The June 3 edition contained an article within the “As I See It” column by Jon Huer which, in my opinion, completely missed the point.

His theme’s premise was the notion that medical practitioners have no business asking about loneliness. He cited the U.S. surgeon general who has reported a loneliness “epidemic” in the United States. The feds aren’t always right, but this time they are, contrary to Professor Huer.

The mind-body interrelationship has been a theme for centuries across the world. Specifically, our body is an amazing system. Everything interacts within us (hopefully harmoniously). Health providers are urged to be more aware than ever to probe a bit with every patient regarding how they perceive themselves as doing — regardless of whether they are being treated for a hangnail, broken leg, cancer, or schizophrenia.

For example, my dentist requests status information on no less than 58 different medical and psychosocial maladies. The mind is a very powerful thing, and all health care providers need to be more aware than ever of loneliness.

Perpetrators of mass-shootings are only one of a myriad of examples of how lonely people can react to the world around them. Then there’s suicides — sometimes by cars with innocent bystanders becoming involved in the “accident.” A very long and dreary list can be built as to why the surgeon general is absolutely correct.

Certainly, if you choose to be a hermit, that’s fine. No one is urging increased social interaction upon anyone else by any means. We should encourage the health community’s increasing awareness of wholeness care for their clients, rather than say as Mr. Huer suggests, “Doctor, it’s none of your darn business!”

We should all be pleased and forthcoming to disclose our psychosocial status with all medical professionals we encounter. These are not secrets. These are paths to wellness, for you and for society.

Philip Grisé, Ph.D.

Tallahassee, Florida

]]>