Loneliness or Solitude? Rethinking the Narrative

We’ve all seen the headlines: Loneliness is a public health crisis. The U.S. Surgeon General declares an epidemic of isolation.

And the data is real. From younger generations struggling to build deep friendships to older adults facing chronic isolation, we’re collectively starved for meaningful connection.

But what if the solution isn’t simply more interaction? What if it’s learning to make peace with being alone—and making solitude part of the cure?

This week’s featured podcast from WBUR’s Here & Now offers a refreshing, nuanced take: that solitude—when intentional—can be deeply healing. It can help us process emotions, develop self-awareness, and build a stronger inner life that actually improves how we connect with others.

+wellvyl’s Take:

At +wellvyl, we talk a lot about loneliness. We believe social wellness means better conversations, better relationships, and better environments that allow us to feel seen.

But we also believe that solitude isn’t the enemy of connection. It can be the practice ground.

Solitude, when chosen, gives us the space to feel, process, and reset. And when we come back into community, we can show up more whole, more present, and more available for genuine connection.

So this week, we invite you to listen. Reflect. And maybe even unplug.

Because social wellness starts not just with others—but with ourselves. 💛

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