't seek the solace of others. I'm not scared of other people. I simply don't need humans in my life,,,,

[@perrycoffey5410]

Surreee you don't are you a robot

[@shanemclean3986]

Divorce culture

[@starfruitiger]

And cancel culture.

[@rachelcovington59]

Dr. Z. You don’t look or seem like and Indian. Now your guest seem more Indian. You don’t act weird like those smart nerdy Indian kids. You are cool and act sorta like a black guy. And you just seem approachable and American and just not Indian at all.

[@Kingdia97]

Lmaoo and you must be saddled with student loan debt because your " so cool"

[@user-yo7fx2xn8m]

😂😂😂😂

[@huntersmoonxgrim2493]

Thanks feminism.

[@marylouirick7316]

U guy always leave out Christ. My heart Doc. Told me keep going 2 Church. JESUS love U! Give ur heart 2 CHRIST! Trust me u won't be lonely.Praises The Lord!

[@perrycoffey5410]

Good this Jesus guy is a sadistic psychopath if he's real

[@karkar3208]

FIRST

[@nicecutie]

incels are the only people that are lonely but of course they wont talk about that.