Loneliness is a negative feeling that a person can experience when their social relations are not the way they would like. It is a personal feeling of social isolation. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians were struggling with loneliness. Recent research conducted by Swinburne University reveals that 1 in 2 Australians report feeling more lonely since COVID-19. These resources can help you to understand the impacts of loneliness, and what you can do to seek help and support.
View a webinar of our ‘Loneliness and social isolation in the time of COVID-19’ online event
In April 2020, the APS hosted a free public event on the topic of loneliness and social isolation in the time of COVID-19. Over 2000 people joined us from across the country, and topics ranged from the impacts of loneliness on our health, to practical advice for different age groups.
View the webinar
COVID-19 resources
The APS has produced a whole range of resources to help Australians cope with the impact of COVID-19 – including on how to cope with coronavirus anxiety, how to maintain your mental health during social isolation, and more.
View COVID-19 resources
The Power of Human Connection
In 2018, as part of Psychology Week, the APS collaborated with Swinburne University on a study of loneliness in Australia. The survey examined the prevalence of loneliness and how it affects the physical and mental health of Australians.
The survey revealed that:
- 1 in 4 Australians feel lonely
- Many Australians – especially younger Australians – report anxiety about socialising
- Thirty per cent don’t feel part of a group of friends
- Lonely Australians have worse physical and mental health, and are more likely to be depressed.
Read the report
Tips
Tips to Connect to Thrive
Social relationships support good mental and physical health. These tips will help you to enjoy better interactions with the people you encounter, so you can feel the benefits of positive.
Read more
Articles
Loneliness is a health issue, and needs targeted solutions
by Michelle Lim MAPS, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology
Unmet social needs are no small matter - as a growing body of mental health research is showing.
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Loneliness is contagious – and here’s how to beat it
by Olivia Remes, PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge
Shifting your perceptions and practicing social skills can help people overcome their feelings of social isolation Loneliness is a common condition affecting around one in three.
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The deadly truth about loneliness
by Michelle Lim MAPS, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology
The quality of relationships is more important than the quantity when it comes to loneliness, and health researchers are paying increasingly close.
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Lonely in lockdown? You’re not alone. 1 in 2 Australians feel more lonely since coronavirus
by Michelle Lim MAPS, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology
Humans are innately social, and when we are deprived of something, the need becomes even stronger.
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Explainer: What is social anxiety disorder?
by Professor Peter McEvoy
Most of us would admit to feeling shy from time to time, or anxious about public speaking: the larger the crowd the greater the terror.
Read more
Webinar
Supporting aged care residents through COVID-19: Interventions for mental health and loneliness in residential aged care
This panel discussion brings together psychologists and researchers conducting psychological therapy for older adults in aged care. It draws upon their expertise in treating anxiety, depression and loneliness in residential aged care settings.
Access the recording