BOSTON — Wysa, a leader in AI-guided mental healthcare, released new research showing that loneliness is not merely a social problem but a serious clinical risk factor strongly linked to both mental and physical illness. The nationally representative survey of 2,044 U.S. adults revealed widespread loneliness with significant associations to depression, pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
The report, titled Loneliness at the Crossroads of Mental and Physical Health, found that nearly one in three Americans (29%) often or always feel lonely. Among this group, 59% screened positive for depression—more than eight times the 7% observed in individuals who rarely or never feel lonely.
The effects extend beyond mental health. Seventy-nine percent of people who often feel lonely report moderate to severe daily pain, nearly double the 41% among their less lonely peers. Over half (52%) struggle with insomnia—more than triple the 15% who are rarely lonely. Fatigue affects 46% of frequently lonely adults, twice the rate in the non-lonely group, while 39% experience muscle or joint pain—almost five times the baseline of 8%. Headaches and migraines are also common, impacting 58% of the lonely group compared with 15% of those seldom lonely.
Loneliness shows distinct patterns across age groups and living arrangements. It is most prevalent among young adults aged 18–24, with half reporting feeling often or always lonely. Rates gradually decline with age, reaching just 10% among those over 65. The findings suggest generational differences in social structure and community engagement, identifying loneliness as a defining challenge of early adulthood.
Contrary to popular belief, living alone is not the main driver of loneliness. Adults living with parents or in shared adult households report some of the highest rates of persistent loneliness, with nearly half frequently feeling lonely. Living with a partner, by contrast, provides the strongest protection—only one in five in such relationships experience frequent loneliness.
“Loneliness is no longer just a social issue; it is a clinical crisis demanding integrated solutions,” said Jo Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Wysa. “Despite technological advances, the findings highlight the need for human-centered care, supported by technology. Wysa’s AI extends the reach of clinicians by providing support and monitoring between appointments, while keeping human connection at the core. This approach helps address the emotional struggles that coexist with physical ill health.”
The study emphasizes that while digital tools and AI-based support can enhance access to care, regular human contact remains the most critical factor for patient well-being. Most respondents connect their physical health challenges to stress, anxiety, and depression rather than purely physical causes, underscoring the need for healthcare models that integrate mental and physical health support rather than treating them separately.
