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Mental Health Awareness Week 2022: Tackling loneliness

Mental health awareness week

This week is Mental Health Awareness WeekOpens in new tab. Hosted by the Mental Health FoundationOpens in new tab, it aims to promote the message of good mental health for everyone.

This year’s theme is 'Loneliness'. Loneliness is affecting more and more of us and had a huge impact on our physical and mental health throughout the pandemic. Our ability to connect with other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health.

Reducing loneliness is a major step towards creating a mentally healthy society and the NHSOpens in new tab suggests some practical steps we can take to address it:

  • ✖ don’t try to do everything at once; set small targets that you can easily achieve
  • ✖ avoid focusing on the things you cannot change and use your time and energy to on achievable ‘small wins’ to make yourself feel better
  • ✖ try not to compare yourself to others. On social media you usually only see things people want to share
  • ✖ try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve loneliness; these can all contribute to poor mental health

How we live and work has changed massively over the last two years. The pandemic has shown us how easily we can become removed from regular contact with our friends, loved ones and even our colleagues. It has undermined our safety and reassurance in our everyday routines. It’s now more important than ever to recognise the value we get from regular interactions and meaningful connections with the people that matter the most.

Find out more

Get help with loneliness - NHSOpens in new tab

Depression and anxiety self-assessment quiz - NHS (www.nhs.uk)Opens in new tab