22 December 2024

Loneliness

The Christmas and New Year festive season can be a joyous time for most, celebrated with friends and loved ones. However, many people can be gripped by stress, anxiety and loneliness.

Social isolation can happen as people get older, lose touch with their family, death of loved ones, leaving work or through disability or illness.

Whatever the reason, feeling alone and vulnerable can lead to mental health problems and wellbeing.

Watch our animation for tips on beating loneliness this winter.

Some tips that may help are:

• Go at your own pace, if you’re interested in joining a new class, ask if you can observe before taking part. You may also make new some new friends
• Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s easy to look at other people and compare their life to yours, especially with social media. It can help to be aware that things are not always as they seem and it’s important to remind yourself you don’t know how people feel when they’re online or when they’re not on social media
• Speaking to friends or family over the phone or computer is a great way to stay in touch. Social media allows you to connect with loved ones through pictures or messages or reconnect with old friends
• Plan the week ahead and organise things to look forward to. Some ideas include going to the library, the cinema or going for coffee

The Christmas and New Year festive season can be a joyous time for most, celebrated with friends and loved ones. However, many people can be gripped by stress, anxiety and loneliness.

Causes of loneliness

Loneliness has many different causes and it can affect people of all ages.

It's often linked with things that could prevent you spending time with other people, such as:

• living or working alone
• retirement
• illness or disability
• bereavement (losing someone or something)
• moving to a new area, job, school or university
• social anxiety (social phobia)

However, you do not have to be on your own all the time to feel lonely. Many people feel lonely in a relationship or while spending time with friends or family.

Other significant life events such as buying a house, having a baby or planning a wedding could also lead to feelings of loneliness.

You might find it hard to explain to people why you feel this way, but talking to someone could help you find a solution.

Social isolation can happen as people get older, lose touch with their family, death of loved ones, leaving work or through disability or illness.

Whatever the reason, feeling alone and vulnerable can lead to mental health problems and wellbeing.

If you need further support visit our Help Us To Help You section.