In 2023, former United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy sounded the alarm about a public health crisis plaguing the country: Social isolation. And thus was coined the “loneliness epidemic.”
“Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders,” he said in a statement in 2023. “Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”
His number one recommendation, to “strengthen social infrastructure,” can be supported by evolving legislation to fund parks, libraries, and other community spaces.
And as we end 2025, isolation is even further exacerbated by societal division.
According to the American Psychological Association, more than half of Americans reported that they felt isolated, left out, or lacked companionship.
But as the wheels of government continue to turn slowly, people across the country have mobilized more quickly to respond to isolation.
Here are just a few examples — and ideas — of how we might defeat loneliness, together.
Cry N Vibe Club
Through her beloved TikTok series “Crying in D.C.,” Kiara McGowan offers insights into the best public places to cry in the city.
It all started when she lost her job and found herself in tears all over the city. And it all converged when she hosted a “Cry N Vibe” in-person event at her local library, which she now runs regularly.
Attendees are given a space to introduce themselves, talk about emotions, and have permission to let it all out in a safe community with one another.
There is also quite a bit of levity, including branded tissue packs and bingo games to award the biggest crier of them all, as well as playlists that may or may not induce tears.
“It’s been interesting to know that the worst thing that’s ever happened to my life, like, built this, and helped a lot of other people,” McGowan told The Washington Post. “It also made me realize that I’m not alone, you know what I mean?”
What you can do: When the big feelings surge, instead of crying alone or wallowing in the shower (though you can certainly start there), call up a friend and ask if you can let loose. Chances are, they’ll have something to cry about, too. Bonus points if you meet up to watch a tear-jerker movie, wipe your tears on a park bench together, or invite more folks to your (well-deserved) pity party.
Cuddle Therapy
Science has backed this universal truth: Human touch can improve our mental well-being. For folks who live alone or may not have access to hugs, snuggles, or affectionate pets, cuddle “therapy” provides an alternative.
Professional cuddlers create a safe space to offer non-sexual physical touch, from hugs, to hand-holding, and everything in between.
Some practitioners start with cuddling stuffed animals, or may even invite animal therapy helpers to support clients, but ultimately, professional cuddlers provide trauma-informed, completely consensual touch that aims to provide comfort and human connection.
“I think most people are afraid of vulnerability," cuddle therapist Crystal Cavitt told Pittsburgh City Paper. “I think cuddling is really, honestly the foundation to start to love oneself, and then start to move into being able to love another.”
What you can do: Aside from enlisting a professional cuddler, try to invite (consensual!) human touch into your daily life. Even if it’s out of your comfort zone, offer friends a hug, explore platonic hand-holding, or even try something more active like partner yoga or contact sports. If you want to start smaller, there’s no shame in investing in a snuggly plushie or a weighted blanket to give yourself a hug, too.
Porchfest
Since 2013, neighbors in Buffalo, New York’s Elmwood Village have hosted Porchfest, an arts and music festival that takes place on a rotating stage of various front yards and porches throughout the neighborhood. But it’s not just the live music that draws crowds.
A study of nearly 1,000 front yards in the neighborhood found that the livelier and more open the front yard, the more content and connected the resident feels.
This means accessories like garden gnomes, Little Free Libraries, or even enticing landscaping or yard signs made these residents more likely to strike up a conversation with their neighbors, and in turn, cultivate a “sense of place,” according to NPR.
“The Elmwood Village Association is passionate about maintaining the quality of life in our neighborhood,” a website for the community states.
“From organizing annual clean-up events to planting thousands of flowers… installing holiday light poles, wreaths, and lighted snowflakes… we are committed to the beautification of Elmwood and making it a better place to live.”
What you can do: Strike up a conversation with your neighbor. From front porches and garages to communal laundry rooms and elevators, allow space to interact organically with the people who share proximity with you. If you’re feeling extra brave, start a new community project, like urban gardening, holiday caroling, trash pick-ups, or an open mic night.
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A version of this article was originally published in The 2025 Mental Health Edition of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image by Karola G/Pexels
