A time for joy, a time for cheer; a time to celebrate all that has happened this year. Except in 2020. The spread of Covid-19 in recent weeks has led to widespread restrictions that will prevent us from getting together with loved ones over Christmas.
The festive season is already difficult for many who struggle with loneliness because of bereavements, living far from relatives or mental health disorders such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Age UK says that almost 2 million older people are expecting to feel lonely this Christmas – including almost a third of older widows and widowers.
According to research from mental wellbeing platform 87%, which helps businesses and individuals measure and monitor their mental wellbeing, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. The knock-on effects of the Government’s latest restrictions are far more stark and widespread than we might have imagined; almost half (43%) of people say it is difficult to feel enthusiastic about much at the moment.
2020 has been difficult for many as lockdowns have restricted social contact with friends and family. Data from 87%’s thousands of users has shown a significant increase in loneliness across the workforce over the course of the year. After the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, loneliness wellbeing scores fell (demonstrating poorer mental health) almost 10% in just two months (May to July), then stayed relatively low through to October. After a brief spike in social support in the autumn, levels have declined again in December as people come to terms with the restrictions imposed over the festive period.
Also among the findings, it is not the elderly showing the lowest scores (poorest mental health) in the loneliness metric. The work of charitable organisations like Silver Line and Age UK is incredibly important to support the elderly at Christmas, but younger generations are equally susceptible to isolation. 87%’s data shows that men aged 26-35 are struggling the most with the current situation and the lack of interaction.
Dr Serra Pitts, Clinical Director of 87%, explains, “It is very disturbing that we are set to have such limited contact with loved ones this Christmas, because the level of emotional support available to us is a major factor in determining the likelihood that we will experience loneliness. Men can be particularly susceptible to loneliness, even if they have a healthy social network or circle of friends, as they may feel unable to confide in them. Our data shows how this is a serious issue, with men reporting feeling lower levels of emotional support in their lives in recent months, whereas this has improved in women.”
Further data from 87% shows that 40% of its users feel more isolated or alone than they usually do this festive season and 61% are worried that others will be lonely.
Addressing this is a serious issue as loneliness experienced over an extended period of time can have serious effects on both mental and physical health. Dr Pitts continues, “Humans are social creatures by nature. Many of us feel lonely from time to time and these short-term feelings shouldn’t harm our mental health. However, the longer the pandemic goes on for, the more these feelings become long-term for people. For example, experiencing chronic loneliness can weaken the immune system, impact sleep patterns and lead to a higher risk of heart disease and dementia in later life.”
According to psychotherapist Caroline Outterside, recognising the signs of loneliness is important in being able to overcome it. She says, “Loneliness can affect anyone. Older people can be particularly vulnerable but we know from 87% data that this year has seen an increase in loneliness and isolation for younger age groups too. Not having anyone to confide in and feeling like you don’t compare with others can be telling signs.
“Spending a lot of time on social media can also contribute in a negative way to the cycle of being alone because it doesn’t provide the benefit of a face-to-face interaction and can add to a sense of isolation. If you’re feeling lonely and there is someone you can reach out to, then do. If you know someone who might be feeling isolated, then check in with them and see how they’re doing.”
If you are experiencing one or a number of these issues, a therapist can help you explore the factors behind your feelings. But there are a number of simple exercises and techniques that can help reduce isolation as we approach Christmas. The Mental Health Foundation suggests the following ways to reduce loneliness:
- Put aside more time to connect with your friends and family, using different ways to stay in touch. Hearing a friendly, familiar voice, or reading a message from people we care about, helps us feel more connected.
- Make new connections. You may wish to reach out beyond the people you already know and online communities can be ideal for this and extremely supportive.
- Volunteer or participate in community events. This will help you meet people who are likely to share your interests and give you a sense of purpose.
- Adopt a pet to give you another living creature to give you company at home and increase your feelings of connection to the world in general. Research consistently shows pets have a number of mental health benefits, including decreasing loneliness.
- Create a time each day to share, when everyone in your home or office can say how they are feeling. For instance, it could be what you have found most difficult and what you are grateful for that day.
- Share and listen without judgement. Sharing feelings, without fear of being criticised or ridiculed, can help us feel calmer and closer to each other.
Helplines are also available to those who are really struggling, including:
- The Samaritans provide support to anyone in emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: call 116 123.
- SANEline offers mental health crisis support between 4:30pm-10:30pm, each evening, on 0300 304 7000.
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a helpline for men, open from 5pm-midnight on 0800 58 58 58.
- Shout offers 24/7 crisis support. Simply text SHOUT to 85258. This service is available for free on major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere.
- Silver Line offers information, advice and friendship to those over 55. The line is open 24/7 on 0800 4708 090.
For more information on how measurable data can give your business the means to support the mental wellbeing of staff, please visit: www.87percent.co.uk.
