Abdulganiyu Hassan
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What loneliness does to your brain and body
Loneliness is not merely a transient emotion; it is a pervasive societal issue with profound implications for both mental and physical health. Recent research has shed light on the staggering statistics, revealing that loneliness can elevate the risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%, underscoring the far-reaching impact of social isolation on our overall well-being. What makes loneliness particularly insidious is its multifaceted interaction with our body's physiological responses. When we find ourselves lacking in meaningful social connections, our bodies respond by amplifying stress levels, setting off a cascade of hormonal changes that perpetuate feelings of anxiety and paranoia. This creates a vicious cycle wherein loneliness begets withdrawal, further impeding our ability to seek out the human connection needed to alleviate these distressing emotions. It is a phenomenon that researchers refer to as the Paradox of Loneliness, wherein the very condition that drives us to retreat also hampers our capacity to fulfill our innate need for companionship.
By Abdulganiyu Hassan 18 days ago in Education