The US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, visited Duke University to address the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation, especially among college students.

“We are made to connect,” the US Surgeon General declared to hundreds at Duke University Wednesday night.

Murthy, the nation’s top doctor, says that loneliness is a growing problem across the country, especially among college students.

College campuses may look vibrant from the outside, but that doesn’t always mean that students feel spirited inside.

“Definitely very lonely, definitely very depressed,” Micah Rojo, Duke Grad Student said.

These are emotions Duke student Micah Rojo felt during his first semester of graduate school.

“I was moving to a new place and I’m also working as a nurse as well so there’s a huge lifestyle change,” Micah Rojo, Duke Grad Student, said.

“Change alone is hard, together is easier,” Murthy said.

Murthy notes mental health struggles are prevalent among college-aged people.

Murthy’s visit to Duke comes just months after he issued an advisory on “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” highlighting social disconnection’s health risks.

“It’s not only bad for our health, makes it hard to show up in our workplace and community,” Murthy said.

Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer joined the US Surgeon General in conversation to share the benefits of building connections.

“True friends are there win or lose,” Jon Scheyer, Duke Basketball Coach said.

Murthy launched the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge, hoping to strengthen connections among college students.

“Take five actions over five days to connect with someone else,” Murthy said. “Gratitude extending support to simple one while asking for help.”

Murthy kicked off his national tour at Duke University and will visit the University of Virginia on Thursday.

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