April 15, 2026, 3:36 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Loneliness is increasingly becoming a societal issue. Regardless of age, more and more people feel lonely. This not only affects the health and satisfaction of those affected. According to a recent study, loneliness can even become life-threatening.
Current figures show that about 19 percent of Germans feel lonely at least sometimes.1 The feeling of being alone is particularly prevalent. There is already scientific evidence that loneliness can promote the development of dementia both in childhood and in older age (FITBOOK reported). Against this backdrop, a new study from the U.S. involving more than 62,000 adults is interesting. It found that loneliness may be an important component linking depression and anxiety with suicidal thoughts.2 In an unfavorable mental situation, loneliness can become very dangerous.
Study Finds Link Between Loneliness, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts
U.S. researchers from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville analyzed data from the “All of Us” research program of the national health authorities. From a pool of 3.6 million registered participants, the researchers selected only those 62,685 individuals who had completed both a demographic survey and a series of mental health questionnaires.
Special attention was given to anxiety and depression, which were measured using standardized clinical screening tools. Loneliness was assessed using the widely used UCLA Loneliness Scale, which typically involves 20 questions about the frequency of feelings of loneliness. Suicidal thoughts, on the other hand, were captured with a single question. The researchers asked participants about thoughts of self-harm or feeling “better off dead.”
Participants Were Predominantly Older, White, and Female
An important point is that the participants in this study had an average age of around 62 years. Thus, the results are more applicable to an older segment of the population. Additionally, they were predominantly white (81.2 percent), and more than half were female (65.0 percent). The average values for anxiety and depression were below the clinical threshold. However, the values for loneliness exceeded the threshold for clinical significance. About six percent of the participants, or roughly 3,752 individuals, reported having suicidal thoughts.
Loneliness Acts as a Kind of “Amplifier”
The data analysis revealed that anxiety, depression, and loneliness are associated with suicidal thoughts. At first glance, this was strongest with depression, followed by anxiety and finally loneliness. A more detailed analysis also showed that depression had the strongest influence. Surprisingly, however, loneliness weighed even more heavily in the analysis than pure anxiety.
But that’s not all. The researchers also conducted a statistical test to determine whether loneliness acts as a kind of “amplifier” between depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. And indeed, the result was positive.
Loneliness accounted for about 25 percent of the connection between anxiety and suicidal thoughts and about 10 percent of the connection between depression and suicidal thoughts. However, both mental states still had direct connections to suicidal thoughts even after accounting for loneliness. This means that while loneliness is not necessarily the determining factor, it can be life-threatening in an already unfavorable mental situation when it is added.
Although most participants were female, the researchers observed this pattern in both genders. It is also interesting that higher anxiety or depression scores in younger adults were associated with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts than in older adults.
Study Leader Recommends Targeted Therapy for Loneliness
The study’s findings prompt the researchers to recommend targeted therapies for lonely individuals to prevent possible suicide.
“Yes, targeted combating and reducing loneliness in therapy is a feasible and important approach, especially to reduce suicidal thoughts in people suffering from depression or anxiety,” explains study leader Prof. Katherine Musacchio Schafer to FITBOOK.
A key insight from this study, however, is that loneliness can also be addressed outside of treatment contexts. “People do not necessarily need access to a licensed psychotherapist—a profession currently in short supply—to reduce their loneliness,” says the study leader. Affected individuals could take meaningful action against it themselves. One of the most effective strategies for reducing loneliness seems to be increasing social engagement. This means participating in activities that are valuable to others or the community. “Contributing to the environment and the people around us can foster connectedness, meaning, and belonging—all factors that can reduce loneliness and the associated risk of suicide,” says Prof. Musacchio Schafer.
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Limitations of the Study
It must be considered that the study participants were predominantly older, white women. Therefore, the results should be verified with a more diversified and younger group. “The biggest limitation of this study is its cross-sectional design, as all variables were measured at the same time. Therefore, we cannot draw definitive conclusions about the temporal sequence or causality,” explains study leader Prof. Musacchio Schafer.
Future research should use longitudinal studies to examine how suicidal thoughts develop over time and whether anxiety and depression precede an increase in loneliness, which subsequently leads to increased suicidal thoughts, according to the study leader. Additionally, it is important to conduct randomized controlled trials in which loneliness is directly addressed, particularly by creating opportunities for social engagement, in populations at increased risk for suicidal thoughts. Investigating whether such interventions can reduce suicidal thoughts in the long term would be an important next step for this research field.
Conclusion
On one hand, this study underscores the strong connection between anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. On the other hand, another factor was identified that has an influence both on its own and as a kind of amplifier. The researchers conclude that targeted combating and reducing loneliness could halt the progression of depression and anxiety into suicidal thoughts.
Moreover, new therapy options are now available, according to the responsible scientists. For example, combating loneliness does not necessarily require visiting a therapy practice. This is a hurdle for many people. Affected individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and loneliness could instead engage in community facilities that align with their own values and preferences. This would be an alternative treatment path that completely bypasses the usual therapy system, the scientists explain in their study evaluation.
Help for Those Affected
The “German Depression Aid” advises openly addressing those affected and helping them contact a doctor or psychotherapist if needed. Sometimes it may also be necessary to take them to a psychiatric emergency room. If you have suicidal thoughts yourself: The telephone counseling service at 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 is free and available around the clock. In serious mental emergencies, you can get help at number 113. Please seek help!