You’re not alone in feeling lonely. Everyone feels lonely sometimes - it’s a natural part of being human.
Whether you’re surrounded by people or spending a lot of time on your own, loneliness can show up in different ways and impact how you feel.
This page is here to offer support, understanding and practical ideas to help you manage feelings of loneliness. Whatever your situation, there are things you can do to feel more connected and supported.
Causes of loneliness
Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. It’s a personal experience. The reasons for it can vary from person to person.
Sometimes loneliness comes from being physically alone. But it can also happen even when you’re surrounded by others.
Here are some common causes of loneliness.
Life changes
Life events such as moving to a new place, changing jobs or the end of a relationship can lead to feelings of isolation.
Loss and bereavement
The death of a loved one can leave a deep sense of emptiness and disconnection.
Living alone
Spending most of your time on your own, especially without regular contact with others, can contribute to loneliness.
Health challenges
Physical illness, mental health difficulties, or disabilities can make it harder to connect with others.
Lack of social connection
Not having close relationships, or feeling misunderstood or unsupported in existing relationships, can lead to loneliness.
Social anxiety or low confidence
Feeling unsure or fearful about interacting with others can make it difficult to build or maintain relationships.
Caring responsibilities
Being a carer can be isolating, especially if it limits time for social interaction.
It’s important to remember that loneliness is a common human experience and that support is available.
Understanding the cause can be the first step towards finding the right help.
Support for carers, family and friends
Unemployment
Unemployment can cause loneliness and isolation. It means you’re at home all day without the chance to make new friends and keep busy.
You can also feel like you do not have much news when you meet your friends. Or you may feel like you do not want to see people at all.
No shared interests
It’s not always easy to find a group of people you connect with. This can be especially true in rural or isolated communities where it might seem hard to find people who share your interests.
Activities with other people that can improve your mental health
Break ups
After a relationship or friendship break up, it can be difficult to adjust to life without that person. Spending time on your own can feel isolating.
Getting older
Loneliness is not inevitable as you get older. But it can be a part of the aging process.
There are things you can do to cope with loneliness as you get older.
Find support
If there’s no clear reason why you feel lonely, it might be a sign something’s wrong.
If you find it too difficult to talk to a loved one, contact your GP.
If you need to talk to someone right now, call Samaritans on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day.