Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event observed by the UK from the 9 -15 May working towards focusing on good mental health.

Each year The Mental Health Foundation comes up with a theme, this year's theme will be 'Loneliness'. Highlighting the experiences of loneliness and the effects it has on our mental health. As well as ways we can reduce loneliness for ourselves and others.

This event has become one of the biggest awareness weeks worldwide. However, Mental Health Awareness Week is not celebrated during the same time in each country.

Loneliness affects thousands of people each year and, in the UK, we can see these rates growing. During the pandemic our mental and physical health took a particularly big hit and at the centre of this was the feeling of loneliness. Our connections with others and our communities are vital in protecting our mental health and minimising the feelings of loneliness.

How does loneliness affect us and what causes it?

Loneliness can affect all aspects of our lives and can last as little or as long as it wants. While experiencing loneliness our mental and physical health is damaged, especially if these feelings have lasted a long time.

A combination of events and circumstances can lead to feelings of loneliness. Which could include:

• Moving houses to a new area or country which often leads people to feel isolated from various communities
• Going through a break-up or losing a friend
• A loved one passing away

• Changing/joining a new job
• Having no friends or family
• Are a single parent or caring for a loved one, where maintaining a social life becomes difficult
• Belong to a minority group and live in an area without others from similar backgrounds
• Excluded from social activities due to a disability or mental health problem

• Can't join in with social activities due to financial problems
• Experience discrimination and stigma due to your disability, gender, race, or/and sexual orientation
• Having experienced sexual or physical abuse, making it hard to form relationships with others

It's important to note that some people do choose to be alone and live happily without little to no contact with others. However it is not the same for everyone, some have connections but still feel lonely as a result of being misunderstood or unheard.

What can we do to reduce loneliness?

Not every option given will be right for you, so it's important to try a variety of ideas so you can tackle your feelings of loneliness. Possible options for you include:

Talking therapies. As said by Mind, talking therapies allow you to explore and understand your feelings of loneliness and can help you develop positive ways of dealing with them. Providing you with a safe place to speak openly and freely about how you feel.

Making new connections. Often, people tend to feel lonely due to the lack of social contact, if you find yourself relating to that statement then making new connections good be beneficial for you. You can do this by following the below steps as said by the British Red Cross.

• Be kind to yourself – Remember you are worth knowing. Look after yourself and don't be self-critical
• Write down positive things about yourself – What are you good at or what do you enjoy? Find 5 things
• Use your web of connections – Who do you already know that could help you make new connections?
• Look out for ideas – Shared interests help us connect. Find inspiration or things to talk about at your library, community centre or shops
• Think about shared interests – Sport, gardening, or your neighbourhood are all common interests

Making new connections can be difficult but it's not impossible!

Look after yourself and your mental health, you can do this several ways. Ideas for looking after yourself could include:

• Spend time outside, being surrounded by nature has been proven to boost your mental health
• Make sleep a centre point of your routine. Getting enough sleep is crucial for your mental health
• Like sleep, exercise is another crucial point in maintaining good mental health. You can exercise in a range of ways including, going to the gym, walking, joining a sports club, exercising in the comfort of your own home and so much more
• Spend time setting goals. Do you have plans? Maybe something you've always wanted to do but never have. By setting goals for what you want to accomplish it will allow you to fully connect with the idea of completing them, empowering you to take the relevant steps to reach where you want to be. Writing them down can really help with this. Try writing them down and putting them somewhere you regularly look
• Try to do something you enjoy every day, this can range from many activities such as listening to music, painting, reading, writing, playing sports and so much more. Try making a list of all your hobbies and things that make you happy
• Eat healthy. By eating a variety of healthy foods you'll soon see improvement in your mental health recovery
• Find ways to relax. Go for a walk, read, listen to your favourite song. Find something that relaxes you and make it a part of your daily routine

Don't forget to talk to those you trust about your experience with loneliness, which after all is one of the main goals of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week. You're never alone, there is always someone out there willing to listen, whether that be a friend, family member or a professional, they are ready to hear your story.

Since everyone's experience of loneliness is different and varies in the amount and intensity in which it is felt don't compare your journey to someone else's if you feel as if you're falling behind or should be getting better quicker. There is no one right way to healing and recovery.

Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week by starting a conversation with someone you don't know or simply smiling their way. A small gesture can go a long way.

Continue to spread kindness HERE