Back in September of this year, The Frame set out to learn more about a community conversation series regarding loneliness. The Frame’s Mackenzie Wright took a visit to Temple Beth Sholom--one of the many organizers of the series called Together in a Loneliness Epidemic.

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Since then, our conversation about loneliness and isolation has continued, with a more in depth look at how this epidemic is impacting one group in particular: children, teens, and young adults.

Experts say there are a number of demographics vulnerable to loneliness. A big and more obvious one, they say, is our elderly and senior populations--who may be less mobile, or live far away from busy family members and loved ones. There’s growing concern however, for our youth, and the level of loneliness and isolation they’re reeling from. It’s been a topic of discussion for nearly a decade, but of course COVID 19--a pandemic shrouded in isolation--made the epidemic of loneliness even worse.

If you find yourself needing to connect with Call 2 Talk, dial 508-532-2255. They are there for you 24/7, 365 days a year, and are also a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center.