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How does loneliness affect health and well-being?

profile picture of Bianca Clarke
Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
29 October 2024
Next review due October 2027

Loneliness can be described as the unpleasant feeling we might have when our need for social contact and relationships aren’t met. Feeling lonely can negatively impact our health. Here, I discuss the effects of loneliness on mental and physical health. These can be particularly common in men and older people.

person walking alone on a pier

How can loneliness affect your mental health?

Feeling lonely can have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if these feelings last for a long time. Research suggests that loneliness can increase your risk of developing certain mental health problems. These may include:

Feeling lonely can lead to the above mental health problems. But having an existing mental health condition or problem may also cause you to feel lonely or isolated. Either way, it’s important to seek help if your mental health is affected.

Signs of poor mental health may include:

  • avoiding social interaction or doing things you normally enjoy
  • feeling bad about yourself
  • finding it difficult to speak to people, especially about how you’re feeling
  • feeling overwhelmed
  • worrying that you’re a burden to others

If you’re struggling with your mental health, speak to your GP. They’ll listen to your symptoms and discuss the treatment options with you. They might suggest you try talking therapies such as counselling, or antidepressant medication. They may also refer you to a psychiatrist for further support.

How can loneliness affect your physical health?

As well as your mental health, loneliness and social isolation can affect your physical health too. Research suggests that feeling lonely for a long time can make it harder for your body to fight off illness or make existing physical symptoms worse.

Physical effects of loneliness may include:

  • a weakened immune system
  • increased inflammation or infections in the body
  • a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes 
  • a lower pain threshold
  • worsened symptoms of existing conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease

If you’re experiencing any physical symptoms, you should seek advice from a GP, as there could be many possible causes. But finding ways to tackle feelings of loneliness may improve your overall health.

Loneliness in men

Research suggests that men are more likely to experience loneliness than women. They’re also less likely to reach out for help for their mental health.

This may be the case for several reasons. For example, men might be less likely to confide in others or open up about how they’re feeling. There’s often a stigma against men showing emotion. This is also known as ‘toxic masculinity’ – the idea that men should be ‘tough’ rather than ‘soft’ and emotional.

They may avoid talking about their feelings due to embarrassment and fear of judgment from others. Instead, they’re more likely to bottle things up and isolate themselves, which could cause feelings of loneliness and poor mental health.

If you identify as male and you’re struggling with loneliness or poor mental health, you’re not alone. Try and speak to a loved one or someone you trust about how you’re feeling. You can also contact your GP for professional support.

Remember that showing emotion is not a sign of weakness, and there’s no shame in asking for help.

Loneliness in older people

Loneliness can be more common in older people. This is typically due to the circumstances that can come with older age.

Older people may be more likely to:

  • be widowed or experience a bereavement
  • live alone, having lost a partner or relative
  • have health problems or mobility difficulties, making it harder for them to get around and socialise
  • find it hard to connect with people in their neighbourhood

These things can make it harder for older people to open up to others and maintain meaningful relationships. If you or someone you know is over 50 and experiencing loneliness, it’s important to speak out and get help.

If loneliness is due to social isolation, taking up more social activities may help. But if someone’s restricted by their health or mobility, getting the correct support is vital to give them back their independence and may help to tackle loneliness. Speak to your GP if you’re having these difficulties. They’ll make sure you get the assistance you need.


If you’re worried about your mental health, our direct access service aims to provide you with the advice, support and treatment you need as quickly as possible. You’ll be able to get mental health advice and support usually without the need for a GP referral. Learn more today.

profile picture of Bianca Clarke
Bianca Clarke
Cognitive Behaviour Therapist

 

Co-author

Annie Fry, Health Content Editor at Bupa UK

    • Loneliness. Mind. Mind.org.uk, published June 2023
    • Mental health and loneliness: the relationship across life stages. GOV UK. Gov.uk, published June 2022
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    • Subramanian I, Farahnik J & Mischley L.K. Synergy of pandemics-social isolation is associated with worsened Parkinson severity and quality of life. npj Parkinsons Dis. 6, 28 (2020)
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    • Men and loneliness. The Marmalade Trust. Marmaladetrust.org, accessed October 2024
    • Men’s mental health. Mental Health UK. Mentalhealth-uk.org, accessed October 2024
    • All the lonely people: loneliness in later life. Age UK. Ageuk.org.uk, published September 2018

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