An epidemic of loneliness looms

Scientists fear that forced isolation may be creating a new kind of epidemic as those forced into solitude face growing mental health problems. - Pixabay

For half a year now, governments around the world have been telling citizens to distance themselves from others. Experts say the mental health impact of life under the pandemic is hitting home, especially for older people and those who live alone.

Advised to avoid human contact to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, alongside other worries, people around the world are coming to terms with one major side-effect of social distancing: loneliness.