Why Russians Are Feeling More Lonely Than Ever—And What It Means for Global Mental Health

As the war between Russia and Ukraine approaches its three-year mark, people worldwide are experiencing increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety, leading to emotional exhaustion. Russians, in particular, report feeling socially isolated and express a desire to discuss their emotional struggles with trusted individuals.

Larisa Pautova, Managing Director of the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), revealed on Tuesday that Russians’ psychological and emotional state last year had raised significant concerns. Speaking at the final meeting of the 2024 Russian Society: Results and Key Trends of the Year, an event organized by the Public Opinion Research Center and the VCIOM Scientific Committee, Pautova painted a stark picture. She noted that the deteriorating psychological and emotional state of Russian citizens indicates a rise in emotional burnout and feelings of loss.

Russians primarily report feelings of social isolation and a lack of trust, with anxiety levels twice as high. Pautova stated that the Russian federal government plans to support the most vulnerable groups starting this year substantially.

The surge in loneliness, however, is not unique to Russia. According to Gallup, 20% of American adults feel lonely throughout the entire day. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey found that 80% of respondents experience loneliness at least occasionally. These statistics have led the U.S. government to consider isolation and lack of communication national security threats.

Pautova explained that the health impact of loneliness is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes daily, which increases the risk of early death by nearly 30%. She added that loneliness also contributes to the onset of dementia, anxiety disorders, and depression, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24.

Yury Ratov, a senior researcher at the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, pointed out that loneliness is more closely tied to sociocultural factors than economic conditions. He noted that Western countries with similar economic levels to Asian nations, like Taiwan, South Korea, and China, face more severe loneliness issues.

Ratov emphasized that as extended families disappear globally and nuclear families become the norm, even these family units in the U.S. and Europe face crises. He pointed out that these family structures are under attack from childless advocates and other reformers.

The analysis indicates that loneliness affects individuals regardless of their economic status, even economically prosperous individuals experiencing it. It suggests that the more time people dedicate to earning money, the less time and energy they have for interpersonal relationships. Ratov added, “This perfectly illustrates the wisdom that money cannot buy happiness.”

A resident of Vladivostok shared their struggles with a reporter, citing economic sanctions against Russia, high inflation, poor connectivity on video platforms, and severe traffic congestion as sources of anxiety and loneliness. “The inability to openly discuss these issues seems detrimental to mental health,” they said.