Since Theresa May appointed the Minister for Loneliness and intends to, as she said "reduce the stigma around mental ilness", there has been a lot of discussions and controversies around that topic. I read two different articles, each one presenting a different point of view and I listened to a very short BBC podcast which introduces "Loneliness Experiment".
The first article ( https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/09/we-will-reduce-stigma-mental-illness-theresa-may ) is focused on what Theresa May's intentions and plans are surrounding the issue of loneliness and mental health problems in general. May pointed out that there is still a stigma around mental ilness which people don't really experience with physical ilness. She also made it clear that she didn't want to solve this problem "only" by giving money but more importantly she wants to improve mental health services at schools (starting from secondary) and workplaces. As the result of the measures taken by the government there will definately be more awareness of this problem and more people will be educated in this matter and will be able to give proper and immediate help to the people suffering from mental ilnesses.
The second article (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/09/opinion/sunday/loneliness-health.html?module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Opinion&action=keypress®ion=FixedLeft&pgtype=article ) presents a different opinion on this topic. The author thinks that if we call loneliness a Health Epidemic we will cause panick over this issue and we won't be able to deal with it properly. The author doesn't deny that it is a serious matter but it isn't something new or shocking because, as the statistics show, feeling of loneliness haven't changed that much among the American or British societies through the years. In his opinion what people really suffer from the most is the "social disconnection" caused by the growing influence of social media and high technology changes.
The short BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3MQ6z2vJGGtPFL71Ns3XPNB/take-part-in-the-bbc-loneliness-experiment ) podcast mainly showed the effects that loneliness might have on our health (which suprisingy are very similar to those caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day). There was also introduced the Loneliness Experiment which is based on the surveys that can be filled out by anyone on the BBC website.
This topic seems very interesting and relatable to me, as we all experience some kinds of mental health problems in our lifes. I'm glad there is an open conversation started in the media and I hope it will no longer be stigmatised if someone suffers from mental health issues.
(I'm sorry it turned out so long)
There is loneliness of course but on the other hand there are many people who feel lost when they are on their own for more than a few minutes. They crave the stimulation provided by other people. Being alone is something all of us should practice to gain insight and engage in introspective thought. Isn't it possible that the term loneliness is overused/misused because people are unable to be alone?
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