Social isolation and loneliness

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Social isolation is when someone has little contact with other people or lacks meaningful relationships and support. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or disconnected from others. While they are different, they often go hand in hand. If social isolation or loneliness lasts for a long time, it can have a serious impact on mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.

Feeling lonely is a normal part of being human, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives.

While most people experience loneliness from time to time, long-term or severe loneliness can have serious effects on mental and physical health. Research shows that loneliness can heighten stress responses, reduce self-esteem, and limit access to emotional and social support. These factors can increase feelings of hopelessness and despair which can lead to suicidal distress.

3 million

people in the UK say they feel lonely.

85%

of UK adults had experienced loneliness in the last 12 months.

45%

of boys and young men aged 11 to 25 reported feeling lonely occasionally or some of the time.

Types of loneliness

Loneliness isn’t always about being alone. You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if you don’t feel understood, supported, or connected. Understanding the different types of loneliness can help you recognise what you or someone else may be experiencing.

Emotional loneliness

Missing a close emotional connection, such as a partner, family member, close friend or even a pet.

Social loneliness

Feeling like you don’t have a wider network of friends, neighbours or colleagues to spend time with or rely on.

Transient loneliness

Feelings of loneliness that come and go, often lasting for a short period.

Situational loneliness

Loneliness linked to certain times or events, such as weekends, holidays, Christmas or after a major life change.

Chronic loneliness

Feeling lonely most or all of the time over a long period.

Causes of loneliness

Social isolation and loneliness can happen to anyone. Sometimes they develop gradually, other times they follow a major life change or unexpected event, or it could be because of a combination of factors.

Recognising these triggers can help you understand why you may be feeling disconnected and when it might be time to reach out for support.

Major changes or transitions can affect our connections and sense of belonging.

Moving away from home
Starting a new job
Starting university
Becoming a father

Some situations can make it harder to maintain relationships or take part in social activities.

Living with a disability or long-term health condition
Reduced mobility or disability
Caring responsibilities

Some working environments can increase feelings of isolation, particularly where people spend long periods alone or have limited opportunities for connection, including:

Farmers and agricultural workers
Construction workers and tradespeople
Self-employed people and business owners
Those approaching retirement

Loneliness can happen when we feel disconnected, unsupported or like we don’t belong.

Breakups and divorce
Having little or no contact with friends or family
Losing touch with people over time
Feeling different or excluded because of your background, identity, culture, sexuality or beliefs
Experiencing bullying or discrimination

Myths and facts

Here are some harmful myths about social isolation and loneliness debunked. Click each myth to see the real facts and explanations.

Myth: Talking about loneliness is embarrassing for men.

Myth: Men only feel lonely when they are on their own

Myth: Young men rarely feel lonely

Myth: It’s obvious when a man is feeling lonely

Myth: Talking about loneliness is embarrassing for men.

Myth: Men only feel lonely when they are on their own

Myth: Young men rarely feel lonely

Myth: It’s obvious when a man is feeling lonely

Real Story: Ian Thorpe, Olympic swimmer and former world champion

Ian Thorpe has spoken openly about experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, and isolation. At one of his lowest points, he withdrew from friends and struggled to leave the house, eventually recognising that he needed help.

“I was surrounded by people but I still had this intense loneliness.”

With support from doctors, medication and making an effort to reconnect with friends, Ian began to manage his depression and find a way forward.

Ian continues to speak openly about his experience, showing that even when depression makes you feel completely alone, reaching out and accepting support can help you begin to recover.

Are you struggling?

If you’ve been feeling socially isolated or lonely, remember that things can change.

Reconnecting with others often starts with one small step, and it’s okay to take things at your own pace.

Acknowledge how you’re feeling. Recognising that you’re feeling lonely is the first step towards making a positive change.
Talk to someone you trust. Sharing how you’re feeling with a friend, family member, colleague or your GP can help you feel less alone.
Reconnect with others. Send a message, make a phone call or arrange to meet someone you’ve not spoken to for a while.
Find your community. Join a local group, sports club, class or volunteer opportunity to meet people with shared interests.
Take things one step at a time. A single conversation or trying one new activity can help build confidence and connection.
Look after your wellbeing. Regular exercise, time outdoors, good sleep and a routine can improve your mood and make socialising feel more manageable.
Use technology to stay connected. Video calls, messaging and online communities can help, but where possible, try to balance them with face-to-face connections.
Avoid comparing yourself to others. Social media often shows the highlights of people’s lives, not the challenges they’re facing behind the scenes.
Seek support if you need it. If loneliness is affecting your mental health or leading to suicidal thoughts, speak to your GP or another mental health professional.
If you’re a student, reach out. Your college, university or students’ union can offer wellbeing and mental health support.

Building new connections doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Trying something new can help you meet people, discover new interests and create a sense of belonging. If it feels easier, invite someone to come along with you.

Get creative

Try an art, photography, craft or theatre group.

Get active

Join a walking group, try Parkrun, cycle with others or play a team sport.

Volunteer

Supporting a local charity or community group is a great way to meet people while making a difference.

Explore your local area

Visit a community café, library or local event to meet new people.

The following services can provide practical support, advice, and emotional help if you are socially isolated or feeling lonely.

Samaritans

Contact the Samaritans if you feel lonely and want to talk to someone.

Gov.uk

Database of local community support groups, search by postcode.

Marmalade Trust

Advice on making new connections.

Age UK's Silver Line Helpline

Gives anyone aged 55 or over the opportunity to exchange a friendly word, access support, or enjoy a long enriching conversation.

Men’s Sheds

Men’s Sheds are kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies whilst making friends, learning and sharing skills.

Stay Alive app

Whether you’re struggling with your mental health or suicidal thoughts, or supporting someone else, our NHS-recommended Stay Alive app offers practical tools and access to over 800 resources to help you stay safe.

Grounding techniques

Access breathing exercises and grounding techniques that can help deal with overwhelming anxiety, pain or emotions.

Safety plan

Create a Safety Plan to recognise warning signs early and outline the steps you can take if a suicidal crisis is beginning or escalating.

LifeBox

Upload photos and memories to your LifeBox. These reminders can help ground you, bring comfort and offer a moment of calm when you need it most.

Stay Alive app

All of these tools and more are available on our Stay Alive app, making them easy to access when you or someone you are worried about is struggling.

Did you know? Our free app was the first in the UK, has won multiple awards and is helping a million people all over the world. Please consider a donation (whatever you can afford) to continue to develop the maintenance and development of our app.

Are you worried about someone?

If you think someone may be feeling socially isolated or lonely, reaching out could make a real difference.

Here are some ways you can help:

Notice changes. If someone is becoming more withdrawn, avoiding social situations or losing interest in things they once enjoyed, it may be a sign they need extra support.
Check in regularly. Small, consistent acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Reach out. A simple message, phone call or visit can remind someone they’re not alone.
Make time to listen. Let them talk at their own pace without judgement or trying to fix everything.
Keep including them. Even if they decline invitations, continue to let them know they’re welcome.
Spend time together. Invite them for a walk, a coffee or another activity you can enjoy together.
Help them reconnect. Encourage them to get back in touch with friends, family or groups they used to enjoy.
Suggest local opportunities. Community groups, sports clubs, volunteering or shared hobbies can help build new connections.
Share this page. It includes practical advice, support and organisations that may help them feel less isolated.
Ask Now. If you are worried they are feeling overwhelmed and having suicidal thoughts, our Ask Now, Save Lives page has guidance on how to start a conversation. Asking someone if they’re suicidal could protect them.

The following organisations offer advice, guidance, and practical support for helping someone who is socially isolated or lonely.

Samaritans

Further support on how to recognise and support someone who may be lonely,

Marmalade Trust

How to become a connector and create a sense of belonging in people’s lives.

Stay Alive app

Our award-winning Stay Alive app provides additional information on how to keep someone safe, including warning signs, practical steps, things to avoid and more.

Learn more about how to approach a conversation about suicide and support someone who may be struggling.

Gain the skills to support men

Our half-day mental health and suicide prevention training is focused on supporting men. It is a practical, discussion-based session that will help you recognise distress, understand myths and key risk factors. It trains you to start conversations, respond safely, and connect someone with appropriate support.

Whether you’re experiencing social isolation or loneliness yourself, or you’re supporting someone who is, remember that things can change. Reaching out, making meaningful connections and talking openly can make a real difference.