Have Years of Depression and Loneliness Caused My Heart Disease?

People who are chronically depressed and suffer from loneliness are three to ten times more likely to get sick and die prematurely from virtually all causes than those who have a strong sense of love, intimacy, and community. Many of these studies are summarized in the book, Love & Survival, by Dr. Dean Ornish.

Anything that promotes a sense of love and intimacy, connection and community is healing.

Depression and Heart Disease

For example, one study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that six months after a heart attack, people who suffered depression were four times more likely to have died than those who were not depressed—independent of any other factors including smoking and diet. In short, anything that promotes a sense of isolation often leads to illness and suffering. Anything that promotes a sense of love and intimacy, connection and community, is healing.