A Survival Guide To Loneliness

Tired of being alone? Experts reveal whatyou can do to switch up your social situation.

- Bonnie Vaughan

A recent Lifeline survey revealed 60 per cent of Australians say they often feel lonely.

Research also says loneliness can be deadly. Its impact on health is as harmful as smoking and obesity, contributing to cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression, dementia and a shortened life span.

To be lonely isn’t simply about being isolated – many people choose to be on their own and are perfectly happy.

Loneliness is a subjective state in which you feel socially and emotionally disconnected from those around you. It’s possible and extremely common to feel lonely in a relationship or among a large group.

Experts clinical psychologist Dr Michelle Lim, a founding member of the Australian Coalition to End Loneliness, and Alan Woodward, executive director of Lifeline Research Foundation explain how you can break free of feeling lonely.

Acknowledge loneliness