Shining a light on loneliness

Loneliness Awareness Week, taking place from 5 to 11 August, aims to highlight the impact of loneliness and social isolation on mental health and encourage community initiatives to foster connection and support.

Loneliness is more than just an emotional experience; it has profound implications for physical and mental health. Prolonged loneliness can increase the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, isolated people may experience decreased immune function and a higher likelihood of premature death.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s Mental Health Clinical Lead Edwina Scerri said it was important to recognise and address loneliness as a significant public health issue.

‘Loneliness can affect anyone at any stage of life,’ Ms Scerri said.

‘It’s crucial we break the stigma surrounding feeling lonely and create supportive environments where people feel connected and valued.

‘During Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone to reach out to people who might be feeling isolated. If you’re feeling lonely, please get in touch with a member of your family, a coworker or a friend, even if it’s just a text to say hello. It’ll help you feel better, and you never know, they might have been feeling the same way.’

According to healthdirect, loneliness and social isolation are often linked but are distinct experiences. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated, while social isolation refers to having few social contacts or interactions. Both can have severe health impacts, including increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide, as well as higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, weakened immune system, and cognitive decline. Behaviourally, people experiencing loneliness may also have a higher risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviours such as substance abuse.

Ms Scerri said staying connected with the people around you helps everyone.

‘Just simple things like checking in on your neighbours, getting in touch with a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or volunteering with local organisations; these small acts of kindness can have a significant impact, for both you and the people you’re connecting with.

‘We can use this week as an opportunity to connect with each other and help create communities where we all feel included and supported.’

For more information on Loneliness Awareness Week and how to get involved, please visit lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au