Loneliness can be a difficult feeling.
It affects around 3.83 million people in the UK and worldwide around 1 in 4 people.
Some people may describe their experience of loneliness as feeling that their need for social contact and relationships isn’t being met. Feelings of loneliness may only occur at certain times, but others may experience chronic loneliness.
Have you ever felt that you are surrounded by other people but still feel you’re alone? This is a common experience for people with loneliness.
Whilst loneliness is not considered a mental health problem, it can have an impact on mental health, especially if your feelings of loneliness have gone on for a long time. It can lead to negative thought patterns, as more time alone can lead you to ruminate on negative thoughts and worries. Perhaps it impacts your social interactions, leading to avoiding social events or activities you would usually enjoy.
There are many causes as to why someone may experience loneliness. It may be certain life events such as experiencing bereavement, or moving to a new area without family, friends or community networks.
Loneliness may also be experienced at certain times of the year, such as Christmas.
Everyone will have a different experience of loneliness, it is personal. But there are many people that will understand and have their own experiences.
If you do find that you are struggling with loneliness, there are things you can try to help manage your feelings. Remember, if something isn’t working for you or doesn’t feel possible right now, you can try again another time or try something different and see how that works for you.
Improving our relationships with ourselves, can lead to you feeling more comfortable in your own company. It can boost your self-esteem by working on self-care, learning what it means to you to practice taking care of yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally. There are many ways people practice self-care, and it can look different for everyone. Perhaps it is taking a bubble bath or reading a good book. Maybe it’s eating well and going on a walk every day. Whatever works for you, try different things to see what makes you feel good.
Forming new meaningful connections can be a powerful tool to combat loneliness. Joining a group activity can help you to feel a sense of belonging, as being part of a group where you can contribute, can make you feel valued, reducing your feelings of loneliness. It can also serve as motivation, knowing you have a group to attend that you enjoy.
When choosing the group activities, select what aligns with your interests. You can also start small, if social anxiety is a concern for you. It is normal for you to feel nervous when joining a new group but remember there may be others that are feeling the same way.
At PSS Wellbeing Centres, there are several groups that are available, that you may like to try. Here are a few that we offer: Relaxation and Meditation, Yoga, Journey Through Art, Shared Reading sessions, Sing! Sing! Sing! Choir, Green Walks and PSS Day Trips are also available. You can find the timetable for these groups on Upbeat Liverpool by clicking here.
If you are struggling with loneliness and need further support, they are more help and support services listed below.
By Abigail Sparks
Support for Loneliness
Age UK – 0800 678 1602
The Silver Line – 0800 4 70 80 90
Samaritans – 116 123
Cruse bereavement support - 0808 808 1677
CALM - 0800 58 58 58
Befriending Networks