Mental Health Awareness Dr. Tartt On Sister Circle – Can Loneliness Really Take Years Off Your Life?
Dr. Alduan Tartt appeared on Sister Circle Live with Rashan Ali, Quad Webb Lunceford, Trina Braxton, Syleena Johnson to discuss the effects of chronic loneliness as a new health epidemic. Studies have verified that chronic loneliness can increase your mortality rate by 26% which puts it on part with smoking and obesity. That equates to losing 10-12 years off of your life. How can loneliness kill? It’s simple, when you feel lonely which can be defined as the difference between having the connection and closeness that you need versus what you have it causes stress.
Cortisol is the stress hormone and dumps into you body which affects your health. When you combine physical health issues with the mental health risks of anxiety, depression, social isolation, and rejection it can become chronic. We all like our private time but no one likes to feel alone all of the time.
Yes, you can feel lonely even in a relationship. How many couples do we know where there is no dating, talking, quality time or even sleeping in different rooms? Likewise, you can be single and not feel alone because you have hobbies and are socially connected with friends, family and associates. Teens are especially at risk due to spending too much time on social media versus connecting.
College students and young adults are at risk due to moving to a new city and/or work post-college. Older adults are at risk due to limited access to work (retired), deceased spouse, kids have grown up and moved, health limitations that impair socializing, etc. Here are some solutions:
1) Go towards the social- engage in social groups (running, exercise, book, church, political, cultural, etc. groups and become one of the crew by affiliation
2) Actively smile and invite others to engage with you
3) Speak first to create friendships
4) Visit friends and family- be the initiator
5) Watch how people act and decide to befriend them based on good vibes to remain safe and social
6) Engage deeper with social media followers- ask them to coffee or meet up at gym, event, church, etc.
7) Limit your teens screen time (Two hours or more a week doubles risk for depression)
8) Explore senior living communities for older adults.
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Please watch: “Looking For A Therapist Of Color? Here’s How To Find One” https://youtu.be/-bspvrzDCrg
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