More than one-third of Americans report they're socially isolated or lonely, and 10% say they rarely feel there's anyone they can turn to for emotional and social support.

Not only does that fuel depression and repress physical activity (both major health risks), it also contributes to heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, memory loss, dementia, and self-harm, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And according to a new study, loneliness and chronic disease are more intertwined than we knew. Not only does isolation make you more vulnerable to a range of maladies, but if you're chronically ill, it fuels loneliness — and the combination makes it more likely you won't take care of your diagnosed condition very well.

A survey of 2,000 Americans contending with at least one chronic illness (nationally there are 129 million of those people) found that being diagnosed deepened their sense of loneliness. And that made it up to 70% harder to take their medications and less likely that they'd interact with their healthcare providers in a timely fashion.

How can you overcome loneliness and improve the way you manage your chronic condition?

• Frequently contacting friends and family on the phone, online, and through correspondence

• Volunteering with an organization that offers support to people with the condition you have

• Helping others and joining support groups (online and in person) so you gain support from others as well

You can also get support for your journey through "social prescribing" by your doctor.