Thoughts on the Loneliness Epidemic

“In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness,” reports US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. 

Are you in a season of loneliness? Someone reading this must be if the statistic provided to us by the “Nation’s Doctor” holds true. 

If loneliness feels like it is bearing down on you, I am sorry. It should not be like this for you. Please know that you are not alone. This feeling is strong and pervasive in our country to the extent of classification as an epidemic. 

The etymology of words sometimes startles me. It’s as if the root of the word speaks as deeply as the word itself. The meaning of “epidemic” can be traced to c.1600 as “common to or affecting a whole people.” I know “a whole people” means a group, and that is the point of the parts of the word, but I imagine if you are feeling lonely today you feel it in your “whole person.” Your eyes frequently fill with tears. Your body aches for reasons you can’t explain. Your heart feels gloomy. Your feet seem unable to walk the simplest of steps. Your mind wonders what might be wrong with you. Your sleep is….well, what sleep? 

I am made to be with you, and you are made to be with me. And our “whole person” tells us when we are missing one another. 

I have an idea. 

If you are reading this, and you are not feeling undone or paralyzed by loneliness today, might you reach out to someone in whatever way your heart leads? I believe that we are created to live, explore, and give. I believe that to give our attention, our affection, our attachment, our appreciation, and our abundance to others is the way of healing for us all. 

If you are feeling undone by loneliness, and you simply can’t do the thing your heart would normally want to do today. It’s okay to receive more than give right now. A day is coming when you will know what I know about you; you belong. We want you here. Until then, these words are my offering of love for you today. 

“I belong with you; you belong with me. You’re my sweetheart! (Ho) (Hey)”

Here to help.