Loneliness, amplified by the pandemic and digital dependence, poses serious health risks, affecting patient outcomes and clinician well-being.
Loneliness may seem like an unusual topic for Contemporary OB/GYN, yet it is an issue with far-reaching implications, touching the lives of both patients and clinicians alike. In an increasingly digital and “connected” world, loneliness is paradoxically on the rise, affecting health, resilience, and even patient outcomes. As obstetrics and gynecology practitioners, we need to recognize and address the impacts of loneliness, not only on those we care for but on ourselves as well.
In recent years, loneliness has been recognized as a “quiet epidemic,” and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly intensified this issue. Social distancing, quarantine protocols, and the abrupt shift to remote or virtual connections left us feeling more isolated. This trend was particularly profound among new mothers who navigated childbirth and postpartum experiences with limited in-person support, high-risk patients who often managed their diagnoses alone, and older patients who were distanced from family. The US Surgeon General recently underscored the impact of these changes, identifying loneliness as a major public health issue. In fact, research now suggests that the impact of chronic loneliness on physical health may rival that of smoking or obesity, contributing to cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and impaired immune function.
Digital technology, though invaluable during the pandemic, has also had a double-edged effect on loneliness. Platforms like telemedicine enabled critical health care access but often lacked the personal touch of face-to-face interaction. Social media, while promoting a sense of “connection,” has paradoxically heightened feelings of loneliness by fostering a culture of comparison rather than genuine interaction. Patients frequently report feeling overwhelmed by digital information yet isolated from real support networks, reinforcing that technology alone cannot replace the human need for in-person interaction.
Health care providers, especially those in demanding fields like ours, have also experienced an uptick in loneliness. Long hours, intense schedules, and the emotional demands of patient care create conditions ripe for isolation. During the pandemic, many clinicians felt disconnected from their usual support networks, working in high-stress environments that limited peer contact. As health care delivery became increasingly digital, the traditional in-person debriefs, collaborative discussions, and informal exchanges that support mental health and reduce burnout were often sacrificed in favor of efficiency.
In response to these pressures, the US Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA, has underscored the urgent need for systemic support to address loneliness and mental health in health care. Among clinicians, loneliness not only increases the risk of burnout but can reduce empathy and patient engagement, leading to a diminished quality of care. In an era where digital tools are essential, reimagining how we create and sustain authentic human connections is vital. For patients, this means recognizing that technology cannot fully replace the need for interpersonal connection. Taking a few extra moments to check in on a patient’s emotional support network or connecting them with support groups can make a profound difference, particularly for individuals navigating health journeys alone. Even virtual support groups, when thoughtfully managed, can foster meaningful connections, providing a sense of community that eases loneliness.
Within our teams, building connection involves integrating regular check-ins, mentorship programs, or debriefs that foster peer support. The reestablishment of in-person meetings and informal gatherings can help us reconnect and strengthen our support networks, creating a buffer against burnout and isolation. By cultivating spaces for open dialogue, we encourage a work culture that acknowledges and addresses loneliness rather than avoiding it.
Loneliness may not be readily visible, but it is undoubtedly present in our exam rooms, in our call rooms, and within ourselves. By integrating an awareness of loneliness into our practice, we honor the emotional well-being of our patients, our colleagues, and ourselves. This is a call to recognize and address loneliness as an essential part of comprehensive care. After all, connection is not just a comfort—it is essential to human health.