- Anger, sometimes people can feel embarrased about feeling lonely and this can result in them becoming angry with people who are trying to help.
- Being alone, in itself being alone is not an indicator of loneliness, many people are happy being alone, but combined with other factors it may indicate loneliness.
- Being unproductive, a 2011 study of loneliness in the workplace found that workers who reported feeling lonely were less effective and productive.
- Being overly attached to possessions or hobbies, someone who is lonely can be more attached to the things around them as they provide some of the comfort that is missing in their life.
- Changes in appetite, being uninterested in food, or overeating and comfort eating can both be a sign of loneliness.
- Changes in sleep, sleeping too much or not getting enough quality sleep can both be a sign of loneliness
- Focussing on the negatives, habitually focussing on the negative things or problems can be a sign of loneliness
- Frequent illnesses, being lonely puts a strain on our immune system, that combined with other unhealthy behaviours, such as poor sleep or not eating heathy can lead to being ill more often that someone who isn’t lonely.
- Increased buying habits, comfort buying or buying things because they are bored can be a sign of loneliness
- Increased internet use, although using the internet can be helpful for maintaining relationships, if it is the only way of doing so it can actually increase loneliness.
- Taking more hot baths, being in a hot bath can be a substitute for physical comfort, so if someone if taking more than usual or is taking hot baths in warm weather it might be a sign they are lonely.
- Withdrawing, people who feel lonely often withdraw themselves even further because of feelings of being left out or insecurity. They often feel it’s better to choose to be on your own than feel on the outside looking in.