People need true communication: let’s notice each other

Lonely sick more often

According to Pranas Šerpytis, a professor of cardiovascular clinic at Vilnius University, the quality of life of loneliness is inferior, three times more likely to be anxious, despair, bad mood, sensitivity, anger, and sometimes even aggressiveness. Loneliness and social isolation also affect survival.

« Both loneliness and depression increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Based on European cardiovascular prevention guidelines, social isolation and loneliness, people with coronary artery disease are more likely to suffer from stroke, myocardial infarction. Studies show that people with these diseases depend events are vital, ”he says.

The doctor emphasizes that the body of men and women responds differently to loneliness, but women in Lithuania are more common in Lithuania due to the aging population and because of the more women than men. However, men are harder to endure loneliness because they are less likely to look for emotional support.

« In some cases, loneliness and loneliness are very different things, sometimes a person can feel lonely even surrounded by people. The problem of loneliness has become particularly pronounced after Covid-19 pandemic, when social isolation has a profound effect on people, » says P. Sherpytis.

Pranas Šerpytis / Photo by Personal Archive

Damage to loneliness to the body

According to the professor, modern life also promotes insulation – services move to digital space, reducing the possibilities of living connection. Young people are increasingly lively live, and older people who are not able to use technology are becoming even more lonely.

« In the past, people would go to the bank, pay taxes, and now everything is done online. Most companies have moved to remote work, even in stores, self -service cash registers, communication with sellers or those around them are disappearing.

The doctor points out that loneliness acts as a constant chronic stress that increases the amount of cortisol. This hormone has a negative effect on blood vessels, heart conduction system and can lead to an increase in arterial blood pressure. Prolonged, this state, like other risk factors such as higher cholesterol or overweight, can be harmful to health.

« One way to reduce the negative effects of chronic stress on blood vessels is to control inflammatory processes and lipid metabolism. Statins are one of the main measures to treat dyslipidemia. They reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood and inhibit inflammation, help restore chronic stress affected by blood vessels. The risk of depression, dementia and other diseases, ”says the professor.

According to him, chronic stress can also lead to harmful habits – smoking, alcohol consumption or even drugs. There is a risk of getting into a vicious circle: loneliness causes depression, reduces physical activity, increases body weight, which worsens health.

« It is clear that social isolation has a major impact on both physical and emotional health, » he points out.

Human well -being and feeling of loneliness depend on lifestyle, personality type.

Practical steps for health

According to prof. It is important to experience as many positive emotions as we experience, the better we feel, to reduce social isolation.

« Seniors can be helped by third -century universities and younger friends or collective. It is important to keep in mind physical activity. Regular movement, balanced nutrition and good sleep help prevent a vicious circle that can cause depression.

The cardiologist reveals that 20 % Single people experience certain symptoms of depression, and after a myocardial infarction, the same number of depression is affected. Mood swings and sad thoughts further enhance the feeling of loneliness, which requires not only the help of specialists but also the attention of relatives.

« The emotional state has a strong influence on the tendency to follow the treatment regimen. Lonely and depressed people often less respect the doctor’s instructions, which complicates their recovery, » says P. Šerpytis. « Supporting relatives, friends or colleagues helps remain responsible for their treatment and more frequent recommendations. Reduces immunity and positive emotions enhance resistance. ”

According to the doctor, human well -being and feeling of loneliness depend on lifestyle, personality type. According to him, loneliness can occur at different stages of life: losing a loved one, changing the circumstances or the breakdown of the relationship. In such cases, a person feels vulnerable, insecure.

« I would like to talk more. Catholic churches at St. Mass are a beautiful tradition of wishing each other calm, reminding us that we can just look back and show attention to the nearby.