Loneliness is a natural human emotion, yet it remains one of the most stigmatised. This Loneliness Awareness Week (June 9-15), Alison is highlighting a free course designed to help develop connections – and open up conversations about this natural aspect of the human condition.
The course, Guide to Wellbeing: From Loneliness to Connection, highlights how feelings of loneliness are Nature’s prompt to have our basic social needs met. “Loneliness is a natural human emotion – we are hardwired to need social connections. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others,” says Marmalade Trust, the UK charity behind Loneliness Awareness Week, whose theme this year is reducing stigma.
Why Young People Are Feeling More Lonely
Did you know that young people are among the most likely to experience loneliness? A YouGov survey(1) found that 30% of millennials and 20% of Gen Zs say they ‘always’ or ‘often’ feel lonely. The ONS analysed the results of other studies and found that age 12 is the loneliest time for children, which coincides with the transition from primary to secondary school and the attendant disruption to friendships.
The course explores different types of loneliness – short term or chronic – how to talk about it, and practical strategies for supporting anyone experiencing it.
It opens by exploring the importance of social connection in the long-established ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’. It highlights how social isolation and loneliness affect all age groups, but especially young people, the elderly and those who are in a minority through race, disability or gender. Research by Age UK(2) found the over 75s are most likely to feel cut off from society, with over a million saying they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member while psychologist, author and autism advocate Jessica Penot (3) writes: “Every adult or adolescent client I work with that has autism struggles with profound loneliness and a sense of isolation.”
How to Start Conversations About Loneliness
A significant barrier to dealing with loneliness is the stigma that prohibits open conversation about it. Through case studies from Marmalade Trust, you will discover how to talk more openly about the natural need for social connection, and how to support those grappling with mental health and loneliness.
The course also provides effective strategies to overcome barriers to social connectedness in your own life, from practical tips to psychological insights. Could past experiences of rejection be hampering your ability to connect to others? Psychologist Dr Leslie Becker-Phelps, author of Bouncing Back from Rejection, explains what to do about that.
Connecting with Others: Support for Every Group
Guide to Wellbeing: From Loneliness to Connection examines how different groups of people can be supported through loneliness, whether it stems from a life event – like leaving school or losing a loved one – or is more long-term. Dedicated sections focus on ways to improve social connections for the elderly, young people and individuals with autism.
Finally, the course explores the impact of chronic, long-term isolation on physical health and conversely, how building social connections can benefit wellbeing. It concludes with a look at loneliness as a matter of public health and ongoing initiatives to reduce its prevalence through community support.
Packed with useful information, insights and strategies, this course is ideal for health professionals, caregivers, parents, teachers, and anyone looking to foster a greater sense of belonging – for themselves and others.
Ready to make a difference? Enrol in the ‘Guide to Wellbeing: From Loneliness to Connection’ today and take a vital step towards a more connected, fulfilling life for yourself and others.
- 1 https://today.yougov.com/topics/society/articles-reports/2019/07/30/loneliness-friendship-new-friends-poll-survey
- 2 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cambridgeshireandpeterborough/about-us/news/articles/2022/mental-health-awareness/
- 3 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-forgotten-women/202303/the-problem-of-loneliness-for-people-with-autism
