Loneliness epidemic: Surgeon General advisory

The Surgeon General declares loneliness and social isolation a public health epidemic in the US, with health effects comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Social crises — pandemics, recessions, terrorist attacks — test the psychological resources of individuals and communities. Crisis psychology research has shown that resilience is the most common response, but vulnerable populations — people with trauma histories, low income, or social isolation — are at significantly higher risk of developing persistent disorders.

The 2020s have been marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of online psychotherapy, and growing interest in mental health. Psychology has responded with rapid innovation in treatment formats and greater attention to social determinants of mental health.

Significance: This milestone significantly contributed to the development of psychology as a science and profession, influencing research, clinical practice, or public policy.