At some time in your life you may feel lonely or isolated from other people and even the world around you. These feelings are normal, but there are many things that we can do to overcome these feeling of Loneliness or Isolation

Some people can even feel lonely or isolated even when other people are around them.

This may come from what is happening in your life, especially if you’ve experienced some major changes. These include:

• Living alone or not having close family around you

• Loss of a a friend, a spouse or your partner

• Major Changes in your life eg: retiring from work, changing schools or jobs, or being unemployed. Other changes can be living away from home for the first time, going through a separation, divorce or even a family break up

• being away from your culture of origin

 

Other reasons to feel lonely or isolated include:

• feeling worried or stressed

• being bullied

• feeling unsure about your sexuality

• having a mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety

• having a physical disability

 

How can loneliness and isolation affect my health?

Feeling connected to others is important for both our mental and physical wellbeing and can protect against things like anxiety and depression. If you feel alone or socially isolated for a period of time, you might experience physical and/or mental problems or do things that are bad for you.

• Physical symptoms — Headaches, feeling ill, pains, feeling tired or lacking any motivation to do anything.

• Mental health conditions — such as depression, feeling anxious, having panic attacks or feeling paranoid.

• Low energy — feeling tired or even not motivated to do anything

• Sleep problems — not being able to get to sleep, stay asleep or even waking up a lot during the night

• Diet problems — such as putting on weight, losing weight or even losing your appetite.

• Negative feelings — feeling of worthless or hopeless and/or thinking about harming yourself

• Substance abuse — such as drinking a lot of alcohol, misusing your prescribed medication or even taking drugs 

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What things can you do to help overcome loneliness and isolation and generally improve your life.

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Connecting with family and friends

When you’re feeling lonely, it can be challenging to connect with others but that’s just what you need to do. It can help you feel better and it’s likely they will also appreciate a call, text or even an email from you.

 

Connecting with communities online or in person

You might like to join a club, organisation or online community. There are many opportunities, such as volunteering at a local charity, joining a walking or sporting club, or joining an online community for your special interest. This will help you to create and maintain meaningful friendships.

 

Getting out of the house and being active

Exercise is very important for improving mental health. Research has shown that regular physical activity can prevent depression. 

Going Shopping, meeting a friend for Walk and/or Coffee is a good way to get exercise. Your Pets can also improve your physical and mental health. Pets can provide companionship and love. If you have a cat or dog going out into the yard to play with them as they also need exercise and physical activity can help when you’re feeling low.

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Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 

Lifeline 13 11 14 

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