March 27, 2023
The results showed that 51% of participants experienced loneliness, and 30% faced social isolation. Meanwhile, 42% suffered from depression and 34% experienced symptoms of anxiety. Arthritis Research Canada also observed that when loneliness and isolation were present simultaneously, there was a notable increase on both anxiety and depression. The organization believes it’s critical to consider ongoing impacts of COVID-19 for people living with rheumatic disease who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed and continue to experience the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation.