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Loneliness is a feeling, which can face us all during different phases of life. It doesn´t take age, gender or social status into account. Experiencing loneliness is human, but when prolonged it can affect both physical as well as mental health.
The picture shows cards on how to start talking about loneliness.
Loneliness is a feeling, which can face us all during different phases of life. It doesn´t take age, gender or social status into account. Experiencing loneliness is human, but when prolonged it can affect both physical as well as mental health negatively causing for instance depression, anxiety and lowered self-esteem. It is important to recognize these feelings and understand, and that help is available. On this page we have compiled information about the effects of loneliness as well as various parties offering help and services.
Here you can read more about loneliness and its possible causes on your wellbeing and health.
Loneliness is a feeling, which arises, when a person feels isolated or lack meaningful social relationships. Anyone can experience loneliness, regardless of age, gender or life situation. It can appear in many different ways and affect the persons physical and mental wellbeing. Loneliness doesn´t always mean physical loneliness; the person can feel lonely even when surrounded by other persons, if he/she feel he/she is not getting enough emotional support or connection. Loneliness is a deep and complex feeling, which can affect the person in many different ways.
Loneliness can be temporary or long-lasting, and its causes can vary. Loneliness can be caused by many things, such as changes in life situation: moving to a new place, changing workplace or relationships ending can cause loneliness. Even the lack of social skills or shyness can make it harder to make new friends.
Loneliness can feel like emptiness, sadness or even as anxiety. It can cause the feeling that, nobody understand or care, and that one is invisible in the eyes of others. This feeling can lead to a drop of self-esteem and insecurity about one’s own worth and significance. Physical loneliness can appear as tiredness, difficulty sleeping or a general lack of energy. It can also affect the appetite and can cause either overeating or loss of appetite. Long-term loneliness can weaken the immune system and increase the risk for falling ill in for instance cardiovascular diseases.
Emotional loneliness, especially when prolonged, can lead to depression, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. It can make it difficult to maintain social relationships and make new friends, which in turn can worsen the cycle of loneliness. Prolonged loneliness can affect the mental health negatively, causing depression, anxiety and a drop of self-esteem.
The experience of loneliness is individual, and many factors can affect it, such as personality, life experiences and social skills.
Loneliness is a human experience and recognizing it is the first step towards a better wellbeing. It is important to build and maintain meaningful relationships, participate in community activities and when necessary, seek help from professionals to reduce loneliness. It is important to remember, that help is available, and the feelings of loneliness can change by time.
Loneliness can affect the health in many ways, both physically and mentally. It is complex and often underestimated health risk, which can significantly weaken the quality of life. Here are some central effects:
The effects of loneliness are complicated and can vary from individual to individual, but it is clear that it is a significant health risk, which requires attention and support. It is important to identify the signs of loneliness and seek help when necessary, so its harmful effects on health can be prevented.
More information: Yksinäisyys voi sairastuttaa tai jopa tappaa – 8 syytä miksi se on elimistölle niin vaarallista – Oppiminen – yle.fi
THere you can find information on, how to identify loneliness and how to start talking about loneliness. In addition, you get tips and ways, how you yourself can reduce the feeling of loneliness, as well as information on possible support and guidance services.
Loneliness is a feeling, which can touch anyone during different phases of life. It doesn´t always mean being physically alone, but it can also appear as a lack of social relations or a feeling of not belonging anywhere. Recognizing loneliness is an important step towards increasing wellbeing.
Recognizing loneliness in yourself can be challenging, because it can appear in many different ways and vary in strength. The feeling of loneliness can come slowly and become part of everyday life, when it can be harder to discover it. Loneliness can be experienced, even if you have people around you, if the connections don´t feel significant or if you feel you are not being understood. Signs of loneliness can for instance be continuous sadness, feeling of emptiness, lack of motivation, difficulties sleeping, changes in appetite and a general loss of life joy. It is important to listen to your own feelings and recognize, when loneliness is starting to affect the wellbeing negatively.
Recognizing loneliness in another person require sensitivity and empathy. Loneliness is not always visible on the outside and many can hide their feelings or withdraw in silence. Signs of loneliness in another person can for instance be avoiding social situations, withdraw into oneself, low participation in joint activities, depressed or anxious behaviour, and changes in appearance or health. It is important to draw attention to how close persons behave and be ready to offer support and listen, if you notice signs of loneliness. An open and empathetic discussion can help the other person to open up about their feelings and find ways to reduce loneliness. If you identify these signs in yourself or in your close one, it is important to seek help and support.
Recognizing loneliness is the first step towards alleviating it. It is important to remember, that loneliness is a common and human experience, which you don´t have to be ashamed of. Openness and honesty for yourself and others can help you find solutions and support, which improve wellbeing and life quality. You don´t have to struggle with loneliness yourself – there are many resources and communities, which offer help and support. Recognizing loneliness and it´s timely intervention can significantly increase the life quality and wellbeing of the individual.
It can be challenging to live with loneliness, but there are ways, which can make you feel better. Here are some self-help instructions to alleviate loneliness.
Remember, that the feelings of loneliness are normal, and you can learn to control them. You are important and deserve to feel good and have contact with others. With small steps and by following the self-help instructions you can alleviate the feeling of loneliness little by little and improve your quality of life.
HelsinkiMissios self-assessment of lonelinessi: Yksinäisyyden itsearviointi (office.com)
Mielenterveystalos self-help program for loneliness: Tervetuloa yksinäisyyden omahoito-ohjelmaan! | Mielenterveystalo.fi
HelsinkiMissios workbook to alleviate loneliness: Yksinäisyys-tehtäväkirja — HelsinkiMissio
Help for loneliness in student everyday life: tools and support: YKSINÄISYYTTÄ OPISKELUARJESSA? - Apua yksinäisyyteen (apuayksinaisyyteen.fi)
The Finnish Red Crosses Tunnistatko yksinäisyyden: Tunnistatko yksinaisyyden.pdf (punainenristi.fi)
Starting to talk about loneliness can be challenging, but it is an important step towards getting both help and support, if you are lonely or offering help.
My travel from Loneliness to Communality I have always been a little bit shy and withdrawn, but a few years ago the feeling of loneliness had become unbearable. I felt invisible and isolated, even if I had people around me. I didn´t known how to get rid of this feeling and I was afraid that no one would understand me. Everything changed, when I went to the public health nurse’s appointment for a routine check-up. The nurse asked me, how I am doing and somehow, I got the courage to tell about my feelings. The nurse listened to me very attentively and showed genuine care. He/she didn´t judge but offered support and understanding. This small moment was a changing point. The nurse referred me to a local peer support group, where I met others, who struggled with same kind of feelings. I have always thought that group activity is nothing for me, but I decided to give the activity a chance. In the beginning I was doubtful and nervous, but soon I noticed, that others have same experiences and thoughts as I have - I wasn´t alone! I got to share my experiences in the group and hear stories of others. This community helped me understand, that loneliness is a common feeling, and that one can overcome it. Through the peer support group, I also found new friends. We started to spend time together outside the group and little by little my life began to be filled with meaningful relationships. The feeling of belonging and connection replaced loneliness. I am thankful for, that the health care professional had the courage to asked me, how I am doing and guided me in the right direction. This experience has changed my life. I want to encourage everyone, who feel lonely, to take the step toward help and support. You don´t have to struggle alone with loneliness – you can get help, and communality can be found in surprising places.
My travel from Loneliness to Communality
I have always been a little bit shy and withdrawn, but a few years ago the feeling of loneliness had become unbearable. I felt invisible and isolated, even if I had people around me. I didn´t known how to get rid of this feeling and I was afraid that no one would understand me.
Everything changed, when I went to the public health nurse’s appointment for a routine check-up. The nurse asked me, how I am doing and somehow, I got the courage to tell about my feelings. The nurse listened to me very attentively and showed genuine care. He/she didn´t judge but offered support and understanding. This small moment was a changing point.
The nurse referred me to a local peer support group, where I met others, who struggled with same kind of feelings. I have always thought that group activity is nothing for me, but I decided to give the activity a chance. In the beginning I was doubtful and nervous, but soon I noticed, that others have same experiences and thoughts as I have - I wasn´t alone! I got to share my experiences in the group and hear stories of others. This community helped me understand, that loneliness is a common feeling, and that one can overcome it.
Through the peer support group, I also found new friends. We started to spend time together outside the group and little by little my life began to be filled with meaningful relationships. The feeling of belonging and connection replaced loneliness.
I am thankful for, that the health care professional had the courage to asked me, how I am doing and guided me in the right direction. This experience has changed my life. I want to encourage everyone, who feel lonely, to take the step toward help and support. You don´t have to struggle alone with loneliness – you can get help, and communality can be found in surprising places.
It is important to remember, that you are not alone with your feelings and getting help is a sign of strength. If you feel lonely, we encourage you to start talking about it. Discussion with a reliable person, even a professional, can be a first step toward better wellbeing. Charing loneliness can help ease the burden and open doors for new connections and support. Remember, that your feelings are important and deserve to be heard. Don´t hesitate to ask for help – we are here for you. Starting talking about loneliness can open the door for significant support and communality.
We don´t leave you alone with loneliness, but we can help you find suitable and meaningful services according to your individual needs. Sometimes it´s enough to get some easy counselling and guidance to information, so you can read more about the activities and service range in the area. Sometimes you maybe need support to find the services, for instance from the wellbeing services of Vantaa and Kerava vakehyva.fi/HYTE. If you need more specific information and encouragement, we can together be contact with another actor, such as an organization.
Support for participating in different activities is available.
Associations and cities also organize both art and culture companion activity as well as friend’s activities, which enables support for participating and exercise. Read more on for instance: