Loneliness: Causes, impact on health, and seeking help (original) (raw)

People may experience loneliness at times, but long-term or severe loneliness may negatively affect health and well-being. Loneliness can affect people of all ages. Seeking support and connection may help resolve feelings of loneliness.

People may feel lonely when around others, when alone, or in certain situations.

This article examines loneliness types and causes, as well as how to seek help.

People may experience emotional distress if their inherent companionship and intimacy needs are not met.

Loneliness may occur if people feel a gap between the quantity or quality of relationships they desire and their actual social connections.

Some psychologists view loneliness as part of the human condition that, although painful, may also offer renewal and increased self-awareness.

How is loneliness different from being alone or in solitude?

Solitude is the physical state of being alone, while loneliness is a perceived state of being alone that causes emotional discomfort or distress.

Being alone does not necessarily correlate to loneliness. Some people may feel content in their own company, while some may feel lonely even when around others.

In a 2021 study, researchers gathered information on experiences of solitude in 2,035 people ranging from adolescents to older adults. Participants reported positive experiences relating to solitude, including self-connection, reduced pressure, and peaceful feelings.

A 2019 study suggests that a person’s motivation for solitude may determine whether they feel positive or negative emotions from being alone.

Choosing solitude to enjoy activities alone may be beneficial, whereas choosing solitude to avoid spending time with other people may be a negative experience.

If people are experiencing loneliness, they may feel:

Physical symptoms may include changes in:

Loneliness can affect people of any age but may peak in adolescence, early adulthood, and older age.

Causes of loneliness in younger adults may include:

Some researchers suggest that social media use, which may replace face-to-face contact, may contribute to loneliness. Others suggest that social media may allow people to form new relationships or connect with people they already know.

In older adults, loneliness may be due to social isolation, which may result from:

Certain life events may make people feel lonely, such as:

According to a 2021 Dutch study, risk factors for loneliness in people of various ages include:

According to a 2021 multi-country study, the prevalence of severe loneliness was 6% before the COVID-19 pandemic and 21% during the pandemic.

The aftereffects of the pandemic may leave people feeling a mix of emotions, and the pandemic’s long-term impact on mental health may contribute to loneliness.

The pandemic may have led to experiences such as loss of control, loss of employment, or grief. It is important that people validate these feelings rather than feel shame for the emotions they may be experiencing.

Tips for coping with loneliness include:

Tips for feeling connected and preventing loneliness include:

The American Medical Association suggests that people consult a healthcare professional if they are feeling lonely, sad, or anxious more days than not.

People can reach out to someone they trust or talk with a doctor or counselor.

How can a person help if they think someone might be lonely?

If a person thinks someone might be lonely, ways to help include:

Loneliness is a perceived state of being alone that causes emotional unease or distress.

Chronic loneliness may lead to mental and physical health issues. Connecting with others and practicing self-care may help. People can seek help for loneliness by talking with a healthcare professional.