Clinical psychologist reveals the ‘hidden’ signs of loneliness as UK has third worst rates of mental health in the world

As October brings shorter days and darker evenings, we naturally spend more time indoors, which can increase feelings of isolation and make it easier to turn to our digital devices in place of meaningful social interaction.

According to the AXA Mind Health Report, the UK has the worst reported rates of mental health symptoms in Europe and the third worst in the world.

More than one in three people are affected by poor mental health, with individuals under the age of 34 twice as likely to experience loneliness compared to individuals aged over 55.

Dr Imren Sterno, a Clinical Psychologist at AXA Health, outlines five early signs of loneliness to be aware of and expert advice for preventing it.

Five signs you could be struggling with loneliness, according to a clinical psychologist  

1.      Excessive screen time

“Spending time online isn't automatically a sign of loneliness, and digital spaces can often help us to help maintain friendships. However, if someone increasingly relies on screens to avoid real-world interactions, or spends significantly more time online instead of other activities, it may be worth exploring what is driving that change.

“Our recent Mind Health Report reveals that excessive use of digital devices and screen time can be detrimental to wellbeing, with two-fifths of participants (40%) reporting feelings of loneliness within the past two weeks as a result of excessive screen time.”

2.      Social withdrawal

“A person who is feeling lonely may start to withdraw from family members, friends or activities they would normally enjoy. Look out for a noticeable behaviour change, particularly if a previously sociable person suddenly prefers to spend more time alone or persistently avoids social situations .”

3.      Frequent emotional outbursts

“Loneliness can sometimes present through emotions that appear to be unrelated, such as increased irritability, frustration or emotional outbursts. If you or someone close to you is showing these signs, it could be due to loneliness.”

4.      Low self-esteem

“Feeling low in self-worth, second-guessing yourself and experiencing a lack of confidence can all be signs of loneliness. When we feel disconnected or isolated from others, it can trigger a difficult psychological cycle that may affect our confidence and how we perceive ourselves.”

5.      Changes in sleep patterns

“Changes to sleeping habits can sometimes be a sign that you are struggling emotionally. This could include difficulty falling asleep, sleeping much more than usual or regularly waking during the night.”

Clinical psychologist reveals how to prevent loneliness this autumn

As the autumn months commence, Dr Sterno shares four ways to help people build meaningful connections and reduce feelings of loneliness.

1.      Check in regularly

“Try making conversations with friends part of everyday life rather than only asking questions when you believe something may be wrong. For example, simple questions such as ‘how are you today?’ or ‘have you been struggling with anything recently?’ can create opportunities for people to open up without feeling as though they are being interrogated.”

2.      Encourage activities

“Encourage yourself and your close ones to take part in activities that genuinely interest them. For example, clubs, sports, hobbies and other group activities can provide natural opportunities to meet people with similar interests and develop a sense of belonging.”

3.      Balance screen time

 “Rather than focusing solely on reducing the number of hours spent on a device, think about what that screen time is replacing. Make sure to have opportunities for face-to-face interaction, outdoor activities, family time and hobbies alongside digital lives. It's also worth remembering that online friendships can be meaningful, so the goal should be a healthy balance rather than removing digital connection altogether.” 

4.      Be prepared

“If you are struggling with feeling lonely and know that social situations are coming up, such as a Christmas party or work event, try to prepare. Often we avoid situations when we feel we don't fit in, but this can further add to our negative feelings. Plan ahead, see if you can attend an event for a short period of time, or try and plan going with someone you trust.  It's always hard to take the first step, so plan and prepare if possible.”