For many, the festive season is centred around getting together and spending time with loved ones. However, for lots of people, this time of year can make the feelings of loneliness worse.
Loneliness can affect anyone of any age, with many of us feeling lonely from time to time. You don’t have to be on your own to feel lonely – you might feel lonely whilst being around others, particularly if you feel misunderstood, uncared for, excluded or disconnected from others.
These feelings can arise from various factors, such as dealing with loss or bereavement, a change in circumstances (like moving house, starting university, retirement, or job loss), new health issues, or having caring responsibilities.
At Christmas, this sense of isolation often worsens when people are faced with images on social media or TV of others celebrating in ways they cannot, which can make people feel even more excluded.
Tips to manage loneliness
Consider what makes you feel better and try not to compare yourself with others. Feeling lonely can start to affect your mental health and wellbeing so it’s important to do what helps you. This may be spending time in nature, crafting or keeping yourself busy in another way.
Reach out and talk to someone about how you’re feeling, this may help you and may also help the other person too.
- Plan to do some enjoyable things that will keep you busy and your mind active
- Try to build everyday face to face connections by engaging with people when you are out and about, a simple hello to others or using the staffed checkout rather than self-serve can help with building contact with others.
- Keep active, getting out and about (if you can) in your local area for a daily walk.
- Use social media in a positive way to connect and keep in touch with others or join online groups.
There are lots of community groups and volunteering opportunities in Knowsley for residents who’d like to get more involved in their local community. Further information is available on the Knowsley Offer website.
Make new connections You could try a new activity or group, ask your GP for a referral to a Social Prescribing Link Worker if you would like support to make new connections
Everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes and Age UKs Silver Line Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone aged 55 or over to call for free. Silver Line is there for anybody who wants to talk or hear a friendly voice and provides friendship, conversation and support on 0800 470 80 90.
Supporting others
Everyone has a role to play in supporting those who feel lonely or who may be socially isolated and not have a lot of social contact. It could be as simple as:
- Taking the time to chat with someone and genuinely asking how they are, or if they need help with anything. This simple act can mean a great deal.
- Keeping in touch with them either by phone call, text message or arranging to visit them.
- For some, it may involve encouraging them to take part in activities or attend local groups.
What is most important is to not judge or stigmatise people who feel lonely. Instead, strive to listen, show understanding, and ensure the person feels included.
What help is there if I’m feeling lonely?
There’s the Silverline dedicated telephone line (0800 4 70 80 90) for older people who need information, friendship and advice. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
Age UK also offer a range of advice and support through their website or you can call their advice line on 0800 055 6112 – lines are open 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year. You can also sign up for a regular friendship call.
MIND’s website explains loneliness, giving practical suggestions for what you can do and where you can go for support. In addition, the Samaritans are available 365 days a year if you are worried about something or feeling lonely. You can contact them on freephone 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
If you’ve been feeling lonely for a long time, make an appointment to see your GP to make sure you are getting the right support.
A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. It often involves a sudden or continued worsening of your symptoms. You may feel great emotional distress or anxiety, feel you can’t cope with day-to-day life, think about suicide or self-harm, or experience hallucinations and hearing voices.
You can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. The help line is available 24/7 for people of all ages including children and young people
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“Loneliness touches most people at some point, and its feeling is unique to every individual. The good news is that help and support is easily and instantly accessible.
“Beyond seeking help ourselves, we have a collective responsibility to look out for those around us—neighbours, colleagues, friends, and family who may be isolated—and take the simple, vital step of checking in on them and taking the time to ask how they are.”