5 Bad Effects of Loneliness on Health

KOMPAS.com – Loneliness is not just about being alone because some people still feel happy on their own.

Loneliness is also not how many people you know or how often you see friends.

In this case, the most important thing is to have a strong connection. Those who have it tend to be happier, healthier, and more productive.

Meanwhile, those who feel isolated and depressed will feel lonely.

Loneliness does not only have a negative impact on mental health, but also physical health.

Also read: Stunting in Children, Know the Impact, Characteristics, Causes, and How to Prevent It

Reported from WebMD, here are 5 bad effects of loneliness for health.

1. Weakens the immune system

If a person feels lonely for a long time, it may make it harder for the body to fight off illness.

Part of the reason may be that loneliness triggers some of the hormones your body makes when you’re stressed that can lower your immune system.

2. Blood pressure

If you feel lonely for a long time, for example years, your blood pressure is more likely to rise.

Scientists who studied this effect were unable to prove that loneliness was the main cause.

Also read: What are the Long-Term Impacts of Bullying on Children?

However, they found that the increase in blood pressure was not caused by other factors such as age, gender, diet, or family background.

3. Decreased mental acuity

A person’s ability to solve problems or remember certain things, as he gets older, is likely to be affected if he continues to feel lonely.

A person who often feels lonely may have a greater chance of developing brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

However, keep in mind that there are many things that affect this risk and research has not been able to prove that loneliness can cause this condition.

4. Experiencing depression

Loneliness can affect the body and mind. If a person feels lonely, he may start to feel bad about his life and become depressed.

Also read: Beware of the Bad Impacts of Exposure to PM2.5 Air Pollution, Shortness of Breath to Early Death

If you have symptoms that are severe or last more than two weeks, such as feeling sad or hopeless, lack of interest in things you normally enjoy, low energy, sleep problems, or changes in appetite, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Weight gain

A person who feels lonely may experience weight gain.

The reason, he may eat more than usual or unhealthy food to calm down.

Excess weight will be followed by the risk of a number of diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Get updates featured news and breaking news every day from Kompas.com. Let’s join the Telegram group “Kompas.com News Update”, how to click the link https://t.me/kompascomupdate, then join. You must first install the Telegram application on your cellphone.–