Social media has helped people become more and more connected, so why do so many of us feel lonely?

Loneliness is becoming an increasing issue, according to the American Medical Association, which states on its website that social isolation and loneliness is a significant public health concern and can affect a person’s physical and mental health as well as their quality of life.

“Human connection is important,” said Dr. Matthew Feil, an emergency room physician at facilities in Davis and Salt Lake counties. “Every day, people have interactions with others and associate with someone on some level. That brings opportunities to reach out and help.”

Feil said loneliness can lead to significant health risks that include cardiovascular disease, cancer, weight problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression. The AMA also states lonely people are more susceptible to dementia.

“When we have strong human and social connections, that leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity and it strengthens our immune systems,” Feil said. “We recover faster from disease and have lower levels of anxiety and depression.”

Feil also said studies have shown people who aren’t lonely have higher self-esteem, are more trusting and cooperative, more open and have greater empathy for others.

Working in the emergency department, Feil said he frequently comes into contact with people suffering from loneliness.

“There are people who are cast out from society for whatever reason,” he said. “My job gives myself and others here the opportunity to talk with these people and have positive interaction with them. We want them to feel safe and worthwhile and valuable.”

Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory on the loneliness epidemic, stating about half of adults across the country experience loneliness — a health threat he equated to smoking and obesity. Loneliness doesn’t just affect older people, either. It affects people of all ages.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 63% of young adults suffer significant anxiety and depression due to loneliness.

The National Academic of Science, Engineering and Medicine revealed that more than one-third of adults 45 and older admitted being lonely, and about a quarter of adults 65 and older felt socially isolated.

“Loneliness is essentially the feeling of being uncomfortable or in distress when someone feels that there is a gap between the connection they would like and the connection they actually have,” said Dr. Tiffany L. Bell in an AMA press release. “You can be in a crowd full of people, you can know all of them, and you can still feel lonely.”

Feil agreed and said loneliness is subjective, but ideally should include more than social media interactions, where a lot of people base their worth on how many followers or likes they receive.

“All it takes is being friendly and looking for the needs of other people, whether it’s a small act of service, or having a conversation with somebody who seems down or doesn’t feel connected,” he said. “And people who feel lonely should be receptive to people who are reaching out.”

Even then, you don’t have to wait for someone to reach out, Feil said. There are a lot of opportunities in the community where people can get involved, and yes, there also are online communities as well if that seems to help.

Feil said as the holidays roll around, many people may be triggered by feelings of loneliness. He said he encourages people to think of others and look for opportunities to connect.

“There are people in nursing homes who don’t have any visitors,” he said. “Go and ask how you can reach out and help that person feel some human connection. Play games with them. Ask them about their lives. Help them realize their value and importance. You run into people all the time, so look for those opportunities and help lift someone up. It will help both of you.”