Isolation, Loneliness and Medications

Summary:  An epidemic of Isolation and Loneliness?  Recent studies have found this to be true, and the subsequent effects upon the mental and physical health of the isolated & lonely person are significant.  They include an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes type II, obesity, depression and anxiety and the risks of the medications used to treat these ailments.  These are potential physical and mental challenges for the person, in addition to the painful experience of isolation, wherein there is a lack of contact and support from others, and loneliness, wherein there is the subjective feeling of not having close meaningful relationships or a sense of belonging.  We’ve all been there.  The idea here is to think about helping yourself - and others - to connect

 Topics:

·       Surgeon General 2023 Epidemic of Isolation & Loneliness 02:00

·       Isolation & Loneliness Defined

·       Incidence of Loneliness by age 05:15

·       “Say Hello in There” 06:10

·       Existential Loneliness 09:00

·       Health Risks of Isolation & Loneliness 11:00

        Heart Disease 29%

        Strokes 32%

        Dementia 50%

         Also increase incidence of Depression & Anxiety, Obesity, Diabetes Type II

·       Risks & Causes of Isolation & Loneliness 14:00

·       Technology (AI) 16:45

·       Additional Meds d/t possible health risks of Loneliness/Isolation 22:45

·       Drug for Loneliness?  23:15

·       988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 25:00

·       Talk with Your MD 27:00

·       If you are feeling alone, you are not alone in this

Questions and comments to druggistforthepeople@gmail.com