Combatting Loneliness

Eleanor Baldwin
Aug 31, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Sep 8, 2025

What is loneliness?

Loneliness is defined as a state of separation from others and a lack of companionship. However, it is also the experience or feeling of a lack of quality connection from those whose time and company we value, otherwise referred to as social isolation. Social isolation manifests in two ways: apparent (objective isolation) or perceived (subjective isolation) (Shankar, 2023). Social isolation is typically experienced by adults who, as they age, participate in fewer social events, resulting in increased time spent alone. More than one-third of adults aged 45 and older report feelings of loneliness (Shankar, 2023).

Unfortunately, the reporting of loneliness in young adults and children is limited; however, some studies suggest there is a U-shaped distribution to loneliness according to age. This indicates that there may be an entire demographic for whom we have very little dedicated research on the impacts of and interventions for loneliness. Shankar (2023) writes that while we understand the effects of loneliness on older people and the methods we can use to make a difference in their lives, we cannot rightly apply those methods to the younger generation. Among other reasons, we tend to communicate and socialise differently.

How did we become so isolated?

For both younger and older demographics (and everyone in between), the COVID-19 pandemic's social isolation created a spike in distancing and a severe decline in connectedness and social engagement. In response to this isolation, people reported heightened feelings of isolation and loneliness. The sudden spike in loneliness reports can be primarily attributed to this event (Shankar, 2023).

Other research suggests that the introduction of social media into our method of connection has had both positive and negative implications for our sense of connection. While we can now easily contact and speak with people halfway around the world, many of the platforms we rely on have become relatively impersonal. There is no need to go out to see someone to ask how they're doing, so in many ways, we are limiting our face-to-face time with friends and loved ones. We may see our friends' posts about their lives, but that meaningful connection doesn't really exist in these spaces.

How does loneliness affect us?

Research suggests that the impacts of loneliness and social isolation have a visibly negative impact on mental and physical health. In particular, Hawkley and Cacioppo (2010) suggested that loneliness can influence physiological functioning, diminish sleep quality, and increase morbidity and mortality rates and lead to higher risks of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline (National Institute on Aging). All said and done, isolation and feelings of loneliness are dangerous both for your physical health and mental well-being.

How do we combat loneliness?

Despite the unfortunately limited research into loneliness in younger people, we do know several manageable steps that we can all take, regardless of age, to positively impact the effects of loneliness!

Meaningful Contact

Lots of socialising doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t feel lonely. Feelings of loneliness may come from a lack of rewarding and meaningful interactions.

Meaningful connections are genuine and intentional interactions that make you feel seen and appreciated. Don’t be afraid, reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or ask someone you met recently for a short outing.

Find people who are willing to make that connection and foster and protect those relationships. But be sure that it isn’t just a one-way street. If you are the only person putting in the effort, recognise that and prioritise your wellbeing.

The friendships that are reciprocated are the ones that will provide you with the meaningful connection you need.

Quality Alone time

You are your own best friend! Take days for yourself to learn what you enjoy doing. Have a meal at a restaurant or visit a museum, and you may discover new things to love about yourself!

(This author practised a little bit of quality alone time today: I went to a coffee shop local to me, sat and had a nice coffee and cake to get this post written. I didn't spend too long, but I really enjoyed the experience. Maybe you would too!)

Group Activities

Join activities or volunteer groups to forge new connections. If you’re a bit more of an extrovert, this may be for you! Volunteering offers both a sense of community and a sense of achievement.

Mental Health Services.

As a part of the Yours Truly Community, we encourage you to participate in any chat rooms that interest you. Ask questions, provide your own opinions in response to others' queries, help support someone going through a tough time, or seek the help and support of others, both near and far.

Seek out mental health services.

If you are feeling lonely, you may also be experiencing depressive thoughts or moods. Your mental health is essential; ensure you seek mental health services when you need them. Please visit our resources page for some excellent service recommendations.

Eleanor Baldwin

31st August 2025

References

Scientific Journals:

Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8

Shah, H. A., & Househ, M. (2023). Understanding Loneliness in Younger People: Review of the Opportunities and Challenges for Loneliness Interventions. Interactive journal of medical research, 12, e45197. https://doi.org/10.2196/45197