Loneliness can affect anyone’s emotional well-being and physical health, and it can take different forms among different groups of people. Chronic loneliness or isolation can be debilitating to mental and physical health, and it is an enduring phenomenon that can exacerbate mortality risk and morbidity of other disorders thereby affecting Mental health.

Clinical psychologist Dr Michelle Lim, a leading scientific expert on loneliness and social isolation, emphasizes the importance of workplace interactions and connectedness in reducing loneliness among employees. Lim is also the scientific chairperson of “Ending Loneliness Together”, which a national network of organizations addressing chronic loneliness and provide social support. This phenomenon is often prolonged because of systemic barriers such as living in a poorer neighbourhood, lack of social connection, being unemployed, lack of companionship having a chronic health problem, migration or being less mobile and unable to move around in the community. It is important to note that loneliness can be due to many factors that are not always within our control, and telling people to “just go, socialize and join a group or make a new friend” can be demeaning and create unnecessary pressure on them. People are also likely to conceal loneliness due to low self-esteem and sometimes believing it to be their fault and to avoid getting help, but it is a normal human feeling that signals you need to “do something different about your relationships and lifestyle.”

Research has shown the relationship between Loneliness and health, with a 26% increase in premature death, a 29% increase in the risk of coronary heart disease, and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke. It is also important to know about the link between Loneliness and depression people struggling with loneliness or social isolation are also 17 times more likely to make a suicide attempt. AIA Australia has partnered with Professor Nicholas Epley at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business to run a workplace experiment where workplace interactions were organized for the employees through meeting up daily at a coffee cart. Staff well-being improved over time from such gatherings and the connection, and introverts benefited just as much as extroverts.

Despite living in an era of unprecedented potential for human connection, technology estimates from various studies are that 40% of adults over the age of 65 will experience loneliness. The 2010 U.S. Census found that 27% of households in America are single-person households, outnumbering all other types of groups. Of course, not all those who live alone are lonely, and not all people who are lonely live alone. Whether you are lonely is not determined by the number of your relationships or associates but by their subjective quality and positive involvement in your life. You might live with a spouse, or family or spend your days surrounded by colleagues and friends and yet feel extremely withdrawn from others, disconnected, empty, and unwanted.

Loneliness can affect individuals of all ages from older adults to college students, but some age groups may be more vulnerable to experiencing loneliness than others. Older adults are often more prone to loneliness due to factors such as social isolation, loss of loved ones, separation from close ones, retirement, and declining health. Young adults, college students and adolescents may also experience loneliness due to factors such as social media addiction, lack of social skills, mental illness, migration to a different country and difficulties forming and maintaining relationships. However, it’s important to note that anyone can experience loneliness or Long for connection regardless of age.

Loneliness is often the result of life events such as divorce, separation, death of a partner, starting college or a new job, enlisting in the military or services, migration to a new state or country, or losing close friends to illness and death. But loneliness can also develop gradually. You might feel alone and lonely if you lose one close friend to a move, another to the demands of parenthood, and another to the demands of their job or business. You fall gradually into loneliness, and before you know it, you feel alienated and estranged, your social life grinds to a halt, and you spend most of your weekends alone and separated from others. Sometimes anxiety and depression might cause you to withdraw and isolate yourself from others.

1. It is essential to recognize the potential physical and mental health risks associated with loneliness and to understand that there is no single solution that works for everyone. Workplace interactions and connectedness can be effective in reducing loneliness among employees, and employers have a responsibility to foster an environment that promotes social interactions and gatherings. It is important to have an open dialogue about loneliness and to create safe spaces where people can share their experiences without feeling stigmatized or judged. “Ending Loneliness Together” is an association that aims to eliminate the phenomenon of the Loneliness epidemic and focuses on addressing the systemic barriers that can cause loneliness. By recognizing the potential health risks associated with loneliness, we can take steps to combat this pervasive problem and create a more connected and supportive society.

Certainly, here are some strategies to overcome loneliness:

1. Connect with others: Try to reach out to people, whether it is through joining a social group, participating in a hobby or social activity, volunteering, or simply striking up a conversation with someone new. Even small interactions with people can help you feel less isolated.
2. Use technology to stay connected: The internet and social media can be powerful tools to connect with others, especially during times when face-to-face interaction is limited. Joining online communities or engaging in virtual events can provide a sense of belonging and social support.
3. Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you feel better overall, which can make it easier to connect with others. This can include things like eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and practising relaxation techniques like meditation.
4. Focus on meaningful activities: Engage in activities that bring you a sense of purpose or joy, such as hobbies, creative pursuits, or volunteering. These can help you feel more fulfilled and may provide opportunities to meet others with similar interests.
5. Seek professional help: If loneliness impacts your mental health or quality of life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide support and guidance on managing loneliness and developing strategies to improve your social connections.

Remember, loneliness is a common experience and it’s important to take steps to address it. With time, effort, and support, it’s possible to overcome loneliness and build meaningful connections with others.