Loneliness can affect anyone, at any time in their life. It is subjective and what feels lonely for one person might be perfectly ok with another. Social Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness but is in itself the state of being distanced or isolated from other people. This can be through geography, illness or something enforced on us, as was experienced recently by many because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some people like or have chosen to be isolated and it is possible to be isolated and still have many great friendships, which prevent you from becoming lonely. Some people, however, struggle with isolation, and this is why support is needed to help those people.
How do I know I’m lonely?
Take a look at our checklist of the main signs and symptoms of feeling lonely or isolated.
- 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 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, i.e. being uninterested in food, or overeating and comfort eating.
- Changes in sleep, i.e. either sleeping too much or not getting enough quality sleep.
- Focussing on the negatives i.e. habitually focussing on the negative things.
- Increased buying habits i.e. comfort buying or buying things because the person is bored.
- Withdrawing from people because of feelings of being left out.
Facts and figures on loneliness
- Half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all
- 14% of older men experienced moderate to high social isolation compared to 11% of women
- In total, 45% of adults [all ages] feel lonely sometimes in England. This equates to twenty-five million people (almost half of the population of the UK).
- A survey by Action for Children found that 43% of 17 – 25 year olds who used their service had experienced problems with loneliness, and that of this same group less than half said they felt loved.
- Action for Children have also reported 24% of parents surveyed said they were always or often lonely.
- Research by Sense has shown that up to 50% of disabled people will be lonely on any given day.
Advice and support
- If you feel you need help to access support and advice please visit five ways to wellbeing.