Today’s ONS report into loneliness during the pandemic highlights the sheer scale of this incredibly sad problem and we draw on comments from a selection of experts for their insight into the issue…
Helen Llewellyn, director of Infinity Wellbeing: “If 7.2% of the population had a physical disease, action would be taken urgently. But what will the Government do about loneliness? Humans are social creatures and require contact and connection with others. Without it, most of us are likely to experience loneliness. Loneliness also works in funny ways. While you expect older people or those with pre-existing conditions who have been cut off from their social networks since the pandemic began to be lonely, extroverts of working age may also be feeling lonely, as they thrive on being around other people. Being forced to work from home may feel like losing a limb to an extrovert. Video calls and social media can be either a bonus or make matters worse, depending on how they are used. Yes, video calls and interacting with close friends online adds a degree of connection, but people tend to post polarised views of their lives, namely super amazing or when in despair. Not many posts reflect the OK-ness or blandness of pandemic life. As social groups restart, hospitality opens and work goes back to the office, care will need to be taken to prevent overwhelm. Moving quickly to multiple interactions per day could well cause, or exacerbate, anxiety or mental health issues.”
Kit Washington, founder of the mindfulness platform, Breathing Space: “It’s no surprise that young people have been hit hardest by loneliness over the past year as they usually need interaction with others the most. Equally, it’s no surprise that, over the past year, people in densely populated areas have been feeling more anxious than those in the countryside, as the fear of catching the virus has been stronger and there is less space generally. Equally, the countryside can often reduce feelings of loneliness in itself, as you are surrounded by nature and not impersonal buildings and architecture, and the ‘rat race’ more generally. Without a doubt, the pandemic has accentuated an already growing trend in loneliness. Lockdowns, restrictions on groups and social distancing as a whole have made so many more people feel isolated and alone. Even the ability to speak to others online doesn’t replace our need for real-world human contact and company. Everyone experiences loneliness at points but not everyone has the tools to do something about it. It can be hard to know where to start. As hard as it may be, we urge people to step out and actively playing a part in their local communities, and all the more so as the economy reopens. Engaging in person not just with close family and friends but also our neighbours and the wider community can make us feel much more connected to others.”
Zoë Bailie, Director of Brand & Innovation at The Mix, a UK charity providing free support to under-25s: “Young people have become isolated and disconnected as a direct result of the pandemic, and many are suffering from ‘skin hunger’. By being deprived of face-to-face contact with their friends, communities and support networks, lockdown has made an existing problem even worse, leading to significantly poorer mental health and even suicide. To try to prevent what we refer to as ‘skin hunger’ among younger people, we offer them the connection they’ve been missing in real life through our online moderated spaces such as group chats, where they can become part of a safe, supportive community. We also offer online 1-2-1 counselling which can help young people get ready to face the world again.”
Marcus Hamilton, founder of the online community, Frindow.com: “Loneliness levels have skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic, especially for younger people and those who live alone. The removal of the support networks that we rely upon, such as going to work, the pub and gym, has affected our sense of connection and wellbeing. Loneliness can affect anyone but is especially common among the elderly, people who live alone, and young people as they strive to establish a stable and reliable social group. Overcoming loneliness can be difficult but the important thing is to take the sometimes uncomfortable step of engaging with others. Start by talking to people with similar interests or circumstances and, if possible, get involved in activities that have a social element. If you are really stuck, consider talking to coach or mentor who will be able to offer practical and achievable milestones that are right for you. Though ostensibly connecting us, social media can also lead to low self-esteem and loneliness as the people you are engaging with may have infinitely more ‘friends’ and ‘likes’, and continually share the most exciting aspects of their lives. In that sense, social media can be a truly double-edged sword.”
Michael Lloyd, founder of the Mental Health Charter: “One of the primary feelings millions of us have experienced during the coronavirus pandemic is loneliness. Our usual ways of seeing family, friends or just familiar faces have been put on pause. What we need to remember is that, while this is a challenging time, it will pass. There will be lots of hugs, shared pots of tea, parties and celebrations in the future. We’re urging people who are lonely to join an online group or class that focuses on something they enjoy. This could be anything from an online exercise class to a book review club.”
