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Loneliness: Why it Hurts More Than You Think

July 11, 2025

Loneliness changes how we think, feel, and even how we heal. In Good Shape explores how isolation harms us, and what helps us reconnect.

Good shape-Sendung | Grafikfilm Einsamkeit
Image: WDR
Image: Fabian Sommer/dpa/picture alliance

How the Covid-19 pandemic deepened our loneliness

Loneliness is rising — especially among the young. What lockdowns did to friendships, families, and our need for real human connection.

 

Loneliness hurts — and it’s hardwired in our brains

For millennia, we lived in groups to survive. Our brains still crave connection — and when it’s missing, loneliness can hurt like physical pain.

 

Image: Julian Stratenschulte/dpa/picture alliance

Why men’s depression often goes unnoticed

Anger, risk-taking, silence: men’s depression can look different. Gender-sensitive therapy is helping men open up — and heal.

 

How a student picnic is fighting social isolation

New city, new start — and sometimes, no friends. These students launched a women-only picnic to help others feel seen, supported, and less alone.

 

Can a nasal spray help us connect?

Researchers tested an oxytocin spray to ease social barriers. The bonding hormone showed promise in helping people feel more connected.

 

Image: WDR

Dancing – the best remedy against loneliness

Helma lost her dance partner and husband — but with Agilando, she found a way to stay active, connected, and joyful in older age.

 

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SAT 12.07.2025 – 09:30 UTC
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