Loneliness

Loneliness isn’t simply about being physically alone.

You can have friends, family, colleagues or people around you every day and still feel disconnected.

Sometimes loneliness follows a major change.

Sometimes it develops gradually.

And sometimes it’s difficult to explain why you feel the way you do.

Whatever the reason, loneliness is nothing to be embarrassed about.

If you feel you may be in immediate danger — Your safety comes first.

WHAT CAN LONELINESS FEEL LIKE?

You might:

  • feel like nobody really knows you
  • feel forgotten or left out
  • spend long periods alone
  • feel disconnected from friends or family
  • withdraw from other people
  • feel uncomfortable in social situations
  • compare yourself with other people
  • feel like you don’t belong
  • want company but struggle to reach out
  • feel lonely even when other people are around

Loneliness can also affect your confidence and mental health.

And the longer you’ve felt isolated, the harder reconnecting can sometimes feel.

WHY AM I LONELY?

There isn’t one type of person who experiences loneliness.

It can happen after:

  • moving somewhere new
  • losing someone
  • a relationship ending
  • friendship changes
  • becoming a parent
  • retirement
  • unemployment
  • illness
  • becoming a carer
  • leaving school, college or university
  • working remotely
  • becoming disconnected from your community

You can also experience loneliness without any obvious change in your circumstances.

START SMALL

If you’ve been isolated for a while, telling yourself to simply “get out and meet people” might feel impossible.

  • Make the first step smaller.
  • Send one message.
  • Speak to someone you already know.
  • Go somewhere familiar where other people will be around.
  • Say yes to one invitation.
  • Spend a little time outside.

Small moments of connection count.

TELL SOMEONE YOU’RE LONELY

Saying “I’ve been feeling lonely” can feel surprisingly difficult.

But loneliness can become harder when nobody knows you’re experiencing it.

You don’t need to make it into a big conversation.

You could simply tell someone:

“I’ve been feeling quite isolated lately. Would you fancy a coffee or a chat?”

DON’T LET SOCIAL MEDIA TELL YOU EVERYONE ELSE HAS IT FIGURED OUT

Social media can make it look as though everyone else has busy friendships, relationships and social lives.

Usually you’re seeing selected moments rather than somebody’s whole life.

If scrolling consistently leaves you feeling worse about yourself, give yourself permission to step away for a while.

WHEN LONELINESS BECOMES HOPELESSNESS

Long-term loneliness can have a serious impact on how you feel.

If you’re beginning to think nobody would notice if you weren’t here, that you’re a burden, or that life isn’t worth living, please tell someone.

Those thoughts deserve support.

WHEN LONELINESS BRINGS SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

If you’re thinking about suicide or feel that you can’t keep going, tell someone.

If you’re in immediate danger, call 999 or 112 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, day or night.

ABOUT PIPS CHARITY

PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity provides compassionate support for people experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts and emotional distress.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch. Tell us what’s happening and we can start there.