A recent survey of nearly 3,000 Nampa School District students highlights loneliness as the most significant factor in declining adolescent mental health. Communities for Youth aims to help these tweens and teens find the support they need to navigate this pressing issue.

Valentine’s Day can be a reminder of what we don’t have—especially for anyone experiencing loneliness. Yet an advice column points out that love need not arrive in grand gestures. It can be found in the quiet, everyday kindnesses we show each other.

A heartfelt letter to “Dear Annie” captures one woman’s struggle with her daughters’ emotional distance, her husband’s affair, and the toll these events have taken on her health. She feels isolated and overwhelmed, culminating in physical symptoms like heart palpitations.

According to neurologist Dr. Joel Salinas, small changes repeated over time can significantly boost brain health, particularly for those feeling lonely during the holidays. His advice highlights the importance of lifestyle consistency and the potential for slowing cognitive decline.

A handful of new apps is aiming to change the perception that social media must leave us feeling isolated. While many blame digital platforms for loneliness, these initiatives suggest technology can also be a powerful force for building real connections.