Battling loneliness, together

Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week. And this year, the focus was around loneliness.

Loneliness is becoming its own epidemic. And research has found that it can be damaging for both our physical and mental health. So damaging that it can actually be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day*.

While the awareness week has been and gone, it’s important to keep it up and tackle loneliness throughout the year, not just for a week. And if we look out for each other, we can all help to battle loneliness, together.

First, here’s a few ways to help others feel less lonely:

· If you know someone lives on their own, or is going through a hard time, get in touch with them regularly. Take the pressure off by just sending them a message to say you’re thinking of them, rather than always asking questions.

· Let people know you’re there if they need. There’s an old adage which says, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. And it really does help to talk to people. Remind people of this fact and know that you’re a trustworthy person to confide in.

· Make people feel included. Always invite people to events, even if they have a habit of cancelling. It’ll really mean something to them just to get the invitation.

· If you’ve got an introverted friend, don’t forget that this doesn’t always mean that they don’t want to socialise, just that they might find some social events a bit overwhelming. So, instead of a night out, why not suggest a night in with face masks, pizza, and She’s the Man.

Please get in touch with us if you have any other ideas on how to deal with loneliness. We’d love to hear from you 😊

Much love, Lucy & Nicky xxx

*https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-facts-on-loneliness/