We all feel lonely sometimes, usually when we’re not getting the kind of social contact we need. This can just be part of normal life, but it can be a problem if you experience loneliness too often.
Loneliness can be sparked by life events, including:
- Relationship break-up
- Grief or loss
- Changing jobs
- Problems at work
- Working from home
- Moving to a new area
- Retirement
But sometimes there is no obvious trigger for feeling lonely.
There is no ‘correct’ amount of social contact, but most of us know if we’re not getting enough.
You might enjoy a busy social life, but still get lonely if you don’t feel understood or appreciated by the people around you.
Loneliness might be a problem at work, if you feel isolated, excluded or not part of the team.
A survey led by the BBC* found that young people (16-24) had reported the highest rate of loneliness.
Here are six positive steps you can take:
- Talk to someone about your feelings
- Reach out to family and friends, even just for a quick catch up
- Visit places where you can be near other people, such as a park or café
- Do activities, games, tours or lessons to build new hobbies.
- Help somebody else by volunteering
- Consider peer support groups or services (face-to-face or online)
It can be hard to bond with colleagues when working from home. Try to get to know them as individuals and have the same kind of chit-chat as in the office.
If you feel lonely while working from home, try going somewhere else occasionally – perhaps a coffee shop or workspace provided by your employer.
If you have flexible working, fit social events into your day. An exercise class or just having lunch with a friend could be a great boost.
