Together: loneliness, health and what happens when we find connection

The world seems more connected than ever, and yet loneliness is at epidemic levels.

It is a root cause of many of society's greatest challenges, from addiction and violence to depression and anxiety.

But what lies behind this crisis, and is it possible to reverse?When Obama appointed him Surgeon General of the United States, Dr Vivek Murthy observed this global health emergency first-hand, and saw that the effects are profound - whether due to evolution, our use of technology, or the social systems designed to help us.

Disconnection is affecting our health, how our children experience school, how we perform in the workplace and our sense of polarisation in politics.

But it doesn't have to be this way.Dr Murthy's search for answers led him to doctors, scientists, parents and community members tackling loneliness around the world.

The solutions are creative, deceptively simple and easily applicable - but the effects on people, and implications for society as a whole are transformative.

In this inspiring and urgent book, he shows that real human connection is a medical necessity - and we can all benefit from it.