From the heart of SALT LAKE CITY, a recent report reveals that adults residing alone are more prone to feelings of depression compared to those sharing their living space. However, the percentage is relatively small, as per the data from a National Health Statistics Report published this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study discovered that the highest levels of depression were reported by individuals who felt they lacked sufficient social and emotional support. This data was gathered from a nationally representative survey conducted in 2021 as part of the annual National Health Interview Survey.
According to the findings, for every 16 individuals living alone, one reported feelings of depression. This rate is higher than the 1 in 25 individuals living with others who reported feeling depressed.
“The most intriguing aspect of this study is the emphasis on the importance of feeling supported,” said social scientist Kasley Killam, who was not involved in the study. “This aligns with other evidence that suggests social and emotional support play a crucial role in overall health and well-being.”
Interestingly, a significant portion of households in the U.S. are single-person, with nearly 38 million people living alone. A Census report from June 2023 indicates that 27.6% of all U.S. occupied households were single-person in 2020, a significant increase from just 7.7% in 1940.
The recent report, however, presents a lower figure, stating that in 2021, 16% of all adults lived alone. It also highlighted that those living alone were generally older, with nearly 40% aged 65 and above, compared to just 19% of those living with others.
Who Prefers Solitude?
The report indicates that counties with the highest percentage of single-person households were primarily in the Midwest, Alabama, and Mississippi. Conversely, most counties in Alaska and Utah had low percentages of single-person households. Older adults living alone was more common in rural counties than in urban ones.
When respondents were asked about the levels of social and emotional support in their lives, those living alone and receiving little or no social and emotional support were the most likely to report feelings of depression.
Interestingly, the study found no difference in depression levels between those living alone and those living with others, provided they felt they had adequate social and emotional support.
Laryssa Mykyta, the study author, found this to be the “most compelling and most interesting” finding, as it underscores the importance of social and emotional support for overall well-being and mood.
A Persistent Trend
Loneliness and social isolation have long been recognized as significant social and emotional issues that can lead to anxiety and depression. In 2018, Deseret News highlighted the rise in anxiety and depression among American teens in a series titled ”Generation Vexed.”
A decade ago, Deseret News explored loneliness among refugee women, older Americans, and parents of children with severe disabilities in a series called “Living Lonely.”
More recently, Deseret News reported on Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory on loneliness and social isolation as a public health crisis, particularly affecting youths. Murthy’s urgent public health advisory highlighted the pandemic’s exacerbation of these issues.
However, it’s important to note that living alone does not necessarily equate to loneliness or depression. The report emphasizes that some individuals may choose to live alone without experiencing negative effects on their physical and mental health. Furthermore, those living alone may be actively engaged in their work or communities and may have access to social networks and social and emotional support that can protect their mental health.
Offering and Receiving Support
It’s crucial to be aware of those living alone in your vicinity. If someone appears to need more social and emotional support, there are simple ways to help. VeryWell Mind identifies four types of social support: emotional, esteem, informational, and tangible.
Here are some ways to support those who may be alone and at risk of depression:
- Offer physical contact, such as hugs, and spend time together.
- Show that you care by checking in regularly.
- Validate their emotions and offer comfort and reassurance when needed.
- Boost their self-esteem with compliments and reassurances.
- Remind them of their strengths.
- Provide relevant information, such as details about nearby activities.
- Offer tangible support, like help with chores or transportation to medical appointments.
- Assist with errands.
For those who need more support, the article advises asking for help and being specific about your needs. It also suggests expanding your social circle if you’re not getting the robust interactions you need.
Agree – It’s no surprise that living alone can lead to higher rates of depression. Hopefully this data leads to more awareness and support for those individuals.