“Emotional” Trigger Sends Stroke Risk Soaring 56%
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 10, 2024
Back in the day, we didn’t “talk about our feelings.” Instead, we were supposed to quietly suffer and pretend everything was fine.
Thankfully, that has started to change. We now understand you can’t separate physical and mental health. They’re one and the same.
In fact, mental health—loneliness in particular—has been making headlines the last few years.
You know that feeling when you’re surrounded by people but still feel like you’re on your own island?
Well, it turns out loneliness might be more than just a bummer—it can have serious health consequences.
Recently, researchers at Harvard University published a study that got everyone talking.
They discovered that when folks 50 or older feel lonely for an extended time, it could put them at a significantly higher risk of having a stroke.
Now, don’t panic—I’m not talking about feeling a bit down every now and then (that happens to everyone). This study focused on that deep-seated, long-term loneliness that just won’t quit.
The study included over 12,000 participants who were 50 or older. They were interviewed twice about how lonely they felt over four years. Then, researchers kept an eye on who experienced a stroke over the next few years.
The folks who felt lonely both times when they were asked were a stunning 56 percent more likely to have a stroke than those who didn’t feel lonely at all.
But here’s some good news: if you only feel lonely sometimes, it doesn’t appear to increase your stroke risk. It’s the chronic, long-term loneliness that’s the real troublemaker.
Now, maybe you’re thinking, “Wait, I have plenty of friends and family around. How can I possibly be lonely?”
That’s the tricky part. Loneliness isn’t about how many people you have around you. It’s about how connected you feel.
You can be at a party surrounded by people and still feel lonely, or you could be perfectly content with just your cat for company.
If this is you, there are steps you can take.
First, don’t ignore those feelings. Then, talking to someone about it is vital if you’re feeling lonely—a friend or a family member. I also encourage speaking with your doctor or therapist, as they can help you find ways to feel more connected.
But here’s the cool part: there are LOTS of ways to combat loneliness you might not have thought of. Love watching TV? Getting invested in your favorite characters can actually help you feel less lonely. Got a furry friend? Spending time with pets can be a fantastic mood booster.
How about picking up a good book or heading out to a concert? The key is finding what works for you.
Maybe it’s joining a club, volunteering, or taking up a new hobby. The important thing is to do things that make you feel connected and engaged with the world around you.
Remember, taking care of your emotional health is just as vital as watching your blood pressure or eating well. In fact, it helps with those things, too!
So, let’s make a deal. Next time you’re feel lonely, don’t just brush it off. Reach out to someone, try a new activity, or even just give your pet an extra cuddle.
You’ll feel better AND send your stroke risk plummeting.
P.S. Better mental health with the belly-brain bond.
Source:
Yenee, Soh, et al., Chronic loneliness and the risk of incident stroke in middle and late adulthood: a longitudinal cohort study of U.S. older adults, eClinicalMedicine, Published: June 24, 2024
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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