Everyone feels lonely from time to time, and many even struggle with loneliness on a regular basis.
In fact, according to the Campaign to End Loneliness, nearly half (49.63%) of adults in the UK reported feeling lonely ‘occasionally, sometimes, often or always’. Among those who feel lonely, an estimated 7.9% are considered ‘chronically lonely’, meaning they experience feelings of loneliness ‘often or always’.
It’s no secret that the pandemic and life under ‘lockdown’ led to an increase in loneliness levels around the world – and unfortunately, research shows that loneliness levels in the UK have not returned back to their pre-pandemic levels. Young people are especially vulnerable, with research suggesting that individuals ages 16-29 are two times more likely to experience chronic loneliness compared to individuals over the age of 70.
Whether you or someone you love is struggling with loneliness, we want you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here is some practical information about what loneliness is and what we can do for ourselves to help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
How is Loneliness Defined?
Loneliness is defined as the unhappiness felt by someone because they feel like they do not have any friends or anyone to talk to. In some cases, an individual may be ‘popular’ with lots of friends and acquaintances, however, deep down, they feel unseen, alone, and isolated.
Certain situations and life events can cause us to feel more ‘lonely’. For example, losing a loved one, breaking up with a partner, changing jobs/schools, or moving to a new place can make us feel lonelier than normal.
To learn more about situations that can lead to loneliness, check out our article Coping With Loneliness: The 7 Different Types of Loneliness Explained.
4 Practical Tips for Managing Feelings of Loneliness & Finding Connection
Loneliness itself is not considered a mental health ‘problem’. However, chronic loneliness can certainly have a negative impact on mental health, leading to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
To help, here are a few practical ways to combat loneliness and feel more connected.
Engage in social activity
It can feel difficult to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new, but getting out to try something new can provide a huge boost to your mental health. Whether you’ve been toying with the idea of joining the local gym, or attending a dance class, putting yourself out there can alleviate loneliness, and a close second, boredom.
Maintain and nurture existing relationships
Reaching out to friends and family over voicenote, text message, or the old school way, on the phone(!) is a great way to foster relationships. We are hyper-connected with all of our apps, and social networks, however, just because someone looks OK via their social media, they may not be really OK. Make sure to check in with people, even if they haven’t checked in on you. This can alleviate loneliness.
Embrace everyday moments of connection
In their recent Loneliness Awareness Week campaign, loneliness charity the Marmalade Trust reminded us of the importance of everyday moments of connection. For example, simple chats at the shop, smiling at your neighbour, or inviting someone to go for a coffee at lunch are actually much more powerful than we think. Over time, these small interactions add up and help us feel connected to our community.
Befriend yourself
Becoming your own best friend is a must if you are battling feelings of loneliness. You can do this by upping your self-care, and talking to yourself in a positive way, rather than beating yourself up in your mind, is key. Also, being comfortable in your own skin and treating yourself to a coffee date with a good book or journal, could be a start.
You are with yourself 24/7, and you aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon, so you might as well embrace yourself, and be kind to yourself.
Final Thoughts
It’s normal to experience phases of loneliness throughout our lives – but it’s also important to remember that we have the power to help ourselves feel less lonely. Even small actions, like texting a friend or speaking to a neighbour, can make a huge impact in helping us feel a sense of belonging.
If you would like to learn more about loneliness and its relationship with mental health, this resource from Mind UK is a wonderful place to start.
If you are in crisis and need immediate support with your mental health, there are a number of different helplines available here in the UK:
- Samaritans
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
- Shout
- The Mix
You can also always explore our self-help resource here at The Lily-Jo Project, which features top tips, personal stories, and practical advice for maintaining good mental health.
Further Resources on Loneliness
If you found this article helpful, check out these additional recommended resources on loneliness and mental health:
- The Lily-Jo Project’s article, Coping With Loneliness: The 7 Different Types of Loneliness Explained
- The Lily-Jo Project’s article and webinar, How to Talk to Children About Loneliness and Life Online
- The Lily-Jo Project’s self-care resource
- Advice from the Marmalade Trust
- Advice on elderly loneliness from Age UK
Further Resources on Exercise and Mental Health
If you found this article helpful, check out these additional recommended resources on exercise and mental health:
- The Lily-Jo Project’s article, Exercise for Mental Wellness – How to Get Mental Health Movement Moments Into Your Day
- The Lily-Jo Project’s self-care resource
- The Mental Health Foundation’s article, Boost your mental health by moving more
- Resource from Mind, Physical activity, exercise and mental health
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