Leaving loneliness behind

Loneliness can bring on unwelcome feelings of isolation, sadness, and disconnection, and in some cases lead to anxiety or depression. It can be brought on by an absence of meaningful connections, so how do we make sure we keep human interaction alive in our daily lives and help ourselves, family, friends and colleagues feel less isolated?

This topic explains the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, it helps you to understand what the causes, symptoms and effects of loneliness are and how to spot the signs of loneliness in yourself and others. There are links to helpful tips, external support and also a short webinar to help you understand a little more..

You can also download a factsheet and a poster to share the activities and resources with your colleagues.

Did you know?

Sources:
(1) ONS Public Opinions and Social Trends, Jan 2025; (2) Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Tackling loneliness evidence review: executive summary (2023); (3) The Centre for Social Justice May 2024

Webinar: Leaving loneliness behind

This short webinar will help you to understand:

The difference between being alone and lonely
Why humans crave belonging
How social media can make feelings of loneliness worse
The small steps you can take to help leave loneliness behind

A poster and factsheet to use in your organisation

Here’s a factsheet of practical tips to help address feelings of loneliness; along with a poster. Feel free to download and share, print and display them, or email them to your employees.

Click here to download the poster

Click here to download the factsheet

Read on to learn how to recognise loneliness in yourself and others.

How to spot loneliness in yourself

There are many reasons you might feel lonely but the good news is there is lots of support for you. If you are starting to feel lonely, see it as a sign that something has to change, don’t let the feelings build up, talk to somebody straightaway such as a close friend, colleague, or your line manager. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Feeling disconnected – You struggle to feel close to others, even in social settings

Lack of meaningful interactions – Conversations feel shallow or unfulfilling

Loss of interest – Hobbies and activities that once excited you no longer do

Avoiding social situations –Withdrawing or making excuses to stay alone

Craving connection but feeling stuck – You want to reach out but hesitate or fear rejection

Increased negative self-talk – You feel unnoticed or believe you don’t belong

Physical signs – Fatigue, trouble sleeping, or looking/feeling emotionally drained

Reliance on distractions – Excessive screen time or other habits replace genuine interactions

Loneliness can effect your stress levels - click here to visit the STAND UP to everyday stress topic for more top tips

How to spot loneliness in others

Try to ask colleagues, friends and family ‘Are you ok?’, then by really listening you can make a huge impact on their day. Even if they don’t open up at first, they will know that you care and will be there for them when the time is right. Respect confidentiality and encourage them to seek further support if needed. Also look out for the following:

Avoiding social interactions – They decline invitations or isolate themselves more than usual

Becoming quieter or withdrawn – Conversations are brief, and they seem distant or disengaged

Loss of interest in hobbies – They stop taking part in activities and hobbies

Changes in mood – They may express sadness, frustration, or seem more self-critical

Seeking excessive attention – Some people overcompensate by trying to be noticed constantly

Physical signs – They look tired, talk about having trouble sleeping, or looking downcast without an obvious reason

Click here to download the factsheet for more tips on how to leave loneliness behind