An introduction to Mental health awareness week - Loneliness

As you may know, each year we have Mental health awareness week, but let’s face it, it should be mental health awareness every day every year in order to prevent crisis, self harm, suicide and the progression and deterioration of mental illness and lifestyle of our fellow human beings and ourselves. Each years awareness week comes with a theme and this year the theme is ‘Loneliness’. Why loneliness? Well, the mental health foundation state that ‘Loneliness is something that we all feel at times but when it is chronic or long-term it can have serious effects on our mental health. We all have a part to play in reducing loneliness.’ and so the topic deserves and needs awareness.

Loneliness is different for everyone and I suppose an individuals unique experience, all dependent upon circumstance. For some, loneliness can be as specific as when they are alone in their home with no one around, but for others loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by people. Mental health and loneliness is definitely linked, with studies showing that mental wellbeing is kept positive when interactions and bonds are built friends and family. Being segregated and isolated can cause loneliness which can lead to mental and physical ill health. On the other hand, having a different lifestyle, religion, disability or mental illness amongst other things can be the very cause of someones feelings of loneliness through segregation, bullying and pressures. If someone is ‘different’ or ‘unique’ or even ‘flawed’ in societies eyes, it can be a tough world to live in and feelings and thoughts can become a huge struggle and lead to decline in mental health and wellbeing.

This years topic is a hugely common one spoken about over the last few years after the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions were isolated from society and forced to stay alone in their homes for their own physical safety. So many had physical illness that caused them to be extremely vulnerable to the virus, meaning they had to shield and a lot of those people were left literally home alone. The worst matter being that even some of our society were completely cut off, not having access to the digital world. We were all cut off from various friends and family, hence why loneliness has been a very big subject recently. The world is returning to normal and the stories of loneliness are rising to the surface.

This week I will be sharing blog posts, videos on Youtube and social media posts so stay tuned. We are in this together. If you ever feel you need help or are facing loneliness and have nowhere to look to, maybe these below could help (Found from the mental health foundation website). Click the image below to be taken to this page with helplines and advice.