1 IN 3 aUSTRALIANS FEEL LONELY
1 in 6 feel lonely often or all of the time
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Feeling lonely is a natural part of life that usually comes and goes. Loneliness can happen to anyone. At Any Age. In fact, short, but intense periods of loneliness can motivate people to reconnect socially, so they no longer feel lonely.
What is loneliness
It’s not the same as being alone – that’s social isolation. In fact, many people live alone yet don’t feel lonely.
Loneliness is the painful feeling of wanting, but not having, meaningful connections with other people.
Feeling lonely is a natural part of life and has an important purpose.
Just as hunger reminds us to eat to stay healthy, loneliness reminds us to improve our social relationships to stay socially healthy.
What does loneliness feel like?
Everyone’s experience of loneliness is different.
Loneliness can feel like….
- there’s no one you are really close to
- you don’t ‘fit in’ with groups you want to be part of at work or school
- you don’t belong to your local community
- you often feel alone, left out, isolated
- there’s no one really interested in you
This can leave you feeling invisible, unvalued, or lacking purpose in life.
Types of loneliness
There are different types of loneliness. Some people experience one main type of loneliness, whilst others have a combination of these feelings(1).
Recognising which type/s of loneliness you are experiencing can help in addressing loneliness more effectively by finding appropriate support.
Emotional loneliness
Emotional loneliness involves feeling a lack of close friendships or intimate personal relationships. E.g., When someone you were very close with is no longer there. Being unable to find a life partner, trusted companion or best friend.
Social loneliness
Social loneliness involves a sense of not being embedded in a social network, for example at work, school, church, sports club, or other community group.
Existential loneliness
Existential loneliness is a broader feeling of not connecting with others or the world outside, alienation and emptiness, and a lack of meaning in life. Existential loneliness is often described in association with serious illness, dying, traumatic events, and concern for the future – when questions about the meaning of life are prioritised.
Loneliness can vary in frequency, duration, and intensity (2).
Brief or transient feelings of loneliness
When loneliness is brief, it can be unpleasant but manageable. In fact, short, but intense periods of loneliness can motivate people to reconnect socially, so they no longer feel lonely.
Chronic loneliness
When loneliness is intense, frequent and enduring (often called chronic loneliness) it can be very distressing. Often this leads to social withdrawal, further deepening feelings of loneliness and making it more difficult to manage.
WHY PEOPLE FEEL LONELY
People can feel lonely for many different reasons, and these reasons can be influenced by various social, environmental, and personal factors. Here are some common causes of loneliness:
Social and Environmental Factors
- Being bullied or marginalized
- Financial insecurity
- Being an unpaid carer
- Lack of access to affordable, reliable, and appropriate transport
Personal Factors
- Living with reduced mobility
- Managing a long-term health condition
Life Events
Major life events can also increase the likelihood of feeling lonely. Some examples include:
- Relationship break-up
- Moving away from home
- Starting a new job
- Facing bereavement
- Becoming a new parent
- Retirement
- Experiencing a disaster
Loneliness is all about how you feel.
This means, if you feel that you are lonely, you are lonely.
Health effects of loneliness
Loneliness is one of the biggest health challenges we face. Research shows that frequent, intense, or persistent loneliness is harmful to our physical and mental health.
Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of (1)…
heart disease & stroke
diabetes
immune problems
poor mental health
cognitive decline & dementia
Importantly, people who are lonely are less physically active, sleep well less, and take more medication, which further contributes to poor health and wellbeing.
Is there a difference between loneliness, mental health disorders and depression?
It is important to know that loneliness isn’t a mental health disorder. Loneliness isn’t the same as depression either. If left unchecked, loneliness can start to affect our mental health but it’s important to know that first and foremost, it’s a normal and natural feeling.
IMPROVING SOCIALLY CONNECTEDNESS IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Good news is that there are things that you can do to reduce loneliness.
People with better social connections experience many benefits including less stress, feeling valued and having longer, happier lives (3).
Recognising and acknowledging that you are feeling lonely is the first step to making change. But you don’t need to do it alone.
A life less lonely – now that’s good medicine
Talk to your pharmacist today
How can I respond to my feelings of loneliness?(4)
It is not always easy to respond to your feelings of loneliness. It’s normal to feel uneasy or anxious about it. Sharing your feelings can make loneliness visible to others, allowing more meaningful connections.
Three main steps can help you feel more in control(5).
1. Acknowledge
Acknowledge and recognise your loneliness, knowing that it is a normal and common human experience. There is no need to be embarrassed, remember social connection is a basic human need for people of all ages.
2. Assess
Everyone has different needs when it comes to social contact.
Here’s are some tips to help you assess yours:
- Understand Your Preferences: Some people thrive with a busy social schedule, while others prefer one-on-one interactions and find large groups overwhelming.
- Assess Your Current Connections: Think about which relationships are fulfilling and which are not. This will help you understand what types of social contact suit you best.
3. Act
Think of ways you can get enough social connection to suit your needs.
- Prioritise Quality Connections: Focus on high-quality and rewarding social relationships but stay open to new connections, even through casual interactions with acquaintances and strangers.
- Engage in Regular Interaction: Nurture Your Community: Make sure you spend enough time engaging with your day-to-day community. Regular and frequent social interactions are essential for maintaining a sense of connection and well-being.
- Take Small Steps to Improve Connections: A simple check-in with a friend can benefit both you and them. Small acts of kindness and communication can make a big difference in building stronger connections.
- Be proactive and try different ways to connect – get involved in different activities that interest you. This may be a hobby or a volunteer position.
- Use Technology Wisely:
- Social Media Balance: Social media can be a valuable tool for connecting with family and friends who share your interests. However, it’s important to balance online interactions with face-to-face, in-person connections.
- Focus on Meaningful Interactions: Be mindful of how social media impacts your self-esteem and strive to engage in meaningful, real-life interactions that provide deeper and more fulfilling connections.
- Set small goals to connect and be persistent – it takes time to invest and develop meaningful connections
When to see the doctor
If loneliness is interfering with your life, it’s important to see your doctor or another health professional such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
If you have thoughts about suicide, seek immediate help.
You can call:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
There are also several Australian mental health services you can reach out to for support if you are concerned about yourself, or someone else.
Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au
Headspace: headspace.org.au