Everyone feels lonely sometimes—but when that feeling lingers, it can silently erode our health and happiness. The World Health Organization (WHO) now warns that chronic loneliness affects one in six people globally and contributes to over 871,000 deaths each year. Experts say it's time to take this invisible epidemic seriously—and take simple steps to reconnect. ALSO READ: Loneliness tied to early death, says WHO “Loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in terms of health care, education, and employment if left unaddressed,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General. ALSO READ: Ways to deal with loneliness He said that in this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely. Jane Gatete Abatoni, the Executive Secretary of ARCT-Ruhuka, a Rwandan association of trauma counsellors, explained that loneliness is a common human experience. Sometimes, it’s a conscious choice to retreat and reflect. But when it lasts too long, she said, it starts to weigh heavily. “If you feel sad, you cry, you feel like something is missing, that’s when it becomes harmful,” she added. Here are 10 steps to help curb loneliness: 1. Reach out to a loved one regularly through calls or messages Strong social connections are directly linked to better physical and mental health outcomes. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Co-chair of the WHO Commission and former U.S. Surgeon General, noted that regular contact with friends and family helps close the gap between desired and actual interaction. This greatly lowers risks of depression, anxiety, and stress-related illness. 2. Put away phones and devices to engage fully with people around you In a world dominated by screens, many, especially young people still feel profoundly alone. The report urges people to be fully present during conversations, as eye contact and undivided attention reinforce emotional connection and psychological safety. 3. Say hello and engage with neighbours to build local connections Communities that foster neighbourly ties are healthier and more resilient. Even small gestures, like greeting a neighbour or having a brief chat, can help reduce the feeling of invisibility that fuels chronic loneliness. Among older adults, social isolation affects up to one in three and is linked to increased risks of stroke and premature death. 4. Join group activities or clubs to meet new people with shared interests Whether it’s a book club, walking group, or community class, group activities provide structure, regular interaction, and a sense of belonging. This is especially critical for teenagers and young adults, whose loneliness is tied to decreased academic performance and long-term mental health struggles. Jane Gatete Abatoni, the Executive Secretary of ARCT-Ruhuka, a Rwandan association of trauma counsellors, explained that loneliness is a common human experience. Sometimes, it’s a conscious choice to retreat and reflect. But when it lasts too long, it starts to weigh heavily. “If you feel sad, you cry, you feel like something is missing, that’s when it becomes harmful,” she added. 5. Volunteer in your community to foster a sense of purpose and belonging Volunteering not only strengthens a person’s social network but also reinforces a sense of identity and value. WHO notes that volunteering can be a buffer against loneliness by creating bonds across age groups and backgrounds, increasing a community’s ability to withstand crises. 6. Check in on friends, family members, or neighbors who may be struggling Reaching out to others can be just as healing for the giver as it is for the receiver. Consistent check-ins, whether a short call or a shared meal help people feel seen, valued, and supported. Each person can make a difference through simple, everyday steps,” the report says. 7. Use technology thoughtfully to enhance, not replace, face-to-face interactions Digital platforms should support, not substitute, human connection. Chido Mpemba, the WHO Commission Co-chair, noted that as technology increasingly shapes human interaction, its use must be intentional. 8. Seek professional support if loneliness feels overwhelming or persistent When loneliness turns into despair, professional mental health support is vital. WHO warns that ongoing isolation can lead to self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health crises. Abatoni said that no amount of group activities can replace the need for a trained professional when the emotional burden becomes too much. “A therapist helps you understand the root [cause] of that emptiness. Together, you find ways to cope. It’s not weakness to ask for help; it’s strength,” she noted. 9. Establish small social habits like regular coffee meet-ups or calls Social rituals create rhythm and reliability in relationships. Regular, low-pressure interactions like a weekly call, walk, or coffee catch-up, help support emotional safety and reduce the inflammation and health risks associated with loneliness. According to Abatoni, reconnecting with what brings you joy, even alone, is important. Activities like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, are not just self-care trends. They are powerful tools to process emotions and manage internal stress. She said: “You meditate on what’s happening in you. You learn to sit with it without being overwhelmed.” 10. Advocate for policies that promote social connection in healthcare, education, and digital access Loneliness is not just an individual issue; it’s systemic. WHO urges governments to treat social connection as a public health priority. That means integrating social connection into healthcare systems, school environments, and even digital infrastructure.
