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If you need to speak to someone right now, here are some confidential options which provide 24/7 support.  If you're worried you might hurt yourself or someone else, please call 999, or go to your nearest A and E.

Lifeline

For people who are experiencing distress or despair.

0808 808 8000

Childline

Helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.

0800 1111

Samaritans

24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You don't have to be suicidal to call us

116 123
More information on crisis support

9-15th May is Mental Health Awareness Week

Mon, 09 - May - 2022

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022: Loneliness

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme is loneliness and how it can impact on our mental health. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a survey of UK adults showed that 1 in 4 of us had felt lonely in the previous two weeks. Feelings of loneliness were higher in younger people with 38% and 34% of people aged 18-24 and 25-34 reporting that they had felt lonely in the same period.

Feeling lonely from time to time is normal.  We all feel lonely sometimes, even when we're with other people.  But longer-term loneliness and isolation has been shown to contribute to mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. And people who are already living with mental health issues can be even more affected by loneliness; due to stigma and discrimination, or the effects of mental illness making it more difficult to connect with others. 

How to combat feelings of loneliness

It's okay to feel lonely sometimes. You might be feeling that you shouldn't be lonely - but don't feel guilty for having these feelings. 

We've got some suggestions below for how you can combat loneliness. 

 

Take Notice

Sometimes, taking more notice of your surroundings can help you to feel less lonely.   If you're feeling isolated, getting out of the house and even just talking a walk can help you to feel more connected to the world around you. 

We have walking and photography groups in our Downpatrick, Belfast, Newry and Ballyclare services. Although these walks are in groups, why not try getting out and taking your phone with you?   Look for interesting things to photograph - nature, houses, people - and think about how you are part of the world, too. 

Connect

Sometimes we forget that we have people we can turn to.  Or we might want to make new connections. 

  • If you usually text, try sending a voice note or calling someone.  Just hearing a friendly voice can help us to feel less alone.
  • Try volunteering.  It's a great way to meet new people and to learn new skills.  We have lots of volunteering opportunities that you can try. 
  • If you want to find people who share your experiences, there are lots of ways to find peer support.  You can find it in person or online - our guide here might help. 

Look after yourself

It's important to take time to take care of yourself.  Feeling overwhelmed and stressed can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

  • Make sure you get enough sleep.  Lack of sleep - or too much sleep - can be one of the biggest triggers for our mental health. Our information on self care might be helpful. 
  • Do some physical activity.  You don't have to run a marathon but getting moving can help our mental health and reduce feelings of isolation.  If you need support with your physical health, check out our guide here. 
  • Be careful with drugs and alcohol.  Sometimes people drink or take drugs to combat feelings of isolation but too much can make us dependent and have a severe impact on our mood.  Read our guide on drugs and alcohol here. 
  • Self-care is also doing the, "boring" stuff, like taking your medication on time and keeping doctors' appointments.  Find out more about treatment and support here. 

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