While we are more connected than ever thanks to social media and technology, we also know that loneliness is becoming an increasingly common experience.

The thing is, loneliness is not simply about being alone or not having enough friends. It is not about the number of relationships we have, but the quality of those relationships and whether we feel genuinely connected to the people around us.

Loneliness is a subjective experience. It often occurs when there is a gap between wanting connection and feeling unable to achieve it.

Like anxiety, loneliness is a normal human experience. Most of us will feel lonely at different points in our lives. However, it can become a problem when it persists over time and we begin to withdraw further and further from the people, relationships, and activities that matter to us.

Sometimes loneliness is influenced by practical factors, such as living in a rural or remote area. More often, however, it is connected to life circumstances, experiences, or barriers that make connection feel difficult.

For example:

You live with a chronic illness and are unable to see people regularly, or feel that others do not fully understand your experience.

You are a migrant or have moved away from your support network and are trying to navigate a new culture, community, or way of life.

You feel excluded, different, or misunderstood because of your race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodivergence, or mental health.

You feel disconnected from your culture, community, or sense of belonging.

You have been hurt in relationships before and now find it difficult to trust people, open up, or be vulnerable.

You are at a different life stage to the people around you, which can leave you feeling isolated or left behind.

Sometimes loneliness is also linked with anxiety. You may want connection, friendships, or relationships, but anxiety can make it difficult to reach out, speak up, meet new people, or feel comfortable around others.

The Impact of Loneliness

While loneliness itself is not a mental health disorder, persistent loneliness can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health.

Research has linked long-term loneliness with anxiety, depression, increased stress, chronic health concerns, and poorer overall wellbeing.

Over time, loneliness can begin to affect how we see ourselves, our confidence in social situations, and our sense of hope that meaningful connection is possible.

If you are struggling with loneliness, I can help you explore what may be contributing to it and how it is impacting your life.

Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we can work together to understand the fears, barriers, or patterns that may be keeping you stuck, while also identifying the kinds of relationships, connections, and communities that matter to you.

My goal is not simply to help you feel less lonely, but to help you move towards the connection, belonging, and meaningful relationships you want in your life, even when anxiety, uncertainty, or difficult experiences have made that feel challenging.