The sad fact is that many peoples lives since March 2020 have changed due to the on-going knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting millions of our routines, potentially damaging many peoples mental health due to increased loneliness. Loneliness was an issue before the pandemic, and unfortunately COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation, not caused it.

QHS is using Mental Health Awareness Week to help draw attention to those here in the UK who are suffering from the effects of loneliness, which for many started during the lockdowns. For tens of thousands the lockdowns have resulted in a sense of isolation, which can lead those affected to have higher stress levels and difficulty re-engaging with the rest of society. Help us reduce the impact of loneliness by caring social interaction (however small) with anyone who we come across during our working or private lives that we suspect is feeling isolated.

The whole situation has not been made any easier for millions by the permanent switch to working from home, with many folk now missing out on the opportunity for daily social interaction in the office. Loneliness can cause some to allow themselves to get stuck at home, thereby reducing the opportunities for them to develop or maintain close relationships, or enter into small talk with those they would have otherwise met on the journey to and from work.

Given research shows that loneliness is detrimental to our mental health, let us all be watchful as we go about our daily lives,  and between us let us gently, tactfully and empathetically reach out to those we come across who we suspect may be lonely, and probably inside longing for social interaction and human connection.

According to the registered charity WaveLength whose mission is to fight loneliness, these are some common signs of loneliness to look out for:

1. They spend a lot of time alone
2. They are unproductive
3. They get stuck on the negatives
4. They seem to be sick or ill frequently
5. They seem overly attached to their possessions or hobbies

Together, by being aware of some of the common signs we can reduce loneliness, and by doing so take positive steps towards a mentally healthy society.