Discussion: Is loneliness a personal problem or a public health issue?

Introduction

This section will help you discuss whether loneliness is a personal problem or a public health issue, based on the interview “Business To Benefit From Addressing ‘Loneliness Epidemic,’ Doctor Says” and the article “Feeling lonely? Meet the people who suffered extreme isolation – then found happiness” .

In your discussion, you should use at least two of the following phrases: due to, in addition, for example, whereas, in contrast, even though, in other words, consequently. These are linking phrases. They help introduce explanations or alternative arguments (due to, in contrast, in addition, in other words), to show an exception (even though), to introduce an example (for example), a comparison (whereas), or a conclusion (consequently).

“Business To Benefit From Addressing ‘Loneliness Epidemic,’ Doctor Says”

The interview “Business To Benefit From Addressing ‘Loneliness Epidemic,’ Doctor Says” features Dr Vivek Murthy, who discusses loneliness from a public health viewpoint.

Whereas most people probably wouldn’t consider loneliness to be a public health issue (ll. 14-15), Dr Vivek Murthy believes that loneliness can be considered a public health concern (ll. 4-5). Dr Murthy explains that his perspective is due to his experience as a medical practitioner and as Surgeon General of the US (ll. 17-25).

Loneliness impacts individuals’ health in a negative way. Dr Murthy speaks, for example, about the association between loneliness and different illnesses: “there’s an association between loneliness and cardiovascular disease, dementia, anxiety and depression” (ll. 32-33). Moreover, loneliness is also associat...