Tackling Loneliness

Posted by: jackpounder - 

We are all affected by loneliness at times in our lives.

In the UK, one in four adults feel lonely some of the time, often or always. In recent years young people (aged 16 to 29) are more likely to feel lonely than any other age group.

Why do feelings of loneliness happen?

Feelings of loneliness can develop for many different reasons. Sometimes there is no obvious cause and it is just the way we feel. At other times it can be caused by things that happen in life like losing a loved-one perhaps through a bereavement or break up, or because of a lack of close friends or a partner to go out with and share interests with. It can also be a feeling of being with other people but still feeling alone. Life changes like moving away from home, staying at home to look after a new baby, having a long-term health condition or being a full-time carer for someone we live with can also make us socially isolated and lonely.

What can help?

Self-help: If you feel lonely there are lots of things that the NHS and mental health charities (Mind and CALM) suggest you try that might help. Not all of them will suit everyone — different things work for different people.

  • Look after yourself — feeling lonely can affect your wellbeing. Making small changes in day-to-day life can help you feel more able to connect with others. For example try to eat healthily, increase physical activity (walk more, join a local exercise or sports group) or spend more time in nature if you can.
    • The NHS website (www.nhs.uk/live-well) has lots of tips on healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, staying a healthy weight, getting exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.
  • Keep in touch with people – try to have regular chats with friends and family or re-connect with people you used to love spending time with. Talking to someone can help you and might help the person you speak to as well.
  • Join a group to connect with and meet people – look for groups to join in person or on-line that focus on things you like or activities you would like to try.
    • The Living well North Tyneside website has lots of information on activities, events and services for people living in North Tyneside.
  • Do things you enjoy – spend time outdoors in green spaces, exercise or sport, reading and listening to podcasts or radio shows can boost your mood and stop you from focusing on loneliness and improve wellbeing.
  • Learn more about being comfortable in your own company – having lots of friends and contacts in your life doesn’t mean you won’t feel lonely. For many of us, feeling lonely is linked to low self-esteem or self-confidence.
    • The Mind website (www.mind.org.uk) has lots of information on confidence and self-esteem and tips on how to build these at all ages from young to old.
  • Share your feelings – talking to someone you trust can help.
  • Try not to compare yourself to others – some people only share good things that happen to them, especially on social media, so comparing yourself to others can make you feel lonelier. Plus we can never be sure of what someone else is going through.
  • Connect with others or volunteer to help.
    • Have a look at Living well North Tyneside website – this has lots of information on activities, events and services for people living in North Tyneside.

Help from your GP surgery:

All local GP practices have access to social prescribers who can help people by looking at the wider issues that affect health and wellbeing, for example dealing with a long-term condition, feeling lonely or isolated, stressed by work, money, or housing. The aim is to help people get more control over their own health and find ways to improve how they feel in a way that suits them best.

  • Contact your GP surgery directly if you would like to speak to a social prescriber about loneliness or to a GP, mental health specialist or other clinician about your mental health.

Other sources of help include:

For young people:

  • Kooth (www.kooth.com) – an online mental health support service for people aged 10 to 25 years. You have to register online to access this free service.
  • School Nurses – school nurses promote and protect the physical health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people who are school age. Speak to a member of staff in school to find out more.
  • Childline – Children and young people can contact Childline for confidential advice and support. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and children can also get support and advice on the Childline website (www.childline.org.uk).
  • Discover me: the recovery college for young people –  For young people aged 16 to 25 years living in North Tyneside. Join in activities and workshops such as arts and crafts, music, gaming, sports and more.

For adults:

  • Qwell (www.qwell.io) – A free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing community for adults aged 18 years old and older.
  • AgeUK North Tyneside – for people over the age of 50.
    • Social groups — stay connected with an Age UK North Tyneside Health & Wellness social group. To find out more about Art Socials, Wellbeing Walks, Book Club, Ladies who Lunch or Dementia Activities, please call 0191 280 8484 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.
    • Physical activities  — keep active with an Age UK North Tyneside Health & Wellness exercise class. To find out more about walking football, low impact dance, keep fit or strength and balance classes, please call 0191 280 8484 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.
    • More information is available on the Age UK North Tyneside website (www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside/).
  • Silverline – for people over age 55.
    • Silverline is a free 24-hour confidential telephone helpline offering information, friendship and advice to people over 55. You can contact Silverline by telephone on 0800 470 8090 or visit the Silverline website (www.thesilverline.org.uk).
  • North Tyneside Talking Therapies – for age 18+ years. Talking therapies is a free service that can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression. You can contact them directly.

General resources to support mental wellbeing:

  • NHS Every mind matters (www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/loneliness) – this NHS website explains ways to manage loneliness and has links to more support if you or someone else needs it.
  • Mind (www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness) – the Mind website has lots of information on dealing with loneliness and offers tips and advice on coping with these feelings.
  • NHS Mental Health self-help guides (www.selfhelp.cntw.nhs.uk)- a wide range of mental health topics from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
  • NHS Live Well (www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing) – NHS information on 5 steps to improve mental health and wellbeing.

In an emergency or if you need help urgently for your mental health:

  • If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now.
  • If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency:
  • TALKING SAVES LIVES – there is ALWAYS someone to listen. Other sources of help include:
    • MIND – helpline. Telephone: 0300 123 3393. Website: mind.org.uk
    • CALMER– 24/7 text service. Text: CALMER to 85258. Website: giveusashout.org
    • Samaritans – 24/7 helpline. Telephone: 116 123. Website: samaritans.org
    • CALM – helpline. Telephone: 0800 58 58 58. Website: thecalmzone.net
    • Papyrus – under 35s helpline. Telephone: 0800 068 4141. Website: www.papyrus-uk.org