A psychotherapist raised awareness on Wednesday about the dangers of 'Loneliness', highlighting its link to approximately 100 deaths every hour according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and stressing the importance of community support and mental health interventions as key solutions to this growing public health crisis.
During an exclusive conversation with a local news channel, psychotherapist Dr Shifa Rashid sounded a serious warning about the growing epidemic of loneliness. She emphasised that 'loneliness' is not just an emotional state but a critical public health issue that demands urgent attention and collective action.
Dr Rashid highlighted alarming data from WHO, revealing that loneliness is more deadly than smoking, obesity and pollution. She referenced a recent report by the WHO which states that loneliness is linked to more than 871,000 deaths annually, approximately 100 deaths every hour making it deadlier than smoking, obesity and pollution.
By contrast, the UN health agency highlighted that strong social connections are associated with better health and longer life. Calling for greater awareness and social solidarity, Dr Rashid urged communities to come together and support those affected. She stressed the importance of mental health interventions and stronger social connections as essential steps to combat the devastating effects of loneliness.
Responding to a question, she also cited the report which reveals that loneliness impacts individuals across all age groups but is especially prevalent among young people and those residing in low and middle-income countries, where roughly 24 per cent report feeling lonely twice the proportion found in high-income nations at about 11 per cent.
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