A loneliness epidemic?

First world countries are in the midst of a “loneliness epidemic” we’re told.

Since the 2020 Covid pandemic, people across all ages around the world are apparently experiencing greater levels of loneliness. Psychologists are giving advice on how to deal with loneliness.

Yet some psychologists are saying it’s a bit of a beat up. Yes, people are a little more likely to feel lonely sometimes, but that hasn’t changed all that much.

So is there a loneliness epidemic or not? And if there is, how should we respond?

Studies have shown ….

About one sixth of the world’s people are affected by loneliness most of the time, and a similar number may be affected some of the time.
Loneliness affects some groups more than others. For example, young adults, sexual minorities, the unemployed, people in poor mental or physical health, unmarried people and those suffering social or economic disadvantage.
Loneliness can cause mental and physical health problems which lead to almost a million deaths a year globally.
For most people, high social media use increases loneliness because it reduces face-to-face relationships. However there are some people (e.g. the elderly) who are limited in their face-to-face opportunities can find online connection is helpful.
In the past century, the number of single person households worldwide has trebled from less than 10% to almost 30%, which has contributed to social isolation and loneliness.

There has certainbly been an increase in loneliness and social isolation, due to living alone, lockdowns during the Covid pandemic plus greater social media and other online connection. But there isn’t enough data to know whether this has been a slow, gradual increase, or an “epidemic”.

But what we do know is that loneliness is a significant health and wellbeing problem.

Loneliness isn’t good for us

Loneliness is associated with poor physical health (e.g. blood pressure, stroke, diabetes) and poor mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, self harm), but it isn’t clear how much loneliness is a cause or a result.

However it is clear that loneliness isn’t good for us, and social connection improves wellbeing and quality of life.

Connection and belonging

Personal response

There is a lot we can do personally to overcome loneliness.

Practice mindfulness to reflect on times we have felt a sense of belonging, and to connect with nature and with God.
Seek out new friendships, accept invitations to social events. Spend time with people rather than contact them, online, where this is practical.
Take an interest in people, ask questions, practice deep listening.
Cultivate empathy towards others, practice acceptance of people different to us. Be kind and helpful.
Review social media use and time spent online. Replace apps that lead to negativity, review who we follow. Set sensible limits.

Religion & spirituality

Religious attendance can benefit us by providing good connection with other like-minded people. And religious practices can help us feel connected to a higher power, which increases our sense of belonging.

However if we engage in religious activities and are not welcomed, or we feel God has abandoned us, this can increase loneliness and disconnection. Because private spirituality doesn’t usually involve relating to other people, it can have a negative affect.

So we need to choose our spiritual and religious practcies and activities with care.

Helping others

If we are part of a well connected group (a church or a formal or informal social group), we can look out for newcomers who may be struggling to find a sense of belonging, and help them become part of the group. Looking out for neighbours is an example of this.

Societal response

Loneliness is such an important wellbeing issue that some countries are developing government policies and programs to address it. These include:

Awareness campaigns backed by appropriate counselling and psychological services.
Government support for community organisations.
Strengthening social infrastructure such as libraries, parks and the design of public spaces.