Pride in the Workplace
2 Weeks ago by Jason Armstrong
News
1 Min read
This year, Loneliness Awareness Week is taking place from 9th – 15th June. Loneliness is normal, but stigmatised. The campaign, hosted by Marmalade Trust, aims to get us talking about loneliness, helping to reduce that stigma.
What is loneliness?
Humans are social beings – we have a need for belonging. Early humans survived by forming couples, families and tribes to provide assistance and protection. Today, most of us are no longer exposed to those same threats, yet we still crave human connection. When we feel we don’t have this, we may experience loneliness. The word ‘feel’ is key here; what one person considers a sense of belonging, another may not. It’s not necessarily about quantity, but rather quality.
Who experiences loneliness?
Some factors can cause a vulnerability to loneliness:
Being under 18 or over 65
Being unemployed
Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community
Being part of an ethnic minority community
However, loneliness can affect anybody.
Why does loneliness matter?
Loneliness can have negative effects on a person’s health. It’s been linked to chronic pain, tiredness, heart problems, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, and even feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts.
It is important to reach out to somebody if you have felt lonely for a long period of time.
Are you feeling lonely?
Loneliness is normal, common and nothing to be embarrassed about, but it isn’t always clear from the outside. If you’re feeling lonely, it might help to tell somebody. Reach out to a family member, a friend, or somebody within your community. Try getting outside – visit local cafés or shops, take a class, join a club, or volunteer in your area.
You should reach out to your GP if you feel your loneliness is lasting and affecting your physical or mental health.
Could employment help you?
People who are employed are less likely to report feeling lonely than those who are unemployed. Work creates opportunities to build connections with others and can be especially helpful in reducing loneliness when there’s a sense of belonging and community in the workplace.
Employment is generally beneficial for both mental and physical health, particularly when it offers a sense of security. It supports personal identity, encourages participation in society, and promotes independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.
If you need support finding employment, you can explore your local employment services through your local council or see if any of our Employment Services are right for you by clicking here.
Who to reach out to:
- Contact Samaritans – call 116 123 or email[email protected]
- Mental health support 24/7 – Togetherall
- SANE Mental Health Helpline – 0845 767 8000
- Peer support – How to find a support group | Support and services | Mind – Mind
For more information we’ve also included a list of relevant resources so please do give them a read.
Home | Loneliness Awareness Week
Employers and loneliness – GOV.UK
The Impact of Loneliness on Depression, Mental Health Days, and Physical Health | medRxiv
Evolutionary Mechanisms for Loneliness – PMC
Loneliness – Every Mind Matters – NHS
