Sign In
Sign In
Topics
About
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Contact Us
Follow us on Twitter
Sign Out
Vivek Murthy
Vivek Murthy
Top Moments
Loneliness is associated with not only an increased risk of heart disease but also an increased risk of dementia, depression, anxiety, premature death, and sleep
disturbances.
Loneliness Increases Risk of Heart Disease, Anxiety, Depression, and Chronic Illness
If you look at the mortality impact of loneliness—the amount by which our life is shortened when we're lonely, it seems to be similar to the mortality impact associated with smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than the mortality impact we see with obesity and sedentary
living.
The Mortality Impact of Loneliness Is Similar to Smoking 15 Cigarettes a Day
All of us, regardless of what stage of life we’re at, we have three basic needs: We all want to know that we matter, we all want to be seen for who we are, and we want to know that we’re
loved.
As a Doctor, How Did Vivek Help His Patients Cope With Loneliness?
If you're lonely, you're not alone. All of us experience loneliness at some point in our lives. We don't talk about it because we're often ashamed. We've come to believe that if we're lonely, we're not likeable, or we're broken in some way. The truth is that all of us experience
loneliness.
If You're Lonely, You're Not Alone; Don't Be Ashamed
Love is the greatest source of strength that we have. I, as a doctor, have written many prescriptions for powerful medicines and antibiotics, but there is no medicine that's more powerful than
love.
Decisions Should Be Driven By Love, Not Fear
Loneliness is more than a bad feeling; it has real consequences for our health ... Loneliness is associated with a shorter lifespan. You find that it's associated with an increased risk of heart disease and dementia and depression and anxiety. The mortality impact, if you will, of loneliness is similar to the mortality impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day—it's greater than the mortality impact of obesity or sedentary
living.
Loneliness' Mortality Impact Is Worse Than Smoking 15 Cigarettes/Day
The times in my life where I have felt anxious and worried, the times where I felt just lost… Those moments were often when I've lost touch with the people in my life—the people who know me almost better than I know myself, the people who can remind me of who I am even in those moments when I forget … That, to me, is a true definition of a true
friend.
During Residency, Vivek Murthy Reminded Himself: 'Remember Your Anchors'
Love is our greatest source of power. It's our greatest source of healing ... There are few things more powerful than love and its ability to help us through difficult times and help mend the wounds, seen and unseen, that we all carry with
us.
By Embracing Love, America Can Be a Beacon of Hope for the World
We really do need each other. And as much as we live in a world—and in a country, I should say—that’s built on an ethic of individual responsibility and that's built on a narrative of the single entrepreneur who builds the company or the single scientist who solves a major disease and finds a cure, the reality is that we are far more interdependent and interconnected than perhaps those narratives might suggest. I think that this experience of COVID-19 is a powerful reminder of
that.
The Fight Against COVID-19 Is Uniting the World
As human beings, across cultures, we all have a few core needs: We all want to be seen for who we are, we all want to know that we matter, and we all want to be
loved.
Everyone Wants Three Things: To Be Seen, Know They Matter, & Be Loved
A real friend is somebody who reminds you of who you are even when you
forget.
During Residency, Vivek Murthy Reminded Himself: 'Remember Your Anchors'
On a biological level, loneliness puts us in a stress state, and in the short-term, that stress can be good. It can motivate us to go and seek out other friends and family members and to hopefully feel more connected. But we run into problems when that loneliness is prolonged and when the stress state that it causes is prolonged as well. We know that chronic stress is associated with higher levels of inflammation in the body, which can lead to an increased incidence of heart disease and other chronic
illnesses.
Loneliness Increases Risk of Heart Disease, Anxiety, Depression, and Chronic Illness
Social media makes it easy to spend a little bit of time with a lot of people. It's easier for me to wish happy birthday to 100 friends on Facebook by typing 'HBD!' on their walls than to actually pick up the phone and have a half-hour in-depth conversation with a friend on his or her birthday. We've lowered the barrier to having shorter and less intimate interactions with people we barely
know.
You Don't Need 20 Friends to Feel Fulfilled; You Only Need 5
There is great power in simply showing up, witnessing, and listening to someone deeply. While it feels passive, when you're listening deeply to someone, you're telling them, 'I see you, you matter, and you are
loved.'
Everyone Wants Three Things: To Be Seen, Know They Matter, & Be Loved
Loneliness is exceedingly common with 1 in 2 adults in America reporting measurable levels of loneliness ... The numbers among youth, actually, depending on the surveys you look at, are between 70 to 80% who say that there are struggling with
loneliness.
With Many Adverse Health Consequences, 70-80% of Youth Struggle With Loneliness
I think that we have become a pill for every problem society. We look for a quick fix of a medicine for every challenge that we may
incur.
Vivek Murthy Thinks We've Become a 'Pill For Every Problem' Society
We know that when people pursue wealth, power, and fame, defining their worth by those things, they rarely end up happy. The world is filled with rich, powerful, and famous people who are profoundly
unhappy.
Self-Worth Is Intrinsic; It's Not Defined By Success, Wealth, & Fame
Every now and then, there’s a moment in the world’s history where we are faced with a challenge that’s far bigger than any one of us or that any one country can solve on its own—and COVID-19 has presented us with one of those
challenges.
The Fight Against COVID-19 Is Uniting the World
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go
together.
Challenges Like COVID-19 Provide an Opportunity to Strengthen Relationships
We know that loneliness is exceedingly common ... 22% of adults in America struggle with
loneliness.
Loneliness Is Increasing: 25% of People Are Lonely
The foundation for connecting with other people is our connection with our self, which is marked by how comfortable we feel with who we are, how grounded and centered we feel, and how aware we are of our worth &
value.
Daily Moments of Solitude Help Facilitate Human Connection
In those most important moments in life—birth, death, and the critical moments in between... you hope that there will be people there for you and you'll be surrounded by those you love, but for so many of [my patients], there was nobody at the
end.
Even on Death's Door, Many of Vivek Murthy's Patients Felt Lonely
The data seems to indicate that men and women have similar rates of loneliness, but it also suggests that men have a harder time admitting
it.
The World's Model of Masculinity Makes Loneliness Challenging for Men
I think an important principle for us in public health communication has to be that we're clear, that were transparent about what we know and what we don't know, and that we explain the why to
people.
US Surgeon General Speaks on Flip-Flopping Mask Recommendations During COVID
Clips
Decisions Should Be Driven By Love, Not Fear
2:19 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
fear
emotions
decisions
decision
···
2
Share
Service Is the Most Powerful Antidote to Loneliness
1:18 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
Loneliness Increases Risk of Heart Disease, Anxiety, Depression, and Chronic Illness
1:20 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
Self-Worth Is Intrinsic; It's Not Defined By Success, Wealth, & Fame
1:38 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
success
1
Share
You Don't Need 20 Friends to Feel Fulfilled; You Only Need 5
3:05 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationships
social media
21
Share
Neglecting Friendships When You're Married Can Cause Loneliness
3:03 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
married
relationship
relationships
friends
···
1
Share
The Three Types of Loneliness: Intimate, Relational, & Collective
2:25 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
During Residency, Vivek Murthy Reminded Himself: 'Remember Your Anchors'
4:28 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationships
1
Share
With Many Adverse Health Consequences, 70-80% of Youth Struggle With Loneliness
4:35 ·
U.S. Surgeon General Dr.
Vivek Murthy
: Efforts & Challenges in Promoting Public
Health
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
Vivek Murthy Thinks We've Become a 'Pill For Every Problem' Society
2:06 ·
U.S. Surgeon General Dr.
Vivek Murthy
: Efforts & Challenges in Promoting Public
Health
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
US Surgeon General Speaks on Flip-Flopping Mask Recommendations During COVID
7:10 ·
U.S. Surgeon General Dr.
Vivek Murthy
: Efforts & Challenges in Promoting Public
Health
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
By Embracing Love, America Can Be a Beacon of Hope for the World
2:41 ·
U.S. Surgeon General Dr.
Vivek Murthy
: Efforts & Challenges in Promoting Public
Health
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
Vivek Understands Why Many Parents Were Against School Masking Practices During COVID
2:42 ·
U.S. Surgeon General Dr.
Vivek Murthy
: Efforts & Challenges in Promoting Public
Health
view episode
play_arrow
pause
1
Share
Social Media's Comparison Culture Can Decrease Self-Worth & Cause Loneliness
1:41 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
social media
technology
0
Share
Daily Moments of Solitude Help Facilitate Human Connection
1:40 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Loneliness Is the Gap Between the Social Connections You Need & Have
1:23 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
The Three Relationship Circles: Intimate, Relational, & Community
1:27 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationships
friends
0
Share
Social Media Distorts Your Social Life Expectations & Exacerbates Loneliness
1:29 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
social media
0
Share
If You're Lonely, You're Not Alone; Don't Be Ashamed
1:02 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Everyone Wants Three Things: To Be Seen, Know They Matter, & Be Loved
1:26 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
In America, Loneliness Is More Common Than Diabetes & Smoking
1:13 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
To Improve Conversation Quality, Avoid Multitasking & Be Present
1:14 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
The Mortality Impact of Loneliness Is Similar to Smoking 15 Cigarettes a Day
1:04 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
As a Doctor, Many of Vivek's Near-Death Patients Were Lonely
1:24 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
doctor
0
Share
Loneliness Induces a Stress State & Erodes Self-Esteem
2:41 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
stress
health
0
Share
Growing Up a Shy Kid, Vivek Struggled With Loneliness
1:36 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Loneliness Is Increasing: 25% of People Are Lonely
2:44 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
The Two Main Causes of Loneliness: Ease of Mobility & Technology
2:23 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
technology
0
Share
The World's Model of Masculinity Makes Loneliness Challenging for Men
3:30 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationships
relationship
0
Share
To Limit Loneliness, Talk to Family & Friends for 15 Minutes Every Day
1:18 ·
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World -
Vivek Murthy
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Challenges Like COVID-19 Provide an Opportunity to Strengthen Relationships
1:47 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationships
covid-19
pandemic
0
Share
The Monrovia Medical Unit Helped Liberia Fight the Ebola Outbreak
2:29 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
The Fight Against COVID-19 Is Uniting the World
1:55 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
covid-19
virus
0
Share
After Leaving His Job as Surgeon General, Vivek Gained a New Appreciation for Friendship
4:04 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationships
friends
0
Share
Even on Death's Door, Many of Vivek Murthy's Patients Felt Lonely
3:56 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Social Connection Is the Foundation on Which Everything Else Lies
3:39 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationships
health
0
Share
Now April 2020, There's a Lot We Don't Know About COVID-19
1:32 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
covid-19
virus
health
0
Share
A Culture of Kindness & Compassion Facilitates Workplace Connections
1:16 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Loneliness' Mortality Impact Is Worse Than Smoking 15 Cigarettes/Day
0:51 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
health
0
Share
What Should Our Federal Government Be Doing to Fight COVID-19?
4:32 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
masks
government
public health
covid-19
···
0
Share
Why We Need Best Friends at Work
1:31 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
The 'Inside Scoop' Exercise Vivek Instituted to Facilitate Workplace Connection
4:59 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
What Does the Job of Surgeon General Entail?
3:18 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Vivek Felt Lost, Lonely, & Depressed After Serving as Surgeon General
3:03 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
How Vivek Murthy Trains People to Pronounce His Name
0:46 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Tim Ferriss Wants Vivek Murthy to Start a Podcast
1:14 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
podcasts
podcast
0
Share
As a Doctor, How Did Vivek Help His Patients Cope With Loneliness?
3:49 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
doctor
0
Share
COVID-19 Is More Contagious & Deadlier Than the Flu
0:29 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
virus
covid-19
0
Share
COVID-19 Is Bringing Communities Together
0:57 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
COVID-19 Is Forcing America to Confront Difficult Healthcare Questions
1:24 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
covid-19
healthcare
0
Share
Good Relationships Help Bypass Political Polarization
2:19 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
relationship
relationships
0
Share
If Vivek Were in Charge, How Would He Organize the Fight Against COVID-19?
4:42 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
covid-19
healthcare
doctor
pandemic
···
public health
0
Share
Helping People in the Workplace Boosts Relational Energy
1:53 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
0
Share
Now April 2020, Should the US Implement Stricter COVID-19 Containment Measures?
4:46 ·
#417: Dr.
Vivek Murthy
— Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and
More
view episode
play_arrow
pause
government
covid-19
china
public health
···
0
Share
Share a link
Gmail
Twitter
Facebook
email
Email
Whatsapp
Reddit
link
Copy Link
ms