04/12/2025
ALONE AT CHRISTMAS
What is loneliness?
We all feel lonely at times – it’s a natural human emotion. We're biologically wired for social contact, and loneliness is our signal that we need more.
The definition: Loneliness is a perceived mismatch between the quality or quantity of social connections that a person has and what they would like to have.
Everyone's experiences of loneliness are different. It's subjective and personal to each of us.
There are different types, including:
• Emotional loneliness → When someone you were very close with is no longer there. This could be a partner, family member, close friend or pet.
• Social loneliness → When you feel like you’re lacking a wider social network of friends, neighbours or colleagues.
• Transient loneliness → A feeling that comes and goes.
• Situational loneliness → Loneliness which you only feel at certain times like Sundays, bank holidays or Christmas.
• Chronic loneliness → When you feel lonely all or most of the time.
Is loneliness a mental health problem?
Loneliness isn't a mental health problem. If left unchecked, loneliness can start to affect our mental and physical health, but it’s important to know that, first and foremost, it’s a normal and natural feeling. Having a mental health problem can increase feelings of loneliness. For example, if you’re struggling with your mental health, you may avoid social events and activities or find it hard to try new things and worry about engaging with others.
Are you feeling lonely?
Loneliness can often feel overwhelming and something out of our control, so it can be useful to have a starting point. To help you and others to feel less lonely we have framed it into three parts:
1. Acknowledge loneliness in yourself or others
2. Identify what you or they need
3. Take the appropriate action
Whether for you or a family or friend, you can find lots of useful help and guidance here https://www.marmaladetrust.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13424982456&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi4z5h7SkkQMV6ppQBh1hACACEAAYASAAEgIhafD_BwE
You can also self-refer to our Social Prescribers by phone or online.
