It’s ok to feel lonely sometimes
Today marks the start of Loneliness Awareness Week 2023, a campaign set up by in 2017 to shine a light on loneliness in the UK and help tackle the stigma through open and honest conversation.
Anyone can experience loneliness
We crave connections with others as a basic human need – it’s a key part of our general wellbeing. More often than not, loneliness is a temporary emotion that eventually passes, but for some it can persist.
Loneliness doesn’t discriminate and is often a difficult topic for many to open up about.
A recent survey by Nextdoor and Marmalade Trust revealed how an overwhelming majority (85%) of British adults have met with loneliness in the last twelve months. This is a startling statistic and highlights the need for us all to get talking.
I never would’ve thought loneliness was something I’d experience in my twenties. But after my relationship of several years ended, I remember feeling shocked at how lonely my life had suddenly become. I’d lost not only my partner and best friend, but the friendship group that came with it. It made me revaluate the direction I wanted my life to go in.
Trying to keep loneliness at bay, I rekindled old friendships and filled my diary with lots of exciting things to look forward to – visiting new bars and restaurants as well as local craft events. While this worked for me, I realise not everybody is this fortunate and sometimes we all need a little help along the way.
I’m not alone
We all need to be more aware of challenging the stigma around loneliness. These are some of the most common times loneliness can strike:
- Traveling or moving to a new city.
- When one chapter in your life ends and another begins – starting university for example.
- Following change – perhaps a restructure at work or starting a new job.
- Landing that big promotion at work.
- When you’re a single parent and your kids leave home.
- When you’ve lost somebody dear to you.
Realising I’m on a different path
In the digital world we all live in, hardly a day goes by without seeing some big announcement on social media – whether that’s an engagement, baby news or other significant life event. Comparing ourselves to the people we grew up with is natural and that can give us unhealthy expectations about where we are in our own lives. I’ve found limiting time on certain apps and following accounts that inspire me has helped. As many of my friends have started to settle down, I’m ok with the fact that I might be on a different path. That’s what makes life interesting after all!
The shift to remote working following the pandemic means more of us are working from home, which can get lonely at times. To tackle this, I go to the office at least twice weekly. I really enjoy the change of scenery, the chance to check in with my colleagues and that much-needed energy boost you only get from social interactions. Going into the office and seeing the work of my wider team makes me feel like part of something bigger than just me at home on my laptop. It gives me a greater sense of purpose.
Sometimes you do have to step out of your comfort zone to find new interests and people. Joining internal networking groups for causes close to my heart such as sustainability and going along to office social events has helped me meet new people, broaden my perspective and spark some interesting conversations!
To find out more about Loneliness Awareness Week, visit: Home | Loneliness Awareness Week
