Loneliness - How to make a change

It’s crucial to take action against loneliness, which can have a negative impact on health. It has been widely reported that the impact of loneliness and isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It has also been linked to depression, sleep problems, high blood pressure, psychological stress and mental health problems.

For people who are feeling lonely, mental health charity Mind recommends trying a class or group which focuses on a hobby in which you’re interested. This can help connect you with like-minded people. 

There are also a host of new apps designed to help people find friends –particularly useful for those moving to new cities. Tinder Social, for example, does what it says on the tin - it’s like Tinder but instead of finding love, you find friendship; the same can be said for Bumble BFF; while apps like Atleto help you meet people with whom you can play sports. Exercise and social interaction seem like a pretty great team for fighting isolation.

Online communities can also provide some immediate relief from feelings of isolation: Elefriends is a supportive online community run by Mind, while Empty Closets is a community for the LGBT+ community. On Meetup.com, you can find groups of people who share similar interests or aspirations. 

If you think a loved one is lonely, you may well spot the signs before they’re able to talk about it – or even recognise their loneliness. It can be hard to know how to help. But for Richard Kramer, deputy CEO at disability charity Sense, the answer is pretty simple: talk. “Strike up a conversation and discover the shared interests that are often the key to friendship,” he suggests. Even a 10-minute phone call can make a huge difference.

Source: The Huff Post