As health officials continue to sound the alarm on the growing loneliness epidemic, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy says the prevalence of depression is closely linked. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for mental health problems, including depression. About 280 million people—or 5% of adults globally—have depression, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It's a common mental health disorder that negatively affects sleep, appetite, decision making, focus, time management, and social connections.
“The impact on the global economy of depression alone is around one trillion dollars each year. That’s profound,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy tells Fortune. “That doesn’t count for anxiety and the other physical illnesses that we encounter when it comes to loneliness and isolation.”
