Valentine’s Day is usually a time for hugs, dates and love. But for some, it’s not as joyful.
Dr. Sebastian Tong, a family medicine doctor at UW Medicine, explains that loneliness is a significant and growing issue today. He notes that since COVID-19, and with the rise of social media, more people have felt isolated and disconnected.
“Being lonely and being isolated can have a premature mortality risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” Tong said, citing a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s report. “It’s comparable in that it shortens your life by a similar amount.”
Loneliness can be acute among teens and people in their senior years.
“I think there’s a lot of social anxiety out there, with people wondering, ‘What will others think of me?’ For older adults, it’s often about losing their spouses, retiring and losing connections with colleagues,” Tong added.
But take heart. Even if you feel isolated, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be sad, Tong said. He encourages people to get out, create new connections or explore an unfamiliar activity.
“I think approaching Valentine’s Day as a potential new experience is key. Try something new and get out of your comfort zone,” he said.
Download broadcast-ready soundbites and related multimedia with Tong.
