Everyone is different but humans are inherently social beings. When we become isolated or disconnected, it can lead to intense feelings of loneliness and significantly impact a person’s mental health. An absence of meaningful connections can lead to feelings of emptiness, exacerbating existing mental health challenges and heighten the risk of disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Loneliness is closely tied to increased stress levels, as socially disconnected individuals lack the necessary emotional support to navigate difficulties. The biopsychosocial model identifies how social factors play an important part in overall health including mental health. A negative cycle of social withdrawal often accompanies loneliness, with isolated people becoming hesitant to engage in social activities, further reducing their self-worth and intensifying feelings of alienation.

Loneliness can also disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to insomnia and various mental health issues including mood disorders. Beyond mental health, loneliness can have physical health implications, such as cardiovascular problems and compromised immune function, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being.

Individuals can help to combat the issue by fostering meaningful connections through social relationships and support groups if they are able to do so. However if you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and struggling to get to that point, it is worth considering psychotherapy to provide expert support and the tools needed to build connections and move to a more positive space.

A Range Of Experts Available To You

IAHIP Psychotherapists are trained to help people experiencing Loneliness. You can search the IAHIP Psychotherapist Directory for this particular issue or any of the issues that may have developed from these changes.

On the Directory page, simply type the issue into the ‘Areas of Interest’ Box:

Additional Resources

For more information on Stress, you can access articles from our professional journal - Inside Out. Go to the top left of this website page and enter ‘Loneliness’ into the search box.