Loneliness is a feeling of sadness—and sometimes depression—that comes from being socially distant or isolated from friends, family, and community. It can be a fleeting emotion, but it can also be long-lasting, even when you’re surrounded by people.
We’re all affected by loneliness at times in our lives. We can feel lonely in a busy city or rural location, on social media or spending time on our own or with others. Try not to feel embarrassed or ashamed if you do.
Some people experience loneliness occasionally – perhaps only at certain times, like Sundays or Christmas – while others feel lonely all the time, which is sometimes called chronic loneliness.
Loneliness can have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing if left unaddressed, sometimes affecting physical health, mental health, and social relationships.
- Physical health: Loneliness can increase your risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s. It can also lead to a weakened immune system due to long-term fight-or-flight stress signals, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
- Mental health: Loneliness can increase your risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide. It can also make it harder to concentrate and can impact your decision-making skills.
- Social relationships: Loneliness can make connecting with others and building strong relationships can be more difficult. It can also lead to social isolation, which can make feelings of loneliness and its negative impacts worse.
Sometimes admitting we feel lonely can be hard. It’s important to remember that lots of people experience similar feelings of loneliness, and that they can pass.
Understanding our own reasons for feeling lonely can help identify and manage these feelings…
1. Keep in touch with people
Regular chats with friends and family can help to combat loneliness. Just talking to someone in that moment can really help when you feel alone – and help the person you contact. Try to do this regularly, as most of us love hearing from others. Being more sociable might also make it easier to reach out when you notice any signs of loneliness. Messaging old friends and colleagues or creating a group chat on apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, are good ways to feel more connected.
2. Join a group
Being part of a group or club is a great way to connect with and meet people. Look for groups to join in person or online that focus on things you like or activities you would like to try. If you’re in a group, remember to always welcome others and involve them, as it can really help anyone who might be shy or lack confidence when meeting new people.
3. Do things you enjoy
Filling your time doing things you like might be a way to stop you from focusing on your loneliness, which can improve your wellbeing. Spending time outdoors in green spaces, exercise or sport, reading, and listening to podcasts and radio shows are great ways to boost your mood and occupy your mind.
4. Share your feelings
Talking more openly about how loneliness affects you can really help. Hearing a familiar voice or seeing a friendly face can also make us feel less isolated.
Try not to compare yourself with others. Some people only share the good things happening to them, especially on social media, so comparing yourself to others can make you feel lonelier. Plus, we can never be sure of what someone else is going through.
5. Connect with others or volunteer to help
Think about people you know who might be feeling lonely and try to connect with them. This might also make you feel less lonely too. If you pass someone you recognise, try smiling and saying hello. And if you start chatting, could you swap phone numbers or suggest joining or setting up a local group together?
Getting to know people in your area can help with social isolation, especially when moving somewhere new. Arranging to meet new friends in a safe, public place for a walk outside, or inviting someone out for a cup of tea or coffee can be a great way to help lift each other out of loneliness.
It might be harder for people who have been lonely for a while to be open to connecting, so give them time to respond to your friendly contact. Volunteering is also a great way to meet people, and seeing the benefits of your actions can really help to boost your mental wellbeing.
6. Invite someone along to activities near you
There are many free and low-cost activities you can take part in throughout the year. Invite someone to come along to explore hundreds of free and affordable events happening across the country. See what’s on in your local area, from affordable theatre tickets and free exhibitions to fun family activities at your local library.
7. Be kind to yourself
Becoming comfortable with loneliness won’t happen overnight, and some days will be harder than others, but you have the strength to reshape how you check in with your feelings. It’s essential to look after your self-care. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you feel better overall and make it easier to cope with loneliness when it arises.
Don’t forget to share our latest blog with your friends, family and colleagues to support them during times of loneliness 😊