We can all feel lonely from time to time. But if loneliness is affecting your day-to-day life, you might need some support to help manage it.
Feeling lonely can also have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if these feelings have lasted a long time. Although feeling lonely isn’t in itself a mental health problem, it is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.
Your first port of call may be self-help as it’s the most accessible option. Simply paying attention to your own emotional needs can sometimes ease the effects.
Self-help may include:
- Relaxation and breathing exercises
- Speaking to someone you can trust
- Eating healthily
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting your intake of caffeine and sugar
- Accepting help from others
Talking therapies, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), might help you deal with the symptoms of anxiety. CBT tries to change the way you react to situations by adjusting the way you think and behave with ‘coping skills’.
Sometimes it may be necessary to use medication to lessen your anxiety. You can see a list of medicines we might offer you on our Choice and Medication portal.
If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, call the Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 free from a landline or mobile phone.
If you’d rather text than talk on the phone, you can text ORANGE to 85258 to contact a trained volunteer from Shout. They’ll be able to help you reach a place of calm and, if necessary, signpost you to local services. This is a free, 24/7 service.
Safespace provides instant support if you’re vulnerable and need assistance with your mental health out-of-hours. You can speak to the team using Zoom or by calling in via telephone, between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Friday.
NHS Talking Therapies offers a range of therapies aimed at helping you to deal with OCD and should be your first port of call if you’re looking for support. You can self-refer online.
If you’re under 16, speak to your GP, who may be able to refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Inclusion is our fortnightly peer-to-peer group for young people who are members and allies of North East Lincolnshire’s LGBT+ community. Based at The Attic on the top floor of the Carers’ Support Centre and open to those aged between 16 and 25 years old, it’s a safe space to meet others, make friends and take part in activities with like-minded people.
Want to make a difference to people with mental health illnesses in North East Lincolnshire? Volunteer with NAViGO!
Friendship at Home: Friendship at Home provides befriending services, clubs, information and advice for older people.
NHS mood self-assessment: This short questionnaire will help you understand how you’re feeling and signpost you to the most appropriate support.
Orcha Apps Library: This library lists thousands of NHS-approved health apps, making it quick and easy for you to find support.
NHS audio guides: Listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides through the NHS website.
The Silver Line: The Silver Line is a nationwide confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK. It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers telephone friendship for older people. Call 0800 4 70 80 90.
Age UK: Age UK aims to improve later life for everyone through their information and advice, services, campaigns, products, training and research.
Samaritans: Whatever you're going through, Samaritans are there to help 24 hours a day via phone, email and letter.
Campaign to End Loneliness: A campaign aiming to make loneliness a thing of the past - particularly for older adults.
NHS mental wellbeing audio guides: The NHS have put together a series of audio guides to help you build your confidence.
Do-it.org: Volunteering can be a great way to make new connections and do good in your community, and you can find local opportunities here
Five ways to wellbeing: The New Economics Foundation have developed these five steps to looking after your wellbeing.
Rainbow Call Companions: A free telephone befriending service specifically for LGBT+ people over the age of 75.
Found a useful resource we haven't included? Know an organisation or group we could be signposting to? Contact us and let us know!