Why is loneliness a public health issue?
Loneliness can have significant negative impacts on the physical and mental health of individuals, as well as wider society. Associated with poor health, the effect of loneliness on mortality is comparable to other well-established risk factors, such as, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity (WHO).
Loneliness can affect individuals of all ages, particularly older adults, and is associated with a range of negative health outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
A public health approach to loneliness addresses social and structural factors that increase the risk of loneliness, such as, poverty, inequalities, housing. It facilitates healthy social choices, making it easier to connect with others and increases opportunities for building trust and connections.
Take 5: Steps to managing your mental health
Loneliness is a very personal experience. It is important to understand the causes and triggers for your loneliness.
Here are some steps that may help:
- Connect with others – spend time building and developing your connections, reach out.
- Be active –walk, cycle, garden –find something you enjoy and that works for you.
- Take notice – take notice of how you are feeling and your environment – when you feel lonely -listen and take action.
- Keep learning – try something new: learn a language, learn to paint, learn to dance.
- Give – do something nice for others e.g. volunteer – it may help you and may help others more.
