Question
Surgeon General: We Have Become a Lonely Nation. It's Time to Fix That.
Vivek H. Murthy
2023
If loneliness and isolation have left you struggling with distressing feelings, reach out to someone supportive or your health care providers, and if it is a crisis, call 988. And if you go through significant social changes, be open with your health care providers about them, as this may help them understand and manage potential health effects.
For me, it took more than a year of struggling with the pain and shame of loneliness, but I eventually found my footing. I didn’t do it on my own. My mother, Myetraie; father, Hallegere; and sister, Rashmi, called me every day to remind me that they loved me for who I was. My wife, Alice, reminded me that the light she had seen in me when we first met was still there, even if I couldn’t see it at times. And my friends Sunny and Dave committed to doing video conferences once a month and texting and talking weekly about the issues that weighed on our hearts and minds.
During one of my lowest lows, the people in my life patched me up with their acts of love and connection. It is still a work in progress, but years later, in my second tenure in public service, I am making a much bigger effort to build and maintain my relationships. I am a better father, husband, friend and surgeon general as a result.
Vivek H. Murthy
2023
If loneliness and isolation have left you struggling with distressing feelings, reach out to someone supportive or your health care providers, and if it is a crisis, call 988. And if you go through significant social changes, be open with your health care providers about them, as this may help them understand and manage potential health effects.
For me, it took more than a year of struggling with the pain and shame of loneliness, but I eventually found my footing. I didn’t do it on my own. My mother, Myetraie; father, Hallegere; and sister, Rashmi, called me every day to remind me that they loved me for who I was. My wife, Alice, reminded me that the light she had seen in me when we first met was still there, even if I couldn’t see it at times. And my friends Sunny and Dave committed to doing video conferences once a month and texting and talking weekly about the issues that weighed on our hearts and minds.
During one of my lowest lows, the people in my life patched me up with their acts of love and connection. It is still a work in progress, but years later, in my second tenure in public service, I am making a much bigger effort to build and maintain my relationships. I am a better father, husband, friend and surgeon general as a result.
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In his 2023 article, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy emphasizes the pervasive issue of loneliness in our society and the vital importance of addressing it. He shares his personal journey with loneliness, illustrating how meaningful connections with loved ones—like his family and friends—played a crucial role in his healing process. Despite the struggles he faced, the unconditional support from those around him reaffirmed his sense of self-worth and helped him rediscover hope.
Murthy encourages individuals who are feeling isolated to reach out for help, whether from supportive people in their lives or healthcare providers. He stresses the importance of open communication about social changes that might affect one's health. By fostering connections, Murthy suggests that we can combat loneliness and improve our overall well-being.
He reflects on the transformative power of relationships, noting that they not only helped him during challenging times but also contributed to his growth in various roles, including as a father, husband, and surgeon general. Ultimately, Murthy calls for collective action to address the loneliness epidemic and nurture a culture of connection and support within our communities.
Murthy encourages individuals who are feeling isolated to reach out for help, whether from supportive people in their lives or healthcare providers. He stresses the importance of open communication about social changes that might affect one's health. By fostering connections, Murthy suggests that we can combat loneliness and improve our overall well-being.
He reflects on the transformative power of relationships, noting that they not only helped him during challenging times but also contributed to his growth in various roles, including as a father, husband, and surgeon general. Ultimately, Murthy calls for collective action to address the loneliness epidemic and nurture a culture of connection and support within our communities.