In last week’s episode of ‘What Happens Next?’, Monash University’s podcast, Dr Susan Carland’s expert guests explained why a loneliness crisis is sweeping the globe, and what its knock-on effects are. Isolation is connected to issues including addiction, violence, and anxiety and depression. It impacts the whole of sufferer’s lives, from their health and wellbeing, to their capacity to work.

And it’s not just lonely individuals who are struggling. Those same effects have a measurable impact on society, affecting everything from our sense of social cohesion to the economy.

In today’s episode, you’ll discover why loneliness must be regarded as a public health priority. Find out some of the surprising ways we can tackle it, ranging from urban design, to government policy and support that includes every community member.

You’ll also meet some of the changemakers working to destigmatise mental health issues, advocate for greater preventative measures to stop loneliness before it takes root, and encourage the infrastructural changes we need to facilitate better connection.

In part two of the ‘What Happens Next?’ series on loneliness, Susan’s joined by life-course epidemiologist Dr Rosanne Freak-Poli; federal MP Andrew Giles; Dr Suzi Nielsen, Deputy Director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre; and mental health communicator David Pearce, founder of On the Low Down.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

‘What Happens Next?’ will be back next week with a new topic. In the meantime, learn more about the economics of loneliness in Australia.

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast app, and rate or review What Happens Next?’ to help listeners like yourself discover it.