Whilst our mental health is something we're always trying to take care of, sadly between busy social lives and even busier work schedules, our wellbeing is often put on the proverbial back-burner. But tackling feelings of loneliness is key for improving our health and happiness.
Just this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a new commission to address loneliness, citing a number of serious consequences that social isolation can cause.
"High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and well-being. People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more," explained WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, introducing the initiative.
Lack of social connection carries an equivalent, or greater, risk of early death as other factors, such as smoking, excessive drinking, and air pollution, according to WHO. So, tackling loneliness is a serious business – and one that's not necessarily made easier by how "connected" social media might make some of us feel.
In fact, experts have even suggested that being plugged into socials can actually increase the feeling of being lonely. And ironically, none of us are alone in feeling lonely either: in a survey that Cosmopolitan UK conducted over on Instagram, 84% of readers said 'yes' when asked if they ever feel lonely, with a further 86% adding that loneliness has a negative impact on their mental health. Over on Snapchat, the number of people feeling lonely was even higher, with 94% of responders saying they've experienced loneliness and a further 90% admitting that this negatively impacts their mental health.
As part of our online survey, we also asked readers how they combat loneliness. From listening to podcasts to phoning a friend, we've rounded up some of the most popular ways that you can deal with loneliness. But, it's important to remember that if loneliness is significantly impacting your mental health and your ability to go about your day-to-day life, then speak to your GP who'll be able to talk you through the possible treatments.
As well as sharing ways to help combat loneliness, it's important we all help to remove the stigma that surrounds talking about loneliness – something which 61% of readers who responded to our survey (both on Instagram and Snapchat) said they would be embarrassed or ashamed to admit to feeling. With that in mind, we'd encourage you to be open with those around you – or reach out to a mental health charity, like Mind or Samaritans – if you're suffering with your mental health. As one reader said: "Be honest about it! Talk to your pals, chances are they get lonely too."
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
2023-11-17T12:16:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd