Alone, but not OK: The Devastating Impact of Loneliness on Mental Health

What is Loneliness?

Loneliness is defined as an unpleasant feeling of wanting to be with others, but not having this desire fulfilled. It can be triggered by a number of factors--the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or home, or simply moving away from your friends and family. But we shouldn't assume that loneliness only affects older people: while some studies have found that it's more common among seniors than younger people (one study found that 25% of adults over age 65 reported feeling lonely), other research suggests that young adults may experience similar levels of isolation. Loneliness has been linked to poor health outcomes across all ages--and even short-term bouts can have lasting effects on mental health.

The Impact of Loneliness on Mental Health

Loneliness has been linked to depression, anxiety and substance abuse. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that people who reported feeling lonely were more likely than others to report symptoms of depression. Another study found that loneliness can lead to increased risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes; those who reported feeling lonely were more likely than others to have high blood pressure or be obese.

Coping with Loneliness

The first step to dealing with loneliness is to acknowledge that you're feeling it. Loneliness is often confused with solitude and can be hard to identify as a problem because it's so common--more than half of Americans report feeling lonely at least once a week. If you're experiencing feelings of isolation, try these strategies:

Reach out to friends and family members. Share your feelings with those around you who care about you, even if they don't seem like the most obvious choice (like your boss). You may find that they have some great advice or resources for getting help in dealing with your situation.
Join an online support group or forum like the one we have here on Gentle Mind, where people are discussing similar issues as yours; this can help give voice to what might otherwise feel like an isolating experience by letting others know they're not alone in their struggles!

Building Resilience to Loneliness

If you're feeling lonely, it's important to reach out and build relationships. If you don't have a strong social network already, consider joining an activity group or starting a new hobby. You could also try volunteering at a local charity or organization--many people find that helping others makes them feel better about themselves and helps them meet new people. If you're feeling depressed or anxious because of loneliness, take some time for self-care: go for walks outside in nature; meditate; do yoga; listen to music that makes you happy; read books by authors who make you feel understood (or write one yourself).

The Benefits of Social Connection

Social connection is a powerful force. There are many benefits to having close relationships and connections with others, including:

Improving physical health: People who have strong social ties have lower rates of heart disease, stroke and cancer than those who don't.
Reducing stress: Having someone who can listen to us when we're upset or help us through tough times can make all the difference in how we cope with life's challenges.
Increasing happiness: People who feel supported by family members, friends and neighbors report higher levels of satisfaction with their lives than those who don't have these types of relationships

Tips for Connecting with Others

Reaching out to family and friends.
Joining clubs and organizations.
Volunteering your time, if you can, at a local shelter or food bank.

The Role of Technology in Connecting with Others

You may be surprised to learn that technology can actually help you feel more connected with others. A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that people who used video chat with family members had lower levels of loneliness than those who didn't use video chat. The same goes for social media: A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people who used Facebook frequently were less likely to report feeling lonely than those who didn't use it at all, or only occasionally did so.

Supporting Loved Ones Struggling with Loneliness

If you're worried about the health of a loved one, here are some ways to help:

Listen without judgement. It's easy to get frustrated when someone you care about is struggling with something that seems so obvious and simple. But remember that loneliness can be hard on the brain--it affects how we think and feel about ourselves, which can make it difficult for us to see things clearly or take action on our own behalf. So instead of trying to fix their problem right away, let them know that you're there for them when they need support.
Show understanding and empathy by asking questions like "How did this happen?" or "What was going through your mind?" This will help them realize that they're not alone in feeling this way--and being able to talk through those feelings may give them new insight into where their problems lie (and how they might solve them). You might even suggest specific strategies based on what worked well for other people who were dealing with similar issues!

Final Thoughts

Loneliness is a serious and often overlooked problem in our society. It's important to recognize the impact of loneliness on mental health, and seek help when needed. Loneliness is not just about being alone; it's about feeling disconnected from others. It has significant consequences for our physical and mental health, as well as for our relationships with friends, family members, coworkers and even strangers we meet on the street or in public places like grocery stores or parks. When you feel lonely:

Don't ignore your feelings--talk to someone about them! If you can't talk with someone close to you (like a friend), consider talking with someone else who might be able to help--such as a teacher or counselor at school; doctor; religious leader; therapist/psychologist