FFeelings of loneliness are normal from time to time, everyone experiences it. Usually, loneliness is described as a lack of social contact and relationships. However, everyone experiences loneliness in a different way, some people might be living alone and not have much contact with others; while others might have plenty of social interactions but feel lonely because they feel misunderstood or feel like others do not care about them. Feeling lonely is not an indication of a mental health but loneliness can have significant effects on someone’s mental wellbeing. Additionally, mental health issues can lead to feelings of loneliness. For instance, someone with social phobia, has a difficulty interacting with other people on a daily basis which can lead to the person feeling lonely. Moreover, studies have shown that prolonged feelings of loneliness can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, sleeping problems and high levels of stress.
Causes of loneliness
There are many factors that can cause someone to feel lonely, every person has their own reasons for feeling alone and isolated. Sometimes is difficult to understand what experiences make us feel lonely. Though there are some common factors or life events that can lead people to feeling lonely. Some of them are included below.
Experiencing bereavement
Losing a loved one can be difficult to cope with and usually people that are grieving tend to isolate themselves from any social interaction.
End of a relationship
Breaking up with your partner can be a sad and stressful experience for that can lead someone to distance themselves from their friends and family and spend more time alone.
Retirement
Retirement might be a good experience for some people but for others might mean that they are losing an important part of their social interaction.
Changing jobs
Starting a new job might a positive event but some people might find themselves isolated from their co-workers or experiencing difficulty in creating new connections with them.
Starting university
It has been noticed that people tend to experience feelings of loneliness at the beginning of their university studies. A common reason is having no friends or family with them or having difficulty creating social interactions with others.
Moving to a new city or country
Similar to those starting university, those who move to a new city or country might find themselves alone with no family and friends.
These are only a few reasons that can make someone feel lonely. There are a lot more experiences and life events that can lead to loneliness. However, no matter the reason feeling lonely and isolated can be quite stressful and can have significant effects on our mental wellbeing. For this reason, it is important that we take care of ourselves and try to do things that make us happy and fulfilled.
If you feel lonely and need someone to talk to, support is always available!
Age UK
0800 678 1602
Samaritans
116 123