One of the most significant health issues of our time is loneliness. In a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, Dr. Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, said that in all of his experience treating patients the most common malady he saw was not diabetes, or heart disease, it was loneliness. In another sign of how common and consequential loneliness has become, the Prime Minister of the UK recently appointed a Minister for Loneliness to focus on how to begin to address this difficult issue for society.
What is loneliness? The difference between what we desire in terms of connection/relationship and what we experience as currently having, is felt as loneliness. One could be surrounded by people and feel lonely. Conversely, one could be physically alone and not feel lonely. It is about the quality of relationships in our lives and how satisfied we are with the connection we feel.
I have been at the forefront of shining light on the human experience of loneliness. My empathy for those who know the pain and frustration of loneliness is immense. I understand that human beings need one another and our greatest joys often come within the fabric of our intimate relationships. The absence of such relationships is dispiriting.
My pilot study completed at New York University (NYU) investigated the question of whether, or not, a stigma exists about loneliness. The study indicated that 79% of people believe a stigma exists in our society about loneliness. Therefore, it is important that we all talk about this issue openly so that people do not suffer in silence. It takes great courage to share truthfully about painful emotions. Thus, the last thing one who feels lonely needs is a stigma to keep them isolated in their experience.
In our modern age, so many possible reasons exist for why one might be experiencing loneliness, including the fact that many of us live in places where we do not have roots - extended family ties, old family friends, connection to culture, history, and traditions. Furthermore, technology has led people to spend hours each day staring at lifeless screens and chasing an illusion of connection instead of engaging in direct human interactions. Increasing economic pressure has also led the majority of people to work longer hours for less which takes away from nourishing relationships.
My workshop - The Clinical Significance of Loneliness - helps doctors, nurses, employers, teachers and therapists understand how important it is to be attuned to this common contemporary issue. Loneliness is on the rise and research is indicating that the consequences are taking a toll on our mental and physical health. Moreover, loneliness is a heartfelt pain that deserves our respect, dignity and compassion. In addressing this problem, we acknowledge the need for attention, support, and love.
I have led workshops at Cottage Health, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, and NYU. My workshops often bring genuine connection, laughter and enlightenment to all who participate. Understanding loneliness helps us get back in touch with our human nature.
Workshops are typically 60-75 minutes in length and are free for public and non-profit institutions. Whether you are a small group or a large one, you can benefit from this workshop. If you would like to inquire about bringing a workshop to your organization and helping to reduce the stigma, then please get in touch today.
What is loneliness? The difference between what we desire in terms of connection/relationship and what we experience as currently having, is felt as loneliness. One could be surrounded by people and feel lonely. Conversely, one could be physically alone and not feel lonely. It is about the quality of relationships in our lives and how satisfied we are with the connection we feel.
I have been at the forefront of shining light on the human experience of loneliness. My empathy for those who know the pain and frustration of loneliness is immense. I understand that human beings need one another and our greatest joys often come within the fabric of our intimate relationships. The absence of such relationships is dispiriting.
My pilot study completed at New York University (NYU) investigated the question of whether, or not, a stigma exists about loneliness. The study indicated that 79% of people believe a stigma exists in our society about loneliness. Therefore, it is important that we all talk about this issue openly so that people do not suffer in silence. It takes great courage to share truthfully about painful emotions. Thus, the last thing one who feels lonely needs is a stigma to keep them isolated in their experience.
In our modern age, so many possible reasons exist for why one might be experiencing loneliness, including the fact that many of us live in places where we do not have roots - extended family ties, old family friends, connection to culture, history, and traditions. Furthermore, technology has led people to spend hours each day staring at lifeless screens and chasing an illusion of connection instead of engaging in direct human interactions. Increasing economic pressure has also led the majority of people to work longer hours for less which takes away from nourishing relationships.
My workshop - The Clinical Significance of Loneliness - helps doctors, nurses, employers, teachers and therapists understand how important it is to be attuned to this common contemporary issue. Loneliness is on the rise and research is indicating that the consequences are taking a toll on our mental and physical health. Moreover, loneliness is a heartfelt pain that deserves our respect, dignity and compassion. In addressing this problem, we acknowledge the need for attention, support, and love.
I have led workshops at Cottage Health, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, and NYU. My workshops often bring genuine connection, laughter and enlightenment to all who participate. Understanding loneliness helps us get back in touch with our human nature.
Workshops are typically 60-75 minutes in length and are free for public and non-profit institutions. Whether you are a small group or a large one, you can benefit from this workshop. If you would like to inquire about bringing a workshop to your organization and helping to reduce the stigma, then please get in touch today.
Recently a special workshop has been created exclusively for students. Loneliness Illuminated is designed to help students shine light on their experiences of loneliness. We find that by discussing loneliness together in groups we come to increased understanding, compassion and connection. It is an experience which brings us closer together and often increases light heartedness.
Loneliness Illuminated workshops focus on aspects of our current culture which seem to be contributing to loneliness; including how our use of social media is often leading many to feel more isolated and depressed. A recent scientific study indicates that in fact increased social media use contributes to loneliness and depression and that conversely, limiting use leads to increased well being.
We sit at home and compare how we feel inside to how others advertise themselves on the outside. Comparing our inside's to other's edited outside's is a false comparison but we often can not help but fall into it and then feel worse as a result. This is an unhealthy consequence of the lack of intimacy which often accompanies social media use.
Loneliness Illuminated is an opportunity for old school connection. The workshop includes a discussion on how living consistently with one's personal values relates to loneliness and connection. Furthermore, the workshop introduces spiritual connection as a significant ray of hope for those who seek increased genuine connection in their life. So many young people are yearning for spiritual connection in a world that is oversaturated in materialism, consumerism, and the artificial.
This workshop for students also addresses the difficulties students encounter during times of change and transition. For example, moving away from home to college can be a challenging change, especially when our initial experiences do not live up to our expectations. This leads many to feel isolated and lonely, causing unhealthy behaviors and difficult emotions to emerge.
The initial period of time following graduation can also be a difficult time of transition. Many young adults are following a laid out path of education and then are suddenly out in the 'real' world seemingly alone and without their usual support system. Loneliness Illuminated addresses aspects of connection that can be fostered during these times so that our emotional, psychological and spiritual health do not suffer. By bringing these experiences out into the open through dialogue and collaboration in a group setting we foster increased awareness, acceptance and nourishment.
Most importantly, Loneliness Illuminated creates the space for us to come together to share our experience, strength and hope. We are social beings who want and need each other. It is that simple after all.
Workshops are free for student groups. If you would like to invite the workshop to your group, then please reach out and say hello. Your questions and curiosities are welcome!
Loneliness Illuminated workshops focus on aspects of our current culture which seem to be contributing to loneliness; including how our use of social media is often leading many to feel more isolated and depressed. A recent scientific study indicates that in fact increased social media use contributes to loneliness and depression and that conversely, limiting use leads to increased well being.
We sit at home and compare how we feel inside to how others advertise themselves on the outside. Comparing our inside's to other's edited outside's is a false comparison but we often can not help but fall into it and then feel worse as a result. This is an unhealthy consequence of the lack of intimacy which often accompanies social media use.
Loneliness Illuminated is an opportunity for old school connection. The workshop includes a discussion on how living consistently with one's personal values relates to loneliness and connection. Furthermore, the workshop introduces spiritual connection as a significant ray of hope for those who seek increased genuine connection in their life. So many young people are yearning for spiritual connection in a world that is oversaturated in materialism, consumerism, and the artificial.
This workshop for students also addresses the difficulties students encounter during times of change and transition. For example, moving away from home to college can be a challenging change, especially when our initial experiences do not live up to our expectations. This leads many to feel isolated and lonely, causing unhealthy behaviors and difficult emotions to emerge.
The initial period of time following graduation can also be a difficult time of transition. Many young adults are following a laid out path of education and then are suddenly out in the 'real' world seemingly alone and without their usual support system. Loneliness Illuminated addresses aspects of connection that can be fostered during these times so that our emotional, psychological and spiritual health do not suffer. By bringing these experiences out into the open through dialogue and collaboration in a group setting we foster increased awareness, acceptance and nourishment.
Most importantly, Loneliness Illuminated creates the space for us to come together to share our experience, strength and hope. We are social beings who want and need each other. It is that simple after all.
Workshops are free for student groups. If you would like to invite the workshop to your group, then please reach out and say hello. Your questions and curiosities are welcome!
