Loneliness can have a profound impact on mental health
(Picture: Unsplash)Receptionists at GP surgeries across Lincolnshire are being taught the signs of loneliness, in an effort to help those suffering from it.
The initiative is set to kick off in the Spalding area and has the support of the Campaign to End Loneliness. This has found that one in four people in Lincolnshire reported feeling lonely either often or at some point during the pandemic.
If the first-of-its-kind training trial is successful, it is expected to be rolled out across the rest of the country.
Of course, it’s not just people in Lincolnshire who suffer from loneliness. The Royal College of General Practitioners reports that 75 per cent of GPs have one to five consultations a day that are due to loneliness.
But what are the signs that show you’re experiencing loneliness? Here’s what we know.
1. You surround yourself with stuff
If you find yourself compulsively shopping and surrounding yourself with copious amounts of stuff, you might be trying to fill the void that loneliness causes in your life.
Alternatively, if you buy a lot of food that you never eat, you might want to ask yourself what motivates you to buy it. Is it because you’re hoping you will have guests over one day? Or could it be a coping mechanism for some unresolved feelings you may have?
2. You find yourself seeking warmth
Those who are lonely and don’t have a chance to interact with other people a lot may find themselves constantly seeking the comfort of warmth. This could be through hot showers, warm cups of tea, or cosy, huggable blankets.
3. You get ill very often
If you find yourself constantly suffering from a cold or feeling unwell, it may be due to the high levels of stress or sadness you’re experiencing from loneliness.
4. You’re addicted to social media
Those who don’t have the stimulation and joy of human interaction may lean on social media to feel a sense of connection.
It may also further fuel your feelings of isolation if you consume a lot of content about other people’s friendships and supportive loved ones.
If you find yourself in this cycle, try to change your relationship with social media by using it as a tool to get in touch with friends and find like-minded people.
5. You suffer from mood or anxiety disorders
Another sign of loneliness can be the negative impact it has on our mental health and mood.
Socialising is an evolutionary need that has numerous health benefits. For instance, hugging another person reduces our stress levels and causes the release of the brain chemical oxytocin, which boosts our mood.
