Imagine a bustling Mumbai street where every honk and chatter seems to be a shout against silence. Yet, amid the cacophony, a peculiar phenomenon lurks—loneliness. Feeling lonely is not just a feeling but a growing epidemic that’s sneaking into the nooks and crannies of our vibrant cities.
While we might joke about the loneliness of being single or the agony of waiting for a reply on WhatsApp, the truth is – loneliness in India is far from a punchline. With a population as diverse as our cuisine, it turns out we’ve cooked up a loneliness crisis that’s as complex as our spice blends.
From high-stressed IT professionals to the elderly navigating worldly affairs, loneliness is the invisible guest at the table of modern life, making its presence known in unexpected ways. While we tweet and text about our “lonely” lives, the reality is that loneliness is a multi-layered issue that doesn’t neatly fit into a 280-character post. It’s a curious blend of subjective experience and tangible social problems, making it one of the crises of our times.
Reasons of Loneliness
India has always been a close-knit society, with affective relations with the extended family, an unsaid relationship with neighbours, and even service providers becoming one with the family. With the increasing effects of globalisation, a networked society has become a reality.
This society might have connections worldwide but intimacy and depth in their relationships is missing. Social institutions have more or less corroded. Families have transformed from joint to nuclear. This argument was corroborated by a 2020 study published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology.
Additionally, a study published in 2013 found that loneliness is often linked with various socioeconomic issues. Factors such as high poverty levels, unequal income distribution, limited access to education, a high dependency ratio, inadequate transportation, unplanned urban growth, fast-paced industrialization, and a decline in social connections contribute to feelings of loneliness.
In India, loneliness is a growing concern intricately linked to socioeconomic issues. Research has shown that loneliness is more prevalent among individuals facing chronic health conditions, with a study from Mumbai’s Chembur, Dadar, and Bandra revealing a threefold increase in loneliness among those with two or more chronic diseases.
Women, in particular, are significantly more affected, experiencing loneliness nearly three times more than men. Additionally, a 2017 study by LASI highlighted that loneliness not only exacerbates the risk of major depressive disorder but also contributes to insomnia.
Compounding this issue is the inadequacy of India’s healthcare infrastructure, as noted by a Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare. This report highlighted a shortage of medical staff, insufficient infrastructure, and limited funding.
A 2019 Mariwala Foundation report further underscored that 70%-92% of individuals with mental health issues either lack access to necessary services or face challenges in obtaining quality, affordable care, presenting a significant obstacle to addressing mental health effectively in the country.
Loneliness can be a heavy burden, and its impacts reach far beyond emotional pain. Studies link chronic loneliness to a host of physical conditions – high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. The connection is clear: prolonged isolation often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and stress-related illnesses.
Research has found that loneliness can increase the risk of various health problems and potentially shorten one’s life. Those who lack strong social connections are more likely to suffer from conditions like sleep disorders, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Loneliness can also speed up the accumulation of plaque in arteries, impair brain function which can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s, and may even contribute to cancer cell growth.
Loneliness Across Generations
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, around 10% of adolescents and 25% of older adults experience loneliness. A 2023 survey by Gallup and Meta placed India at 36th out of 142 countries on the loneliness scale.
Loneliness can stem from various reasons, and it’s becoming increasingly common in today’s world. The Global State of Connections Report revealed that in 2023 about 1.25 billion people reported feeling either ‘lonely’ or ‘very lonely’.
For older adults, the loss of a spouse or close family member often leads to a deep sense of isolation. Rosellyn Naik, a psychologist and a loneliness counsellor at Emoha, an elder service care provider, recounts an incident of a 66-year-old who called her in the middle of the night crying.
“Dependent on her husband, she had lost her sounding board. Her children, who were used to seeing her in a certain way, overlooked that she had changed and needed a different lens to be understood. She didn’t want her private emotions left to their judgement and analysis. She never left her bed for over three years, refusing to even step out into the verandah.”
Changes in family dynamics, with many living alone or far from family, have weakened traditional support systems, leaving many feeling misunderstood or unsupported.
For younger generations, digital addiction plays a big role. Many Gen Z individuals prefer online interactions over face-to-face communication, leading to shallow relationships and increased feelings of loneliness.
Dr Mehezabin Dordi, a clinical psychologist at Mumbai’s Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, often deals with cases of adolescent loneliness. She recalls a case where a 13-year-old girl found it easy to communicate with friends online but struggled to converse with her father, even though he was sitting right across from her.
This reliance on superficial online relationships gave the girl a sense of confidence in her virtual interactions but weakened her ability to engage in real-life conversations.
Growing up has become a competitive sport where kids juggle their schedules like circus performers. Their biggest worry? Not failing to keep up with homework, but falling behind on their online status. Some are so dedicated to their digital personas that they’re popping pills not for pleasure but to stay awake and ace their exams.
Today’s kids are busy mastering coding languages and managing relentless performance pressures. Their calendars are so jam-packed, they might need a personal assistant just to find time to breathe. The result? A generation that’s so focused on achieving perfection that they’ve forgotten how to connect with other humans.
Dr Vijayshree Bajaj, a mental well-being coach and psychologist at MedyMind, reiterates, “Gen Z often experiences FOMO (fear of missing out) and may feel inadequate when comparing their lives to idealised versions presented online. Technology has made constant connectivity possible, but it lacks the quality and depth of face-to-face interactions.”
Young people are also particularly vulnerable to unrealistic social comparisons on social media, where they may feel their lives are lacking compared to the seemingly perfect lives they see online.
Remote work and work-from-home setups also contribute to isolation, as IT professionals and others in such roles have fewer opportunities for human interaction. Additionally, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can push people to withdraw socially, further intensifying their loneliness.
Satish Kumar CR, a clinical psychologist at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, views loneliness as a form of social avoidance that can lead to depression, especially among IT professionals.
“Remote jobs often isolate people in their own bubbles far from their families. They may try to fill this void by going on many dates through dating apps, but because there are so many options, real, lasting connections are rare,” he explains.
In a world where long work hours are praised, basic human needs often get overlooked.
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What Could Be The Possible Solutions?
To address the rising issue of loneliness in India, a multifaceted approach is essential. Community engagement plays a pivotal role. Initiatives like those run by Emoha, where psychologist Rosellyn Naik organises park walks and book clubs for the elderly, have shown promising results.
Naik notes, “Creating spaces where seniors can interact and participate in activities helps them feel less isolated and more connected.” By bringing people together through shared activities, these initiatives help foster a sense of community and belonging among older adults.
Another effective solution is tackling digital addiction, which contributes significantly to feelings of loneliness. Sachin Chitambaram from The Connect Hut emphasises the need for digital detox programs. He says, “Limiting screen time and encouraging face-to-face interactions are crucial steps in combating the isolation caused by excessive digital engagement.”
Programs that teach children and adults to balance their online and offline lives, such as those that reduce screen time and promote real-world social skills, are vital in helping people reconnect with their surroundings and each other. Addressing the unique needs of different age groups can also make a difference.
For adolescents, who often experience loneliness due to academic pressures and digital overuse, Dr. Mehezabin Dordi at Mumbai’s Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital suggests interactive sessions to rebuild family bonds. “Physical interactions help youngsters understand the value of real-world connections, which can often be overshadowed by their digital lives. ”
Similarly, remote professionals, who may feel isolated working from home, benefit from supportive work environments. Satish Kumar CR from Manipal Hospital notes, “For IT professionals, creating a supportive work culture that includes regular check-ins and opportunities for social engagement can help reduce feelings of loneliness.”
Expanding access to mental health services is another key solution. Increased availability of counselling and support services can help individuals cope with loneliness effectively.
As Rashmi Gautam, a psychologist working with elderly care services, points out, “Many people feel lonely due to financial insecurities or lack of support, and providing counselling and financial advice can help them feel more secure and connected.” Community-based programs and mental health education can further support these efforts by addressing the root causes of loneliness and promoting a more connected and supportive society.
The rising tide of loneliness in India is a sombre reality that demands our attention. It affects people across ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, revealing deep cracks in our social fabric and healthcare systems. Loneliness is more than a fleeting feeling; it is a profound challenge that impacts both mental and physical health.
Addressing this issue requires not just awareness but action—improving mental health services, fostering genuine social connections, and dismantling the stigma associated with loneliness. While the road to alleviating loneliness may be long and complex, understanding its impact and actively working towards solutions can pave the way for a more connected and compassionate society.
Sources: The Hindu, The Indian Express, India Today
This post is tagged under: Loneliness Epidemic, Mental Health Matters, Social Isolation, Gen Z Struggles, Mental Wellness, Lonely In India, End The Stigma, Digital Detox, Mental Health Awareness, Fight Loneliness, Loneliness Solutions, Stay Connected, Emotional Wellbeing, Self Care Tips, Community Support
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