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How to combat loneliness this mental health awareness week

Kaya Cheshire

It's mental health awareness week in the UK, and the theme is loneliness. I'm sure that it's something that we have all struggled with from time to time, but there are studies out there that show that dealing with loneliness for a prolonged period can impact our mental health (I feel like saying, 'no shit Sherlock' here!)

As someone who struggles with their mental health daily, I have found that it too leaves me feeling lonely and alone (even though I am fortunate to be surrounded by people that love and care for me); it can still be very isolating.

However, I remember the first time I spoke to a new friend about my anxiety, and she knew exactly what I was experiencing because she also struggled with anxiety. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head. All of a sudden, I didn't feel so alone. It can be hard to find someone who 'gets' what you're going through, but I urge you to keep trying to talk to someone that can help share that situation. How does the saying go, a problem shared is a problem halved?

Isolating yourself and spending time on your own is much more prevalent since COVID when it was primarily mandated. For example, from 2020 to 2021, there was a 2% increase in UK adults feeling lonely all or most of the time. There's still a stigma around being lonely, though, despite its prevalence.

So what can we do about it?

Here are five tips to help you if you're feeling a little bit lonely:

  1. Write a list of absolutely everything that 'fills up your cup' and try to do something from that list every day. It doesn't have to be something big; it could be doing a jigsaw, chatting to a friend, listening to some music, and dancing around your bedroom.

  2. Move your body. You might not feel like it, but I promise it will help. It doesn't have to be a session at the gym (although I know the StrongHer team would love to see you). It could be getting out for a walk, doing 10 minutes of stretching, or something to get you out of your current state.

  3. Find your tribe. It can be challenging. I know from experience making new friends at 37 years old is haaaard. Look at events in your local area and see if anything's happening that you could get involved with.

  4. Try something new, whether finding a book club, taking a fitness course, or improving your running technique. That focus will help alleviate some loneliness and give you something to look forward to.

  5. Challenge yourself to talk to more people every day. Whether that's a 'hello' to someone you walk past in the street (I know in London, that's not the done thing) or striking up a conversation with a partner in a gym class, having that interaction with others can make SUCH a difference (we are pack animals after all)

Here’s some extra links that you might find useful: