Studies have shown that the holidays can be a time during which people feel most lonely. As we near the end of the year, learn how to recognize loneliness and proactively manage it.
Michelle Carlson
North America Director for Young Men’s Health, Movember
Most of us go through loneliness at some point. When we think of loneliness, we often imagine being isolated and away from people. Sometimes, however, we can feel lonely even when we’re surrounded by others.
Loneliness can be thought of as a lack, or loss, of meaningful social connection with people. You can still be spending time with others, but the feeling of belonging, acceptance, or closeness can be absent.
In a 2024 survey, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that 30% of adults have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week for the past year. For those aged 18-34 years old, 30% reported loneliness every day or several times a week.
The health implications of loneliness
Loneliness comes and goes in life, but it can often hang around after major life transitions like a deteriorating or ended relationship, losing a job, becoming a parent, or even retirement. Sometimes, these feelings can be brief, or they may become chronic, which has been associated with an increased risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Loneliness can be difficult to deal with. It can make you feel down, anxious, helpless, or even angry. Many describe it as feeling disconnected and like living “in your own bubble.”
It not only affects your mental health but also has implications for physical health. Loneliness has been found to increase the risk of premature death by 26%.
We underestimate the power of healthy relationships, which can create a sense of belonging with others that can keep loneliness at bay. Studies show that social support built through relationships improves mental health by helping people feel understood and cared for, fostering a sense of purpose, and lowering stress levels. Positive social connections may also have physiological health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones.
Tips for staying connected
With life’s demands and responsibilities — from work hours or travel to family commitments — it can be difficult to maintain relationships or make new ones. Here are some small steps you can take to strengthen your relationships and stay connected to those you care about:
- Schedule time each week to keep in touch with or meet in person with family, friends, and co-workers. Make time to share a meal or grab a drink together. Ring up an old friend. Talk about the things that matter with those you trust. Opening up and being vulnerable allows you to deepen your connection with others in an authentic way.
- Check out local events like a concert, join a team sport, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new. It may feel out of your comfort zone at first, but it likely will allow you to connect to new friends who share similar interests.
- Volunteer for a cause that you care about, whether that is working at an animal shelter or running errands for a neighbor who needs help. Research suggests that helping others can be more effective than receiving help.
Everyone goes through tough times when they feel lonely. If you sense a friend is having a hard time, or hasn’t been themselves lately, think about striking up a conversation. A great resource is Movember Conversations — it’s packed with loads of tips for getting it right. Of course, if you’re struggling, getting help from a professional might be the way to go. Talking it out with a mental health professional can help you cope and make you feel like yourself again.
