This article is featured in New Idea and is republished with permission.
Have you been feeling lonely, even when you weren't alone?
Or maybe you felt unseen or unheard? It's time to talk about loneliness, and all the ways it might be holding you back from living your life.
Once, talking about loneliness was an uncomfortable conversation, but now it's acknowledged being lonely is an issue faced by many people - yet it doesn't have to be.
Understanding what's wrong
While it isn't a mental health condition itself, loneliness can have serious impacts on your health in numerous ways. In fact, it can affect your physical health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to Lifeline Australia.
Social relationships are a basic human necessity - where would we be if it weren't for the meaningful connections and people in our lives? From a sense of emptiness to feeling worthless or misunderstood, loneliness can manifest itself in different ways for different people. When we feel a certain way, our brains naturally try to make sense of those feelings. You might try to justify your sadness, going as far as creating reasons for why you're lonely. It might even be a way to protect yourself from the dangers of getting hurt emotionally. Loneliness can lead to more intesnse feelings of sadness, too.
More than one in 10 older Australians experience depression, according to Healthdirect Australia, but it's difficult to recognise in adults over 65 at times, with some symptoms mistaken for ageing. Poor physical health, social isolation and loss were the main contributors to depression for this age group, based off of their research.
Changing circumstances
Loneliness can be tied to the emotional, mental and, social changes that occur in later years, Australian Psychological Society's CEO, Dr Zena Burgess suggests. Life's many chapters, such as retirement, loss of partner, or caregiving responsibilities, can influence or even exaggerate these changes in your life.
"These transitions often come with a loss of daily structure, social interaction and a sense of belonging, leading to feelings of isolation," she says.
A 2024 National Seniors survey of Australians over 50 found that for many participants, loneliness was linked to loss. Death, unresolved disagreements, and distance separated people from previously significant relationships.
Moving forward
If you're searching for fulfilment, Dr Burgess recommends groups and initiatives that foster a sense of community and belonging as a great place to start. "Think of your favourite hobbies or pastimes - there's a group for just about anything these days," she says.
"Recreational sport, another great option, gives people the chance to be part of a community, build friendships and generate feelings of togetherness."
Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and expose you to a whole range of meaningful connections. Gardening or spending time outdoors can help you reconnect with nature, and travel is a time-honoured way to experience new social interactions.