Feeling Lonely

Feeling lonely and mental wellbeing

We can all feel lonely at times. Everyone’s experience will be different; some people feel lonely in a crowd of people. Loneliness can be described as a feeling of sadness and emptiness that leaves us feeling alone and isolated. Feeling lonely can affect people of all ages from the younger to the elder generation.

Having positive social connections is important for our mental health. We all vary in how much we seek out, and enjoy, the company of others. But basically as humans we all need to have positive interactions with other people.

There are many causes for feeling lonely such as

• Breakdown in a relationship
• A new baby
• Bereavement
• Looking after someone, having a caring role
• Retirement/Loss of work and the social connections we make while in work
• Moving to a new home/area where we don’t know anyone
• Certain times of year, such as Christmas

Whilst loneliness isn’t a mental health problem it can affect your mental health and wellbeing.

Self-help advice

• You may find it helpful to get involved in activities going on in your local area. Become connected with your local community. Find out what’s going on in your area by visiting our ‘in your area’ page.
• Take a look at our self-help resources below for ideas on how to become and feel more connected.
• There is a free befriending service just for people who live in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area. Frindi I Mi (or Friend of mine) has been developed to make sure that anyone who feels lonely or isolated are supported to reconnect with their communities. See our self-help resources below for more information.
• You may want to try volunteering – for local volunteering opportunities contact GAVO or if you live in Torfaen – Volunteering TVA.
• There are simple things we can all do to help look after our mental health. For example, some people find connecting with others really helpful when they are feeling lonely. Visit our ‘looking after yourself’ section for more information and advice.
• You don’t need to experiences these feelings alone. Contact a friend or relative, or speak to someone on a charity helpline, see below.
• Sometimes you just need to hear a voice at the end of the phone. There are many charities which run helplines, some are for specific groups such as the free confidential helpline for older people, like The Silver Line. See our helplines section below.
• If you or someone you know need urgent help – go to our ‘urgent help’ page immediately.