Loneliness often stems from feeling disconnected from the people and communities around us. A survey conducted in August earlier this year with a sample of 3,199 participants found that 61% felt lonely due to stress caused by societal division in the United States. More than half reported feeling isolated, and many said they lacked companionship (American Psychological Association, 2025).

Common symptoms of loneliness include sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and headaches. Loneliness is also associated with depression, poor sleep, and cognitive decline. Three out of four people in the survey reported feeling hopeless, fearful, or stressed about the future. In some cases, loneliness can even contribute to an increased risk of premature mortality.
Most respondents (92%) believed that relationships give life meaning and purpose, yet only one-third had received emotional support in the past year. Among those who scored high in loneliness, 65% expressed a strong desire for connection but reported struggling to find it.

One way to combat loneliness is to reach out and build a sense of community. For example, after a robbery in my neighborhood, we created a Neighborhood Watch program. We hold regular meetings, stay connected through a group chat, and look out for each other’s homes—especially when someone is away on holiday. The sense of community has been reassuring and uplifting.

This holiday season, I plan to help someone who might be spending it alone by inviting them to an event at the Muckenthaler. Sharing experiences is far more enjoyable than attending events by yourself. Happy Holidays!

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