It’s a happy holiday for many Iowans, but some of us are alone and feeling there’s little to be joyful about. New studies are finding people who are lonely and obese may be at risk for larger problems with their physical and mental health.
Jennifer Linse, an advanced practice social worker, says cases of loneliness often escalate in Iowa during the wintertime as more of us become socially isolated by the cold weather.
“If people are wanting to talk about loneliness or explore their feelings or experience with loneliness, I would certainly encourage them to connect with a counselor to talk about that,” Linse says. “Also, through counseling, we can help people get connected to resources or find some social supports that they’re already involved in to help with that feeling of loneliness.”…