Making Mental Health “Visible”

By Gina Mohajer

This week, a gentleman on the radio said, “if you break your leg, you can’t walk. If you have a mental health problem, you can’t see it”. I thought this aptly summarised the problems we have with mental health in society and why, more than ever, we need to raise awareness and bring mental health to the forefront of government health policy.

Today, Friday 10^th October, is Mental Health Day and the theme is “Living with Schizophrenia”. It is estimated that around 26 million people worldwide suffer from schizophrenia. However, despite this being a treatable disorder, a staggering 50 percent of sufferers are not receiving the treatment they need, 90 percent of whom live in the developed world. Considering the huge advances in medicine and technology, the amount of money invested in the healthcare system, and our understanding of the detriments of poor mental health – this statistic is shocking and highlights that a great deal more needs to be done.

Today’s awareness raising is to ensure that those living with schizophrenia are no longer stigmatised or marginalised from society – which can augment their condition – but instead get the best possible care, as early as possible, and receive the support they need to manage their illness and help them on their journey to recovery. For more information about schizophrenia and to download the “Living with Schizophrenia” report click here.

Today is also a great opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing more generally and to ensure that although it may not be as “visible” as a physical condition, it is equally important and needs to be treated as thus. We all have a responsibility as individuals to listen and take care of our body and mind, as employers to create a workplace that is fair and where clear policies exists to prioritise staff wellbeing, as practitioners to ensure that patients receive the correct care and treatment and that the government continues to promote mental wellbeing through national guidelines.

One in four adults in Britain will experience a diagnosable mental health problem in any one year; this is a vast number of people and none of us our immune. However, it is essential that we understand that we can through education, self awareness and empowerment make a fundamental difference to improving and protecting not only our own mental health and wellbeing but also of those around us. Through concerted efforts, we have the ability to bring about real positive changes – a belief at the core of the Royal Society for Public Health.

For more information on mental health and training click here

For more information on mental health in the workplace click here

Happiness at Work

The key to tackling mental health problems?

The equation seems simple; a healthy workforce equates to a happy workforce which results in a more productive and successful organisation. This is good for society and the country’s economy. However in reality the picture is bleak, suggesting that this formulae is neither being understood nor utilised.

Unfortunately, poor mental health is not uncommon in today’s society. In Britain, one in four adults will experience a diagnosable mental health problem in any one year, despite the UK being one of the richest countries in the developed world. Whilst wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness, having a good standard of living, access to free healthcare, can certainly improve a society’s wellbeing. However, not so surprisingly, 80 percent of people with a mental health problem believe that their condition is associated to work related problems. Does this imply that employers do not understand the equation mentioned above? Or are they so intent on achieving their outcomes that they choose to ignore it, not realising that the long term affects of poor mental health can be catastrophic for society. 

With one in six working Britons experiencing a mental health issue at any one time, including depression, anxiety or stress - more needs to be done to address these unsettling statistics.

In the run up to Mental Health Awareness Week (12^th – 18^th May) two significant, and timely, documents have been published; a survey by Depression Alliance revealing that a third of people struggle to cope at work due to stress/exhaustion, and a report entitled “Depression in the Workplace in Europe: new insights from business leaders", which makes the argument that employers need to be more responsible for the wellbeing of their employees and the benefits this has on the country’s economy and society as a whole.

At any one time in Britain one worker in six will be experiencing depression, anxiety or problems relating to stress. Among people who describe their mental health as poor, 80% say this is at least in part a result of problems at work

The report, which was published at the end of April, suggests that mental health problems are the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 350 million people. More over, depression disproportionally affects adults of working ages and the financial impact on business and the economy is profound. Recent figures, from the London Schools of Economics and Political Science and King’s College London, shows that the annual cost of depression to European businesses is a staggering £77 billion. This is directly a result of lost productivity.

Presenteeism, as identified in the report, can be as detrimental to the organisation and the individual, as much as absenteeism, if not more. In the UK, it is believed that 1.5 times as much work is lost through presenteeism as absenteeism for mental health conditions. This can be attributed to two reasons; firstly, employees with depression also experience cognitive symptoms (difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness and forgetfulness) up to 94% of the time, hindering their performance in the workplace. Secondly, employees are reluctant to take time off work, even when they need to, due to fear of losing their job or demotion, which could compromise their finances. This therefore fuels their stress and can augment and prolong existing mental health conditions. 

In the UK it is argued that 1.5 times as much work is lost through presenteeism as absenteeism for mental health conditions

Time off work or reduced productivity at work can 

affect finances and push people into debt

Having a mental health problem can impact all aspects of our every day life including our relationships with family, friends and colleagues. The Depression Alliance survey which involved 1,200 people, found that 83 percent affected by a mental health problem at work also experienced isolation or loneliness. However, only half of those feeling depressed or lonely confided in a colleague, yet a large proportion who did, reported to have felt better.

Mental health problems can affect any of us, however, in spite of this, there is a widespread lack of awareness, especially in the workplace, of how to recognise the signs and support people. Colleagues and managers may not know how, or feel confident, in supporting someone with a mental health condition, and moreover may not be aware what, if any, the companies policy is on mental health. The report stated that the majority of workplaces (78% in the UK), do not have a formal mental health policy in place and would most likely benefit from reviewing how they deal with depression. Not surprisingly, many employees are reluctant to inform their managers if they know that they have a problem due to fear of facing prejudice or stigmatisation. This of course can escalate feelings of isolation.

Chief Executive of Depression Alliance, Emer O'Neill says, "Depression is the biggest mental health challenge among working-age people and often leads to considerable loneliness and isolation at work. However, many companies aren't properly equipped to manage employees who suffer from depression so providing support to these individuals in the workplace is essential”.

Who’s responsibility is it anyway?

We are all susceptible to experiencing a mental health problem. Research suggests that around 50 percent of our mental health can be attributed to our genetics and environment, but the remaining can be altered by our activities and steps we take in life to protect our mental health. With such a high percentage of mental health problems related to work (it is where we spend the majority of our adult life) more needs to done to protect the mental health and wellbeing of employees. Employers therefore should create a supportive environment that reduces the taboo around mental health, but also implement strategic health and wellbeing plans with the sole intention of protecting their workforce and providing managers and colleagues with the knowledge and tools to deal with mental health appropriately and effectively.   

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is a strong advocate of improving the health and mental wellbeing of the population, through the creation of health champions and workplace health and wellbeing champions. Our new national Level 2 Award in Mental Wellbeing qualification, seeks to equip people with practical skills they can incorporate in their every day lives to improve and protect mental health. When people have good mental health, they can lead more fulfilling lives, can solve problems and are more productive.

For more information, on the Mental Wellbeing qualification and how it can be adapted for your organisation, please contact Gina Mohajer gmohajer@rsph.org.uk.

Useful Links:

NHS Choices Helpline

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/mental-health-helplines.aspx

Depression in the Workplace: A report featuring new insights from business leaders

http://targetdepressiondotcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/target-report_final.pdf

Mental Health Foundation

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Photo by Sina Bahrami

Mental Health Warning for Jobless Young

Yesterday news items reported that more than three quarters of a million young people believe they have nothing to live for, with jobless youngsters facing “devastating” symptoms of mental illness, warns a new report.

The Prince's Trust Macquarie Youth Index, reveals that long-term unemployed young people are more than twice as likely as their peers to have been prescribed anti-depressants. One in three (32 per cent) have contemplated suicide, while one in four (24 per cent) have self harmed.

The report which was based on interviews with 2,161 16 to 25 year olds highlights that 40 per cent of jobless young people have faced these symptoms of mental illness – including suicidal thoughts, feelings of self-loathing and panic attacks – as a direct result of unemployment.

Long-term unemployed young people are also more than twice as likely as their peers to believe they have nothing to live for. The Youth Index 2014 full report is downloadable here.

The Prince’s Trust is now calling for urgent support from government, health agencies and employers to fund its vital work with long-term unemployed young people battling mental health issues. With more support, the youth charity can help more young people build their self-esteem and move into work.

Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of youth charity The Prince’s Trust, said:

“Unemployment is proven to cause devastating, long-lasting mental health problems among young people. Thousands wake up every day believing that life isn’t worth living, after struggling for years in the dole queue.

“More than 430,000 young people are facing long-term unemployment, and it is these young people that urgently need our help. If we fail to act, there is a real danger that these young people will become hopeless, as well as jobless.”

The charity's sixth annual Youth Index, which gauges young people’s wellbeing across a range of areas from family life to physical health, highlights that unemployed young people are significantly less likely to ask for help if they are struggling to cope. Three quarters of long-term unemployed young people (72 per cent) do not have someone to confide in.

Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, said:

“This research proves that unemployment is a public health issue. It is one that must be tackled urgently and it is essential that youth unemployment is added to the public health agenda. Unemployed young people are struggling in many aspects of their lives, from their mental health and wellbeing to their relationships and their qualifications and we must act quickly to end this.”

In response to these findings, The Prince's Trust is increasing support for the UK's most vulnerable young people through its Get Started programme which aims to inspire and motivate the long-term unemployed.

This year, The Prince’s Trust will support 58,000 disadvantaged young people, helping them turn their lives around. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.

For more information about The Prince’s Trust visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/youthindex or follow The Trust on Facebook or Twitter www.facebook.com/princes-trust / www.twitter.com/princestrust

For more information please contact:

Sophie Rawlings on 020 7543 1284 / 07766 144488 or at sophie.rawlings@princes-trust.org.uk
Annabel Douthwaite on 020 7543 1318 / 07841 877181 or atannabel.douthwaite@princes-trust.org.uk

The Vicious Cycle Between Poor Mental Health and Unemployment

A recent report by the BBC titled “mentally ill people hit hard by recession” argued that between 2006 and 2010 unemployment rates for people with mental health problems rose significantly.

The news item was reporting on a research study which sought to discover whether people with mental ill health are more likely to be discriminated against both in the job market and in society.  

The study which was carried out by researchers from King’s College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, looked at data on the rates of employment and mental health problems from 27 EU countries.

The researchers focused on data derived from 2006 (prior to the 2008 economic crisis) and 2010. From both years, a consistent pattern emerged that people with mental health problems were more likely to be unemployed. Interestingly however, the study found that by 2010 the gap in unemployment rates between people with and without mental health problems had increased.

The researchers proposed that people with a mental health condition suffered more by the economic recession of 2008, and will have been more vulnerable to discrimination and unemployment. Download the published report in the peer-reviewed open access medical journal PLOS One.

Taking a deeper look

The researchers used data from two surveys: The Eurobarometer Mental Wellbeing 2006 and the Eurobarometer Mental Health 2010 survey. 30,000 citizens from 27 EU countries took part in the survey and information was collected through face to face interview.

From the 2006 and 2010 surveys it was found that compared with the general population people with mental health problems were:

1.     More likely to be female

2.     Significantly older

3.     More likely to have finished education before 20 years of age or had no formal education

4.     More likely to be unemployed/retired and unable to work

5.     Less likely to be in paid employment

The study also revealed that although females were more likely to have a mental health problem, males were more likely than females to be unemployed. In 2010 22% of men with mental health problems were unemployed compared with 14% in 2006. For women these were 17% and 12% respectively.

Interestingly, the researchers also found that in 2010 (but not in 2006) people with mental health problems were more likely to be unemployed if they lived in countries where the majority of people agreed with the statement “people with mental health problems are a danger to others”.

The (vicious) cycle

People with mental health problems are less likely to be in employment. This can however perpetuate their condition by causing them to become further isolated and anxious about their financial circumstance.

During periods of economic hardship, this may become more apparent as people with mental health problems may be more susceptible to losing their job and are unable to find a new one in a competitive labour market.

Beth Murphy, head of information at mental health charity Mind, said the findings were worrying “Losing your job is a sudden change and there can also be financial implications through loss of income, which in itself can cause anxiety”

“Specifically redundancy is known to trigger depression and suicidal thoughts”.

Conclusion:

Undeniably, the research paints a very bleak picture of the reality of people who have poor mental health. Not only do they have to live with and tackle their own mental health condition, but their problems are further heightened by the fact that they are more likely to loose their job or be unemployed.

What we have to remember is that no one is exempt from experiencing a mental health problem - it can happen to anyone of us. Statistics reveal that at least one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life, therefore, it is essential that a) society does not stigmatise/discriminate against people with mental health conditions and b) that we learn techniques on how to protect ourselves and improve our mental health and wellbeing. 

It is imperative that Governments, Local Authorities and communities ensure that they promote social participation of individuals with mental health problems (particularly during recessions) and that efforts are made to target the most vulnerable people in society. Evidence reveals that participation in meaningful activity is associated with improved self esteem and good mental health. Having strong social relationships/networks can reduce isolation and help to improve mental health and recovery as well as preventing mental health problems.

We know that improved mental health and wellbeing is associated with a range of better outcomes, from physical health to higher education achievement. Thus in a strategic attempt to improve the whole population’s mental health and wellbeing the Five Ways to Wellbeing has been developed by nef (new economics foundation) which is a set of evidence based public health messages that can be utilised by everyone.

For more information on how you can get trained to improve and protect your mental health and the community you serve click here.

Let us know what simple things you do to help improve your mental health and wellbeing?

Men's Health Week 2013: breaking the mental health stigma  

This year Men’s Health Week, led by the Men’s Health Forum, aims to tackle the stigma attached to men’s mental health and encourage more men to seek professional help.

It is understood that although equivalent numbers of men and women suffer from mental ill health, men are far less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment, because of their reluctance/hesitance to seek professional health advice.  Statistics from the Men’s Health Forum highlighted that in the UK, three in four suicides are committed by men and that around 4,500 men kill themselves each year.

The distressing truth is that men are not as comfortable talking about their feelings and are even more ashamed to admit that they may be feeling depressed/stressed/anxious, in fear that they will appear weak amongst their peers. As a result, men often suffer alone or indulge in high risk behaviour such as drinking and drugs as a coping mechanism, which can be equally as detrimental to their health.

Martin Tod, CEO of the Men’s Health Forum said; “If all men could talk about how they were feeling with confidence, I don’t think we’d be looking at horrific figures like these. Whatever the problem, your GP has heard it before. Don’t bottle it up”.

Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive RSPH, says “the messages being raised in Men’s Health Week are vital, mental health is too often seen as a taboo subject especially amongst men. Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness and in addition to preventing and treating mental illness we should be actively promoting positive mental health. A key aspect of this is individuals feeling they can discuss their feelings and can ask for help.”

At the RSPH we strongly advocate the importance of maintaining good mental health. In our Mental Health report, we outlined the many harmful affects that poor mental health can have on the individual, on their family and society as a whole. In order to understand the importance of good mental health and ways this can be achieved, we have developed a new qualification in Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing Level 2 Award. The interactive training day promotes the positive impacts of good mental health, as well as providing practical skills and knowledge of the measures that can be taken to prevent and protect against mental ill health. For more information on our training programme, click here or contact Gina Mohajer gmohajer@rsph.org.uk.  

For more information on men's health week see the Men’s Health Forum and to view the statistics on men’s mental health click here.  

Can a stressful job be harmful to our health?

A certain amount of stress/pressure can “supposedly” be beneficial to us, by making us more productive. However, too much stress over a long period of time can have negative impacts on our health. A recent study from Spain sought to examine what these negative effects were and to what extent could stress increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and coronary heart problems. 

The research was carried out by the insurance company Ibermutuamur, and two universities in Spain and the findings were published in the peer reviewed Scandinavian Journal of Public Health.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether a correlation exists between stress (from work) and abnormal levels of fat (lipids) in the blood. Worryingly, high levels of bad cholesterol known as LDL cholesterol – caused by fat in the blood - can block arteries which in turn may lead to coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

Just over 90,000 people took part in the study which was conducted through questionnaires. Participants were asked questions relating to how they felt they coped in their job: “During the last year, have you frequently felt that you cannot cope with your usual job?". Participants who answered "yes" were considered to have job stress.

The questionnaire also included eleven questions relating to anxiety and depression symptoms, such as "Have you felt keyed up, on edge?" and "Have you had difficulty relaxing?” The researchers took fasting blood samples from participants measuring levels of total cholesterol, and then examined whether abnormal lipid levels were linked to job stress. The study did take into account age, sex, smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption and also type of job (blue or white collar occupation).

Results

Around 8,000 (9%) of participants are reported to have job stress; in addition these individuals also reported higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, and were found to have a 10% increase in abnormal lipid levels and higher levels of LDL cholesterol, than those who did not consider their job stressful.

Although these findings have been regarded as generally strong in understanding the relationship between stress and bad cholesterol, what the study did not take into account is that, individuals who suffer from stress or poor mental health, may indulge in high risk behaviour as a coping mechanism. This could increase their risk of developing higher levels of “bad” cholesterol as they may be more accustomed to unhealthier diets and/or consume higher levels of alcohol. Therefore, rather than the stress itself, these other “risky behaviours” may play a fundamental role in causing peoples “bad” cholesterol to rise.

Nonetheless, what this research highlights is that stress (too much of it) and poor mental health is detrimental for our wellbeing and for society as a whole. Whether it causes our cholesterol to rise or whether it causes us to indulge in health risk behaviour – the message remains clear that improving ones mental health should be paramount in order to tackle many of the other health related problems that exist in today’s society.

What can you do?

The RSPH believe that we all have a responsibility to ourselves and to others, to help prevent, protect and promote good mental health practices. As such a one day programme on Mental Health and Wellbeing has been developed, to provide people with practical skills and knowledge to understand the measures they can take to improve not only their own mental health, but also help the wider community. Click here to download the report on Mental Health in the New Public Health System and click here to find out more about our programme.   

Why having Friends at any Age is Beneficial for Health

Epicurus said “Of all the things that wisdom provides for living one’s entire life in happiness, the greatest by far is the possession of friendship”.

It has been long understood from contemporary scientists to ancient philosophers that having strong social bonds contributes to our happiness and therefore has a positive impact on our overall health and well-being.  However, the importance of friendship is not just something we need and desire as adults, but having friends during childhood is equally as important for our development later in life. 

In a new study from Concordia University, Canada (http://www.concordia.ca/) researchers affirmed that by keeping friends close has real physiological and psychological benefits.

The report which was published in the journal Developmental Psychology, “The presence of a best friend buffers the effects of negative experiences” found that the presence of a best friend directly affects children going through negative experiences.  The study highlighted that levels of cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal gland in direct response to stress, is likely to decrease if a child is with a friend during a tough experience.

William M. Bukowski, a professor of psychology and Director of the Concordia Centre for Research in Human Development said, “if a child is alone when he or she gets in trouble with a teacher or has an argument with a classmate, we see a measurable increase in cortisol levels and decrease in feelings of self worth”.   

Previous studies have demonstrated that friendships can protect against later adjustment difficulties.  However, this study is the first to definitely identify how the presence of a friend can result in an immediate benefit for the child undergoing an unpleasant experience.

Bukowski believes these results have far reaching implications because physiological and psychological negative experiences as children can impact us as adults later in life, “excessive secretion of cortisol may lead to significant physiological changes, including immune suppression and decreased bone formation”.  Additionally, Bukoswki points out that if we build up feelings of low self worth during childhood, this will translate directly into how we perceive ourselves later on in life. 

Studies continually show that we need close long term relationships, we need to be able to confide in others and we need a sense of belonging.  Evidence suggests that we tend to feel happier when we are with other people and as a result this has many positive affects on our health.  Strong bonds can contribute to lengthening life, boosts immunity and can cut risks of depression.

Therefore, where possible, it is important for us to make the time to build relationships by strengthening old friendships, deepening existing ones, and making new friends.  

Learning to De–Stress! Celebrating National Stress Awareness Day

Today, 2^nd November, is National Stress Awareness Day, aimed at helping people to deal with and avoid stress.

Stress Management has never been more relevant than it is today.  Recent research has emphasised that stress levels have doubled in four years.  Statistics from MIND show that half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill and that twelve million adults see their GP with mental health problems each year, much of which is stress related.

As such, this year’s theme is based on “Wellbeing and Resilience at Work”

Why are we more stressed?

With our current economic climate, the increasing number of redundancies and the growing uncertainty of job security, has inevitably lead to a lot of worries.  People are concerned about their financial situations, paying back mortgages or how they will provide for their families.

In the work place, stress can be caused by relationship conflicts between colleagues, greater workload and pressure, which can also lead to depression.  Depression and issues from work are one of the main causes of stress reported by patients when they visit their GP’s.  

National Stress Awareness Day asks whether you have a technique or routine to help you combat tension?

We all know that stress is harmful for our overall health and wellbeing.  It can have a negative impact on our body, the way we feel and can also affect the way we operate and behave.  However, feeling stressed is reversible and we can all take certain steps to ensure we cope with pressure and also learn how to relax and take time out for ourselves.  It could be something as simple as taking a bath, writing a diary, listening to music, doing physical activity.   

MIND have identified Ten Top Tips to tackle stress, as well as guides on how to relax, manage stress and also how to improve your mental wellbeing.

For further information on National Stress Awareness Day and ways to support it, please visit the International Stress Management Association UK  

Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2011

Today October 10th 2011 is World Mental Health Day.

The yearly event which is celebrated worldwide was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise public awareness of mental health issues.

It is believed that around 154 million people around the world suffer from depression, therefore, it is likely that you or someone you know will be affected by mental illness during your lifetime.

The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to encourage all of us to talk openly about mental illnesses and to eradicate any stigmas attached to it.  The day also aims to highlight treatment and preventative measures that are available to all of us.

    

The day is organised with the help of the World Federation for Mental Health which was founded in 1948 to prevent emotional and mental health disorders and to offer help to those who need it.  This year people can show their support by making a donation at the World Federation for Mental Health website, or by joining in with one of the events organised for the day.

For further information on World Mental Health Day, please visit the official website by clicking here. 

Loneliness – A Public Health Issue?

“Friendship is a lot like food. We need it to survive” –  Hara Estroff Marano, Psychology Today.

We humans have an inherent need to be part of a group, to form friendships, to interact and to socialise with people.  Evidence suggests that these are all necessary in order for us to maintain good health and wellbeing.  However, what happens when we only have part or none of the above, when we are unable to socialise, when we don’t feel like interacting, when we loose touch with friends and family?  It is likely that we will feel a sense of loneliness, and this, the experts say, can be detrimental to our health.

Since the 1990’s an increasing number of studies measuring the impact of loneliness suggest it is an important public health concern.  The evidence reveals that the risk of developing and dying from heart disease can depend on the strength of one’s social network of friends and family.

What is Loneliness and how does it arise?

Loneliness, although easy to describe is harder to define because of its many dimensions.  Wikipedia defines loneliness as an unpleasant feeling in which a person experiences a strong sense of emptiness and solitude resulting from inadequate levels of social relationships.  Loneliness is however a subjective experience, in that, if a person thinks they are lonely, then they are lonely whether they are in solitude or in the middle of a crowd. 

The mental Health Charity MIND, believe that loneliness is a very intense feeling and "to feel lonely is to be overwhelmed by an unbearable feeling of separateness, at a deep level”. 

It is likely that many of us will have experienced loneliness at some point in our lives.  For some it may be a temporary feeling, resulting from certain events, while for others, it could feel like a permanent part of life. 

Loneliness can occur for a number of reasons and as highlighted above can depend on a persons state of mind.  However, feelings of loneliness may arise from losing connection with others through death, breakup of a relationship, moving away, being immobile or ill and working longer hours, or from being unable to form new connections due to shyness or lack of confidence.

A report called The Lonely Society? commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation, found that the way in which people now live is impacting on their ability to connect with others. More people live alone: the percentage of households occupied by one person doubled from 6% in 1972 to 12% in 2008. The divorce rate has almost doubled in the past 50 years and the number of lone parent households is rising. People are living longer but many older people are doing so alone. Because of people pursuing careers and education opportunities, many now live further away from their families and the communities they grew up in. 

The Health Implications of Loneliness

Loneliness, although a natural emotion, can be detrimental to our physical and mental health.  One of the main reasons why loneliness has negative implications is because it makes it harder for us to control our habits and behaviour.  A book written by John T Cacioppo and William Patrick entitled "Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection" suggests that loneliness leads to self destructive habits, such as overeating, relying on alcohol and avoiding physical exercise.

In their numerous studies, they reported that not only do lonely people tend to withdraw from society (becoming further isolated) but they express higher levels of stress and difficulties sleeping, leading to diminished restorative processes.  Tests also show that loneliness affects the immune and cardiovascular systems and that there is a strong correlation between loneliness and depression.  The Lonely Society report? found that four in ten people (42%) have felt depressed because they felt alone.

James J Lynch, loneliness expert and writer of  "A Cry Unheard: New Insights into the Medical Consequences of Loneliness" describes loneliness as a silent epidemic that is harming public health, leading to depression and early death.  He proposes that causes of death are notably higher for “divorced, single, and widowed individuals of both sexes and all races."

Cacioppo points out that, “being connected with others is so necessary to survival, that human brains have become hard-wired to seek regular social contact”. 

How Lonely are We - The Statistics

The UK report by The Lonely Society? reveled that 48% of us believe people are getting lonelier in general.  Only 22% of us never feel lonely and one in ten (11%) of us feel lonely often.  A third of us (37%) have a close friend or family member who we think is very lonely and over half of us (57%) who have experienced depression or anxiety isolated ourselves from friends and family.

The pain of loneliness is the sharp end of a milder feeling of social disconnection that research suggests is widespread: a recent Emotional Needs Audit of the UK by the Human Givens Institute, which involved 4,600 online respondents, reported that 24.1% of people did not feel emotionally connected to others; 34.8% did not feel connected to the wider community and 35.4% felt they did not receive enough attention.  The lonelier our society, the more likely we are to experience loneliness.

Coping with Loneliness

Loneliness is clearly a health concern, and we need to seek ways of overcoming it.  Making the effort to spend time with a friend or family can have a two way effect.  It will allow you to socialise and feel good as well as having a positive impact on the other person.

The UK mental health charity MIND, offers several suggestions on how to overcome loneliness.  Some of these include; learning to be with others, joining a class, a local interest group or volunteering for something.  For further information on dealing with loneliness click here to go to the MIND website.

We are interested to hear your opinions.  Are we becoming a lonely society? Has technology played a part or is it the changes in our lifestyles?  How else can we tackle the lonely issue?