Joy Shared Brings Health

"Joy shared is Joy doubled, Sorrow shared is Sorrow halved." This old proverb, known around the world, describes the reality of how friendships and love impact our lives. So how do we fare if we do not have someone to share our joys and our sorrows? We’ve known for decades that perceived social isolation, or loneliness, is a major risk factor for chronic illness and death. Recently we have gained deeper clues into the reasons why. Studies show loneliness affects immunity In a study of overweight, but otherwise healthy people, those with loneliness showed higher levels of inflammation when faced with stressful activities. Another set of subjects experienced more inflammation, pain, depression, and fatigue than normal, plus a reactivation of dormant viruses in the body. More recently, it was shown that loneliness reduced the ability to fight off viruses and bacteria. Researchers say the body perceives loneliness as a stressor, causing it to go into a “fight or flight” response and release adrenal hormones. Over time this chronic stress response leads to chronic inflammation, setting the stage for numerous disorders, including depression, coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Lonely people have been shown to be at increased risk for cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and viral infections. Compounding the problem is the fact that chronic inflammation is linked with depression and other mental health issues. This may cause a lonely person to further isolate themselves, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. How to remedy loneliness Breaking out of loneliness doesn't happen easily— you have to take steps to connect to new and old friends. Here are just a few strategies. Join Meetup.com groups, or start one; Make a phone date with friends or family you haven't seen lately Attend a school concert, community theater, or music event Sign up for a classes to learn something new with others Volunteer Join a church or spiritual community Visit someone home-bound or in the hospital Invite a care-giver out for coffee  Leave your cell-phone at home Admit you need help, join a support group We are wired for connection. The stress response to loneliness and isolation is a red flag that you need the feeling of protection and inclusion socialization brings. What are some of the ways you have reached out, or have been included? Portions edited from Dr. Tom Mitchell, Chiropractic Physician and Registered Herbalist