Loneliness impacts physical and mental health

Ongoing loneliness can have serious ramifications. It increases the chance of being depressed or anxious about social interactions, and being depressed or anxious can limit social interactions – exacerbating loneliness.

Research has shown how loneliness impacts physical health via poorer sleep, more headache symptoms, increased stomach complaints and more frequent respiratory complaints. The result is often a tendency to withdraw from social interactions – making it more difficult to overcome loneliness.

According to a survey by the APS and Swinburne University in November 2018:

50% of Australians felt lonely one day a week.
27% felt lonely three or more days a week.
33% never or rarely feel part of a group of friends.
20% rarely or never feel close to people, or never feel they have someone to talk to and do not feel they have people they can turn to.

The study found that married Australians were the least lonely compared with those who were single, separated or divorced. No age group was lonelier than other age groups and older adults – over 65 – were significantly less lonely that younger adults.

If you feel lonely on a regular basis, it is important for your physical and mental well-being that you address it. Here are some suggestions to help you.

Tips to reduce loneliness

Prioritise socialising. Do not wait to be invited out. Nor should you hope for arrangements to be made spontaneously on the weekend. Once a week, every week, plan your social activities for the next week and, if possible, for the upcoming month. Commit it to writing and email, text or send out invitations to make it happen. Aim for a minimum of meeting one friend or acquaintance at least once a week.
Find out what community centres there are in your area and avail yourself of what is offered. Local libraries have interesting activities, lectures and reading groups. Attend them and speak to someone when you are there. Find out the name of the librarian or organiser and make a point of having a short chat every time you see them.
If you have a hobby, think about how you can make it a group activity. For instance if you walk, join a walking group once a week. If you paint, find an art class nearby. There are often free meet ups advertised online that you could join.
If you do not have a hobby, it is time to start. Not only are hobbies good for relieving stress but they can be a great way to spend time with people.
Exercise is a good way to be in groups. There are heaps of swimming clubs, gyms, Pilates, yoga – the list is endless. However, make sure to learn people’s names and to catch up . Do not rush off afterwards, make time before and after the exercise to socialise with people.
Improve your social skills. Sometimes we need to learn how to approach others, what is best to say, how to maintain conversation and when to walk away. A good psychologist can help you do this if you are struggling.
Learn to manage your anxiety or depression if it is holding you back. Seek the treatment you need.
If you are single, invest time in finding a mate. Again, a good psychologist can help you to make constructive choices and can identify and work with those social skills that could be refined.
Spend time with family. Even if everyone is busy, having regular contact should be a priority.
Build your self esteem. Poor self esteem is often what holds us back from making good friends or getting close to others.

Tips to help others

I believe loneliness is a social issue and that as a society we need to be more conscious of the needs of others. There are simple things you can do to help.

If you have a member of your family who is single, keep them on your radar. Call them regularly and invite them over. Be compassionate.
If you have a single neighbour, chat to them when you can. Ask about their lives, include them where possible. It will make a huge difference.
Rush less. Walk slower and greet people, check in with them. Ask the “are you OK?”. After gym, a few minutes of your time and interest can improve the mood and feelings of a fellow human being.
Contribute to community projects. Get involved. Meet others and think about how you can include the lonely.
Do not neglect your aging parents or extended family. Call regularly, visit when you can and show interest in their lives.

We have a warm, empathetic and experienced team of Clinical Psychologists, Registered Psychologists and Psychotherapists who can help you in managing loneliness and your mental health. Please contact us or call us now on 02 9328 5899 to book an appointment.

By Renee Mill|2022-07-11T16:03:05+10:00February 8th, 2019|Loneliness|

About the Author: Renee Mill

Renee Mill -- Anxiety Solutions CBT Director, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor and Best Selling Author -- has counseled hundreds of individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. She cares deeply about her clients and has created a warm and safe environment for all thrive. Renee has worked intensely on creating a new technique for dealing with generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, fear of public speaking, performance anxiety and panic attacks. Renee’s other key areas of interest are depression, relationships and couple therapy, self-worth, parenting, resilience and well-being. Renee has published 3 best selling books and lectured in Australia, China, Israel, the United States and South Africa. She is well known on the speaker’s circuit and is often called upon by the media for her professional opinion. To hear Renee’s interviews or read her articles have a look at our Media Section.