Loneliness Awareness Week - Expert shares tips to help someone experiencing loneliness

Loneliness Awareness Week (12-18 June) is an initiative by the Marmalade Trust, which aims to raise awareness of loneliness across the UK and beyond.

According to research, 85% of UK adults have experienced loneliness within the last 12 months.

To mark this important week, the experts at leading online training provider High Speed Training have shared some tips on how to identify the problem and help someone experiencing loneliness.

Loneliness refers to the state of being alone or the perception of being alone and isolated. This can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. 

Ellie Collier, Health and Social Care Learning and Development Manager, at High Speed Training said: “Loneliness has many different causes that vary from person to person. For some people, it may be a life event that has made them feel lonely, whilst others may feel lonely at certain times of the year. It is important to note that feelings of loneliness can change over time and depending on the circumstances.”

Some common causes of loneliness include:

• Ill Health

• Changing job, school or working from home

• Living alone

• Family or relationship issues

• Issues around self-esteem

• Mental health issues

• Age - older people can be at particular risk of loneliness

• Bereavement

• Discrimination

Loneliness can lead to a myriad of health problems, especially if it is undetected. Problems can include depression, a loss of appetite, insomnia or the development of unhealthy habits. 

What are the Symptoms of Loneliness?

Some feelings you might have when lonely include feeling like nobody needs or wants you and feeling like you don’t have any meaningful relationships. Other symptoms of loneliness include:

• Feeling tired or lacking energy

• Feeling tired or lacking energy.

• Increased stress levels.

• Feelings of anxiety or restlessness.

• Spending a lot of time on social media.

• Gaining weight or experiencing a decrease in appetite.

• Feeling run down or experiencing frequent illness.

• An inability to focus.

• Insomnia or interrupted sleep.

• Feelings of self-doubt, hopelessness or worthlessness.

Ellie continued: “Everyone feels lonely at some point in their life. While this doesn’t make the feelings any better, it is reassuring to know that others feel the same and are experiencing similar things. There are lots of things that you can do to help someone who is experiencing loneliness.

“Reach out. Simply being there for them, and letting them know you are there and that you care, can be very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they’re feeling - having someone willing to listen can be a great comfort.

“You could try offering to attend a new club or try volunteering with them. These are great ways to meet new people while pursuing a hobby or helping a cause you believe in. Often charities and local organisations are in need of more volunteers, and it can lead to feelings of gratitude and provide a sense of real purpose knowing you’re helping others.”

“It’s important to be patient: when someone is lonely, particularly if their loneliness is associated with poor mental or physical health, they may be irritable or feel misunderstood. Patience and gentle reassurance can go a long way in helping them and showing you care.”

For more information on how to help someone with loneliness, please visit the High Speed Training Hub.