"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty"
Mother Teresa
As a psychotherapist, I know that loneliness does not discriminate. I see men and women of all ages struggling with the crippling mental and emotional effect of loneliness.
Just before Christmas one of my clients, a beautiful woman in her late 30s broke down in front of me because she had no one to spend Christmas with. She confessed that this was not the first time, but the thought of another solo Christmas proved too much for her. I was so moved by her plight that I invited her to spend the day with me and my friends. She declined saying it made her feel worse.
A new report shows loneliness is on the rise among young Australians, particularly young females. According to the report, 25 percent of females aged 15-24 said they often felt very lonely. Experts say loneliness can also impact psychological and mental health outcomes.
The issue of loneliness becomes more prevalent amongst older women who may lose partners through divorce or death, parents, and friendships due to relocation or major life changes.
Loneliness is a subjective feeling of social isolation and disconnection, even when surrounded by others.
Although the psychological effects of loneliness can vary from person to person, there are some common impacts including:
Depression: Loneliness is strongly associated with depression. It can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. Prolonged loneliness can increase the risk of developing clinical depression.
Anxiety: Loneliness can also contribute to increased levels of anxiety. It can lead to excessive worrying, feelings of restlessness, and a decreased ability to cope with stress.
Low self-esteem: Feeling lonely can negatively impact one's self-esteem and self-worth. It can lead to self-doubt, negative self-talk, and a diminished sense of confidence.
Poor emotional regulation: Loneliness can make it challenging to regulate emotions effectively. Individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to negative emotions, have difficulty managing anger or frustration, and struggle to find joy or happiness.
Cognitive decline: Prolonged loneliness has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The lack of social interaction and stimulation can negatively affect cognitive abilities and memory.
Sleep disturbances: Loneliness can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Sleep disturbances can further contribute to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and decreased overall well-being.
Increased risk of addictive behaviors: Some individuals may turn to addictive behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, or overeating as a way to cope with loneliness and fill the void.
We know that a primary solution to loneliness and social isolation is meaningful social connection. Social connections boost our perceptions of psychological and physical safety, our worth, and value as well as enhancing feelings of belonging and contributing.
"Silver Sirens commit to tackling the silent epidemic of loneliness, vowing to launch initiatives that promote empathy, organise events that encourage authentic connections, and break down barriers that isolate women of all ages."