According to the Center for BrainHealth, loneliness costs the U.S. economy about $460 billion each year. This massive number shows how much loneliness impacts our lives and the economy, with many people who live alone driving growth as freelancers, students, or workers. Forbes reports that 62% of adults feel lonely. So, why is loneliness so common today, and what can we do about it?

First, let’s break down the difference between loneliness and being alone. According to Lifeline Support Toolkit, loneliness is the feeling of wanting more social connection than you currently have. On the other hand, being alone simply means choosing to isolate yourself or spending time by yourself, which doesn’t necessarily mean you feel lonely. This distinction matters because loneliness isn’t about your situation — it’s about how you feel.

I recently talked with a good friend about this, and we both agreed that feeling lonely is much harder to deal with than simply being alone. The causes of loneliness vary from person to person. It might stem from being isolated for a long time, or feeling like you don’t belong anywhere, even though you want to connect with others. The reasons are different for everyone, but one thing is clear: loneliness can have a seriously negative impact on us.

Loneliness doesn’t just affect how we feel — it also takes a serious toll on our mental and physical health. The Mental Health Foundation explains that nearly one in three people with a long-term physical health condition also experience a mental health issue, like depression or anxiety, often linked to loneliness. For college students, this can mean struggling to focus on assignments, losing motivation, or feeling disconnected from campus life. Over time, these effects can snowball, impacting both academic performance and overall well-being. But why is loneliness so harmful? Research shows that feeling lonely triggers stress responses similar to those we experience during physical danger, putting both our minds and bodies under a great deal of strain.

While loneliness can feel overwhelming, there are ways to cope and even thrive. For us college students, one of the most effective steps is building strong social connections, whether through joining clubs, attending events, or finding study groups. It may seem daunting to initiate a conversation, organize an event, or even make eye contact with someone, but these steps are necessary for building meaningful relationships.

In a recent talk by Trevor Noah and Simon Sinek, they discussed how being genuine friends not only benefits individuals but can also positively impact the economy. It’s interesting to note that we’re not really taught how to be good friends, how to sacrifice for others, or how to be present. Life eventually teaches us these lessons. While loneliness may feel like it’s eating away at us, we each have the power to take action and prevent it from taking control.

UMass Boston’s counseling center is a great resource for anyone seeking support. And sometimes, just talking to someone you trust can make a huge difference.

Loneliness is more than just an individual challenge—it’s an issue that affects our well-being, productivity, and even the economy. As college students, we have the opportunity to make a difference by fostering genuine connections, seeking support when needed, and taking small steps to combat isolation. It’s not always easy, but by making an effort to connect with others and prioritize our mental health, we can build a stronger, more supportive campus community. Loneliness may be a challenge, but with the right tools and mindset, we can turn it into an opportunity for growth, connection, and success.