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The Growing Crisis of Loneliness in Connecticut
Loneliness is more than just a feeling — it’s a significant public health issue that affects millions of people across the United States. In Connecticut, this crisis has become increasingly urgent and widespread. Recent data from The Cigna Group’s “Loneliness in America” report reveals that 57% of Americans feel lonely, a figure that has remained alarmingly high for years. This statistic highlights a growing concern that impacts not only emotional well-being but also physical health and community engagement.
As a medical executive for Cigna Healthcare in Connecticut and a member of the steering committee of the Connecticut Collaborative to End Loneliness, I have witnessed firsthand how this issue affects every aspect of our state. From young parents struggling to find connection to caregivers overwhelmed by their responsibilities and older adults isolated by circumstances, loneliness is taking a toll on our collective vitality. These challenges are not isolated; they are part of a broader societal trend that demands attention and action.
Since Cigna began tracking loneliness nationally in 2018, the problem has only worsened. That year, 46% of adults reported being lonely. By 2023, the number had risen to 58%, and it remains dangerously high. In Connecticut, the effects of this crisis are visible throughout our communities, from increasing behavioral health needs to heightened stress levels at work and home.
Our organization has seen a staggering 134% increase in outpatient behavioral health treatment visits over the past six years. This is not a coincidence — it reflects a deeper societal issue that requires coordinated efforts from various sectors.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this issue. While social distancing and shutdowns were temporary measures, their effect on personal connections has lingered. Many people never returned to pre-pandemic routines, and remote work has become the norm. Casual social interactions have diminished, and for some, disconnection has become the default.
Prioritizing Social Connection
To address this alarming trend, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and government agencies are working together. The Connecticut Collaborative to End Loneliness was formed to coordinate the efforts of numerous organizations across the state. Last year, Connecticut became one of the first states in the country to launch a social connection campaign aimed at reducing isolation and encouraging meaningful relationships. This initiative seeks to help residents understand that loneliness is not an individual burden but a shared challenge that can be tackled collectively.
Our goal is to make social connection a health priority, similar to nutrition, exercise, and sleep. The benefits of fostering these connections are far-reaching. For example, in the workplace, lonely employees are twice as likely to feel distracted, less likely to meet performance goals, and more likely to seek new employment. However, when employees feel supported and experience a healthy work-life balance, they are 10 times more likely to report high vitality.
Caregivers also face significant challenges. About 62% of unpaid caregivers report feeling lonely, with those under 34 experiencing loneliness at twice the rate of their older counterparts. These individuals dedicate their time and energy to others yet often feel unseen and unsupported themselves.
We also know that loneliness correlates with serious physical health outcomes, including increased risks of depression, heart disease, hypertension, and even premature death.
Taking a Comprehensive Approach
Addressing this issue isn’t just about empathy — it requires a coordinated and comprehensive public health response. Individuals can take small, intentional steps such as reaching out to a friend, attending a community event, joining a local group, or volunteering.
For organizations and institutions, it means creating spaces that foster connection. This could include flexible workplaces that respect boundaries or community programs that welcome caregivers and parents of young children.
Healthcare providers also play a critical role. At Cigna Healthcare, we are exploring “social prescriptions” — intentional referrals to local resources that help patients form relationships, build routines, and strengthen their support systems.
Ultimately, building a more connected Connecticut requires the involvement of everyone. Loneliness thrives in silence, but its impact can be reduced through conversation, community, and compassion. Let’s continue to talk and connect, treating loneliness not as an individual failure but as a shared challenge we all have the power to overcome.
