Are You Being Affected By Loneliness?

Loneliness is a prevalent universal issue. And with the end of the COVID-19 Pandemic hopefully in sight (hello vaccine!), researchers are focusing on the social isolation we’ve all experienced, and how it has affected us. 

A recent review in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found a link between loneliness and an increased risk of mental health issues- particularly in young people. In reference to the Pandemic, Dr. Maria Loades of the University of Bath said that the duration of a loneliness period also contributes to later mental health issues.

So, who’s the most at risk for feelings of loneliness?

The answer: anyone. Although older adults are generally considered to be the most susceptible to loneliness, big life changes- such as, as you can imagine, the lockdown- can cause anyone to feel isolated. It’s also important to remember that even if a person is surrounded by people most of the time (like family, or in a workplace), they can experience loneliness.

According to healthcare provider Cigna, some symptoms of chronic loneliness are:

• Doubtful feelings
• Experiencing feelings of alienation
• Feeling unworthy
• Tiredness when socializing

If you’re experiencing loneliness, we’ve compiled a list of ways that may help to combat it.

(Please note: If you’re experiencing hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed, are abusing drugs/alcohol, and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm, please seek help from your doctor. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you’ll feel better.)

Talk to family/friends
This one may be obvious, but it’s also one of the simplest. Confiding in a trusted friend may not only alleviate your loneliness, but it may also encourage them to confide in you. With support in place, you can begin to feel more grounded and less isolated.

Find your niche
If you’re unsure of where you fit in the world, discovering a new talent may give you a potential common interest with someone else, while raising your self-esteem. Many groups are now meeting via video-call, so take to the internet and see if there’s anything you’d like to take up.

Let’s Get Physical
Exercise and a healthy mind go hand in hand. Many people attribute their good mental health to regular exercise- and they’re not wrong. Getting active releases endorphins (or feel-good hormones), which are proven to boost your mood. With gyms still closed in many areas, you can try these 3 Different Types Of Workouts You Can Pump Out At Home In 30-minutes Or Less.

Centre yourself
Paying attention to how we feel is key to managing mental health. There are times when we feel so overwhelmed that we can’t put our finger on what’s wrong. Mediation, yoga, or journaling are great ways to tune-in to how you’re feeling.

Remember, you are worthy of help and support.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, you can reach out to these organizations for support:

Mind
Mental Health Foundation
Samaritans

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