Social Isolation and Loneliness
Why is Social Connection important for our health and wellbeing?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a pressing global threat. “Across all ages and regions, loneliness and social isolation have serious impacts on our physical and mental health, and the well-being of our communities and society.” (WHO)
Social isolation and loneliness are also linked to:
- Poor sleep,
- Anxiety and depression
- Reduce brain performance and increased risk of Dementia,
- Weaken immunity system with tendency to get sick more often
- Increase risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Isolation can also have a wider impact on the health and prosperity of the community.
According to WHO rates of isolation in low and middle-income countries are comparable or higher than in high-income countries. 1-4 older adults and between 5-15% of Adolescence will experience social isolation.
On the WHO website there is a Social Connection Series, showcasing a range of stories about isolation, how loneliness can affect anyone anywhere and how the power of connection can make a positive difference.
Here is a list of some helpful tips on how to help improve your sense of social connection:
- Reaching out to others – reestablish connection with friends or family. It doesn’t have to be face-to-face, you can still feel benefits from this contact if it through virtual means (video chat), on the phone, or through a letter/email. Whilst this can be an intimidating exercise it is also the shortest route to making an authentic connection. Reestablishing an old connection can be easier than starting a new one.
- Scheduling future events into your calendar – more likely to sustain a connection when there is a planned event, and provides something to look forward to
- Join an interest group e.g. book club
- Volunteer with local organisation
- Be open to invitations and go out
- Be kind to yourself – take it slow and maintain healthy boundaries for your own wellbeing.
A few options that may be helpful:
A national volunteer organisation that exists to help combat loneliness. They run a phone and online chat service for people who just want to chat, about anything at all.
FriendLine is for anyone in Australia, 18 or above, who needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. The hours of operation and phone number vary by state, please click here for more information and to check the opening hours of your local service.
Friendline aim to tackle loneliness by helping people reconnect with others through conversation. Their trained volunteers will happily listen, spin a yarn or two, or have a chat about anything you like.
Please note this is not a crisis service.
Brisbane – The online chat service is open: 6pm – 8pm, Monday – Friday
The Support Line ((07) 2103 3170 (Free call 1800 424 287)) is open 10am-8om 7/7
A safe, anonymous online space to chat with others in similar situations, monitored 24/7 by mental health professionals. Groups for Carers as well.
A free service that allows people who are feeling low, lonely or isolated to access virtual peer support sessions via video or phone call.
An eFriend Peer is a ‘Peer Support Worker’ – which is someone employed on the basis of their personal lived experience of struggling with their mental health and navigating recovery. In addition to other skills and experience required for the Peer role. This includes training in Trauma Informed Care, Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Intentional Peer Support and Safe Storytelling.
