Psychiatrist Dr Karl O'Sullivan explains how loneliness acts as a stress to the brain resulting elevated stress hormones. Brain imaging confirms changes in the brain in the areas responsible for social behaviour, intellectual functioning and emotional regulation.. The brain of a lonely person ages prematurely. The physical body also responds to loneliness as it does to ongoing stress, resulting in a significant decrease in life expectancy. This arises from personal neglect, lack of exercise and poor diet resulting in much high at risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression and addictions.
** Do not use this video for medical advice or for emergencies**
If you have a medical emergency, call a physician, qualified healthcare provider or emergency response service - 911 in the USA or Canada. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read in this video.
** Free Community-Based Mental Health Services**
USA - National Alliance on Mental Illness - www.nami.org
Canada - Canadian Mental Health Association - www.cmha.ca
UK - National Health Service - Every Mind Matters - www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters Ireland - Mental Health Ireland - www.mentalhealthireland.ie