For nearly two decades, I’ve lived in Houston, a large city that is known for its size and flood-prone endless sprawl. I think Murthy is right to call attention to the problem of loneliness and isolation. What can we do about this “widespread disconnection”? Murthy tells us there are “extraordinarily powerful” solutions: phone a friend, invite someone over for a meal, listen and be present when in conversation, and seek out opportunities to serve others. Loneliness is even as bad for our health, Murthy tells us, as smoking daily. report experiencing loneliness, which can increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and premature death. The tweet included a two-minute video of Murthy explaining why loneliness and social isolation are bad.

NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation facing our country, the destructive impacts it has on our collective health, and the extraordinary healing power of our relationships. I was reminded of Day’s words when I came across a recent tweet about loneliness by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.ĭorothy Day, anarchist and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement

Forbid me m robinson