To the Editor:
Re “Surgeon Normal: We Have Turn into a Lonely Nation. It’s Time to Repair That,” by Vivek H. Murthy (Opinion visitor essay, nytimes.com, April 30):
The surgeon common is correct to tackle the issue of loneliness as a systemic societal unwell. Nonetheless, he didn’t tackle one of many biggest drivers of loneliness: the design of our constructed surroundings.
Our car-oriented communities have robbed us of on a regular basis pedestrian interactions and dedicated us to hours alone in our autos — to not point out drastically shrinking the world of anybody who can’t drive or afford a automobile.
Till we construct dense, walkable neighborhoods and spend money on public and nonmotorized transportation, we’ll stay remoted by design.
Carolyn Lusch
Ann Arbor, Mich.
The author is an city planner.
To the Editor:
The surgeon common reminds us that sustaining our psychological well being requires greater than remedy; it’s essential to create social connections and type relationships. Once I launched Born This Method Basis with my daughter Stefani — often known as Girl Gaga — we had been impressed by younger folks we met all over the world who needed to share their tales, pledge kindness and assist one another so nobody felt alone.
Social connection is totally different for each individual. That’s why we launched our Kindness in Group Fund, which donates to 22 native nonprofits that assist youth psychological well being by a wide range of approaches, similar to constructing secure social areas by mentorship with the Sam & Devorah Basis for Trans Youth, laundromats that double as neighborhood facilities with Civic Suds, or music-based mentorship with Guitars Over Weapons.
Addressing psychological well being means addressing meals and housing insecurity and constructing affirming areas the place younger folks will be themselves and discover security in one another. Let’s all spend money on each other so we will construct a kinder, more healthy and extra related world.
Cynthia Germanotta
New York
To the Editor:
Dr. Vivek Murthy’s article was very poignant. Loneliness is an epidemic amongst senior residents.
As he works on a framework for fixing the issue, he might take into account what are often known as “speaking benches” or “chat benches,” that are frequent in the UK and Australia and spreading all over the world. These particularly designated benches in parks and customary areas, usually painted a unique colour, are locations the place members of the neighborhood can sit and chat with whoever could also be sitting on the bench. No invitation wanted.
We’re engaged on implementing these in our neighborhood in New York Metropolis, and they’d work very nicely across the nation.
Mary Mulvihill
New York
The author is the founding father of Seniors Taking Motion.
To the Editor:
Surgeon Normal Vivek Murthy is spot on when he notes that loneliness is usually related to melancholy. Collectively they could be a poisonous brew that results in the worst outcomes, together with suicide.
That is very true for navy veterans struggling in silence. Analysis exhibits that veterans are at an elevated danger for social isolation and fewer prone to report the situation. Veterans die by suicide at twice the speed of the civilian inhabitants, and lots of imagine that these numbers are undercounted.
Calling for a “nationwide framework to rebuild social connection and neighborhood” is right. At the very least for veterans, the Warrior Name initiative can assist.
Easy by design, Warrior Name asks Individuals to make a name to a veteran or service member and join them with assist, in the event that they want it. Significant connection is without doubt one of the key contributors to a high quality life for veterans.
Frank Larkin
Mount Ethereal, Md.
The author is chief working officer of the Troops First Basis and chair of the Warrior Name initiative.
To the Editor:
Thanks, Dr. Vivek Murthy, for acknowledging that loneliness and isolation have an effect on our well being.
Tons of of hundreds of individuals with disabilities and older folks have been locked up in establishments the world over, disadvantaged of household, associates and freedom, in lots of instances till they die.
Folks with psychological well being situations are chained at religious “therapeutic” facilities in Ghana or warehoused in psychiatric amenities in India. Youngsters with mental and bodily disabilities are confined in windowless rooms in establishments in Serbia. Folks with dementia are sedated and segregated in U.S. nursing houses.
We have to construct up home- and community-based providers in addition to housing, employment and psychosocial assist so folks with disabilities and older folks can dwell independently of their communities, fairly than languish in locked amenities.
It’s not solely about human connection; it’s about our human rights.
Shantha Rau Barriga
Brooklyn
The author is director of incapacity rights at Human Rights Watch.
To the Editor:
The surgeon common’s glorious article on his private battle with loneliness didn’t remind readers that on April 21, 2017, he was fired from his submit by former President Donald Trump after he had tried to provoke a “more healthy and extra compassionate America.” This may occasionally have contributed to the emotions starting that 12 months that Dr. Murthy describes.
His plan to rebuild social connection and neighborhood in America is heading in the right direction.
George Z. Banks
San Leandro, Calif.
To the Editor:
Re “Steps to Deal with the Loneliness Well being Disaster” (Effectively column, Might 9):
Though service to others is appropriately recognized as a salve for the lonely-hearted, there isn’t any particular point out of our communities of religion, a robust supplier of providers to others, as a community of heat welcome already in place — lively, flourishing and never reliant on authorities funding.
Listed here are busy, energetic locations the place the lonely can really feel instantly helpful, reaching out to these in want whereas within the firm of others, and the place they’ll discover as nicely a wide range of alternatives for fellowship and studying.
For many who lengthy for affiliation, discover your neighborhood place of worship. There aren’t any necessities for admission and you’re already wanted. Stroll within the door. You can be met with open arms.
Margaret McGirr
Greenwich, Conn.
