Reconsidering Loneliness: Beyond a Simple Lack of Social Interaction

Loneliness, a complex and often misunderstood emotion, cannot be simply categorized as a disorder or a victimizing condition. Unlike depression, which is recognized as an illness with a biological basis, loneliness lacks this objective status and is often seen as a self-imposed social dysfunction. This perception makes it difficult for individuals to openly discuss their loneliness, leading many to bury themselves in busyness to escape the emptiness they feel. A poignant article by Andrew D. Kim from Harvard highlights the [...]