25 million people in the UK feel like this

Ever felt like you're the only one in a crowded room?

Well, you’re not alone in loneliness. Just last year, it was reported that 25 million Britons felt lonely sometimes, always, or often.

Even in our digital age of instant messaging and video calls, why do so many of us feel lonely? Let’s talk about it.

What does it mean to be lonely?

Loneliness is defined as ‘a subjective, unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship’. There are different types of loneliness. The three below are the most common types of loneliness you might have heard of:

• Emotional loneliness – ‘the absence of meaningful relationships’
• Social loneliness – a ‘perceived deficit in the quality of social connections’
• Existential loneliness – a ‘feeling of fundamental separateness from others and the wider world’

But no matter what your definition of loneliness is, or what type of loneliness you’ve experienced in your life - it’s not a very nice feeling.

Why is everyone lonely?

Did you know that the UK is often referred to as the 'loneliness capital of Europe'?

It’s no wonder when 7.1% of people in Great Britain (3.83 million) experience chronic loneliness, meaning they feel lonely ‘often or always’.

There are countless possible causes of loneliness. Some of the most common causes of loneliness are:

• Starting a new job
• Further education
• Becoming a parent
• Mental health struggles
• Moving to a new area
  
  

So many different things can trigger loneliness. Plus, just because someone seems as though they’re surrounded by friends and family, the reality may not be as picture-perfect as it seems.

The impact it can have on your health

Feeling lonely from time to time is totally normal. But long-term loneliness can affect both your mental and physical health.

Prolonged loneliness can have so many effects on your health, including increasing the risk of early mortality by 26%, and loneliness can put people at greater risk of poorer mental health, including depression.

What can you do?

Whilst there isn’t a cure for loneliness, there is more of a spotlight on it, now more than ever. There’s plenty of charities, foundations and mental health support services shining a light on loneliness. Here are just a few things you could do to try and curb feelings of loneliness:

• Try and open up to people you do know. If you feel like you know a lot of people, but you don’t have a connection with many of them - this could make you feel lonely.
  
  
• It could be worth trying talking therapies or CBT (cognitive behavioural therapies).
  
  
• Learn how to be comfortable in your own company. Sometimes, improving your relationships with yourself, as well as others, can help you feel less lonely. You may find it helpful to look up information about self-esteem.


  
  
• Look after yourself. Whether it’s physical activity, spending time in nature, or learning what self-care means for you.


  
  
• Look up online communities and consider joining one, if you find one you like.

Life insurance isn’t just about the money

Now, you may be wondering, "Why would a life insurance company care about my mental health?"

Well, life insurance isn't just about paying out when you're no longer around. It's about improving and maintaining your quality of life while you're still here. They're invested in supporting your wellbeing, and that includes your mental health.

Who offers mental health support?

Let's take a look at some of the UK's top life insurance providers who offer mental health support, when you take out a life insurance policy with them.*

• AIG definitely gives you plenty of choice when it comes to their added support service, Smart Health. Its six core features range from 24/7 virtual GP appointments to second medical opinions. Plus, their mental health support includes up to four therapy sessions a year.
  
  
• Aviva offers their Digicare+ app for all those who take out a life insurance policy with them. Although similar to AIG in the fact that they offer you the chance to speak to therapists, Aviva also offers six video or phone psychotherapy sessions a year.
  
  
• Vitality has two levels of mental health support. They have their core cover which is included as standard, meaning you can access up to 8 CBT or counselling sessions per plan year. They also have their mental health cover, for an additional premium, which includes; unlimited talking therapies, £1,500 worth of out-patient cover, and no annual limit for hospital stays.
  
  
• Legal and General have their wellbeing benefits available for those who take out cover with them. Their mental health support can help with anxiety, stress, bereavement, and relationships. Plus, they can also offer access to a course of counselling, if appropriate.
  
  
• Royal London gives you access to Thrive: Mental Wellbeing when you take cover out with them. The NHS-approved app can help you with your mental health by giving you personalised recommendations to help prevent, detect, and manage mental health conditions.
  
  

Don't have cover yet? Don’t worry!

There's no better time than now to explore your options - the younger you are when you take out life insurance, the cheaper it can be.

Our life insurance experts are here to help you find the cover that’s right for you. We search through the UK’s top life insurance providers to be able to find the cover that’s right for you.

Useful contacts

Here are just a few useful contacts who you can reach out to if you’re struggling with the mental impact of being lonely.

• Age UK can provide information and support for older people. You can contact them on 0800 678 1602 or ageuk.org.uk.
  
  
• Befriending Networks can provide more information on befriending, including an online directory of UK befriending services. Find out more on befriending.co.uk.
  
  
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offers listening services, information, and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat. Reach them at 0800 58 58 58 and thecalmzone.net. 

  
  
• Samaritans are available 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. Drop them a line at 116 123 (freephone) or contact them by freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS or you can visit their site, samaritans.org.


  
  
• Scope can provide practical information and emotional support for disabled people. Get in touch with them through scope.org.uk or call them on 0808 800 3333.
  
  
• Web of Loneliness is an online community and website which provides information and tips on loneliness. Visit their website, webofloneliness.com.
  



These are just a few examples of support services but there are so many out there. Have a look - you never what you may stumble upon! 

*Your life insurance benefits are not contractual and may be removed at any time.