This informal CPD article, ‘Understanding Loneliness’ was provided by Workplace Bereavement, who specialise in providing workplace bereavement training to companies so that those trained advocates can support colleagues who experience bereavement loss.
Loneliness is something many people experience, and it can have a big impact on our well-being. The Cambridge Dictionary defines lonely as “unhappy because you are not with other people” (1). But loneliness is not just about being on your own, it is a deeper feeling that can affect anyone, no matter their age or situation. In this article, we will look at what loneliness means, how it can show up in our lives, and why it is important to understand it, both for ourselves and for the people we know.
What does loneliness mean?
Loneliness is more than just being on your own. Some people enjoy spending time alone and do not feel lonely, while others may feel lonely even when they are surrounded by people. It is about the feeling of being disconnected, unseen, or unsupported. In practice, loneliness can also mean feeling that you do not have meaningful connections or that nobody truly understands you.
“Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.” Carl Jung (2)
How it can show up in our lives
Loneliness can appear in many different ways. Some people may notice it when they spend long periods of time alone, while others may feel it even when surrounded by friends, family, or colleagues. It can show up as a sense of emptiness, a lack of close connections, or feeling left out. At work, loneliness might look like feeling excluded from team activities, while at home, it could mean feeling distant from loved ones. Everyone’s experience of loneliness is different, but the common thread is the feeling of being disconnected from others.
Understanding loneliness
Understanding loneliness matters because it affects both our mental and physical health. When we recognise our own feelings of loneliness, we can take steps to care for ourselves and seek support when needed. It is also important in the workplace and in caring roles, where being aware of loneliness can help us notice when others might be struggling. By understanding loneliness, we are better able to respond with empathy, reduce stigma, and create spaces where people feel seen and supported.
Dealing with loneliness
Research indicates that social isolation and loneliness have a serious impact on physical and mental health, quality of life, and longevity (3). Loneliness is something most people experience at some point in their lives. It can happen anywhere in a busy place, a quiet home, online, or even when others surround us. Feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of, and it does not mean there is something wrong with you.
Admitting that we feel lonely can sometimes be difficult, but it helps to know that many people share this experience. Loneliness can come and go, and with the right support, it can be managed. Taking time to understand why we might feel lonely is an important step. By noticing our own signs of loneliness, we can start to find healthy ways to cope and reconnect. There are many resources available if you, or someone you support, needs extra help and reaching out can make a real difference.
“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.” Mother Teresa (4)
Consider talking to a professional
Loneliness and Mental Health
Feeling lonely is not the same as having a mental health problem. However, mental health difficulties can make feelings of loneliness stronger. For example, if you are struggling with your mental health, you might:
- avoid social events or activities you usually enjoy,
- feel low in confidence or self-esteem,
- worry about trying new things or meeting new people,
- find it hard to talk to others about how you feel, fearing they might not understand or judge you,
- feel like you could be a burden to others,
- feel overwhelmed in busy places, at work events, or parties.
Recognising these patterns can help you understand how mental health and loneliness can affect each other and help you to understand when you need to take steps to get support.
Understanding how loneliness can be linked to mental health is the first step. The next step is learning simple ways to manage loneliness and reconnect with others, both for yourself and for those you support.
Practical Tips to Help with Loneliness
- Stay connected: reach out to friends, family, or colleagues, even with a quick message or call. Small connections can make a big difference.
- Join activities: take part in hobbies, clubs, or local groups that interest you. Shared activities can help you meet new people and feel part of a community.
- Volunteer or help others: giving time or support to others can reduce feelings of isolation and create connections.
- Look after yourself: exercise, eat well, and get enough rest. Feeling physically better can help you feel more able to connect socially.
- Talk about your feelings: share how you feel with someone you trust. Opening up can reduce the weight of loneliness and help others understand how to support you.
- Limit comparison online: social media can sometimes make loneliness feel worse. Focus on your own connections and experiences instead.
- Seek support if needed: if loneliness feels overwhelming or persistent, consider talking to a professional, such as a counsellor or mental health service.
Loneliness is a normal part of life, and most people will feel it at some point. Understanding what loneliness is, recognising how it can show up in ourselves and others, and knowing practical ways to cope can make a real difference. By reaching out, staying connected, and taking care of ourselves, we can reduce loneliness and create stronger, more supportive connections. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, support is available, and you don’t have to face loneliness alone.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Workplace Bereavement, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
References
(1) Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Lonely. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/lonely
(2) https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/60630-loneliness-does-not-come-from-having-no-people-about-one
(3) World Health Organization. (2024). Social Isolation and Loneliness. WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness
(4) https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/50997-the-most-terrible-poverty-is-loneliness-and-the-feeling-of
