What is loneliness?

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Do you feel lonely?

Do you experience feelings of loneliness regularly?
Loneliness is a feeling we get when we want to be with or interact with other people, but we feel like we’re not able to, for whatever reason. It’s a feeling of being on your own, but not wanting to be.

We all experience some loneliness from time-to-time. But for some of us, the feeling of loneliness can last longer. Feeling like you’re on your own can make you feel like the world has kept on turning without you, like you’re living in grey and everyone else is living in colour.
 

What are the signs of loneliness?

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We all benefit from the warmth of being with people. Without this comfort we can feel left out, worthless and sometimes depressed. That’s why it’s super important that we recognise the signs of loneliness so we can get the help we need and deserve.

Here are some things you might feel when you’re lonely:
 

• Negative feelings towards yourself.

• Socially distant

• Overwhelming feelings of isolation

• Exhaustion, feeling burned out easily

• Poor physical health

• Poor mental health

• Feeing undervalued or underappreciated

• Spending more time online

• Loss of interest in hobbies/passions​

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How common is loneliness?

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A lot of people experience loneliness. Around three million people in the UK have experienced feelings of loneliness in the last two years. The good news is there are lots of different ways you can get prevent loneliness and get support when you do feel lonely.

How to prevent loneliness

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Some ways to prevent loneliness include:

• Support groups

• Befriending services

• Volunteer work

• Courses and classes

• Talking to your GP

• Exercise

• New hobbies/passions

Tools and resources for dealing with loneliness

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If you are dealing with feelings of loneliness that won’t go away talk to your GP or a local mental health organisation.