With loneliness a widespread concern in the UK, a GP is encouraging more open conversations about its effects on well-being.
Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 is taking place from the 15th to the 21st of June. The week promotes the importance of community and aims to provide a safe space to talk about loneliness without judgment.
In light of this, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health and CBT therapist Raj Bassi (she/her), want to explain how loneliness manifests both physically and mentally and the medical benefits of connecting with others.
Raj Bassi said, “The most common emotional side effects of loneliness include the feeling of numbness, persistent sadness, low self-esteem, and increased sensitivity. Many people experiencing loneliness may also neglect their self-care and avoid social gatherings, which can create a cycle of isolation and make these symptoms worse.”
On the physical symptoms, Dr Rupa Parmar said, “Many people don’t realise this, but as well as affecting your mental health, loneliness can have a negative physical impact on the body. You may feel it as a headache, body aches, shallow breath, or fatigue. Frequent illnesses can be linked to being lonely, too, as can shifts in appetite, and both of these side effects have their own physical symptoms attached.
“Loneliness has also been found in studies to weaken your immune system and increase proteins linked to inflammation, heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 Diabetes. This highlights how loneliness is not just a mental health problem; it can work and feel like a chronic illness.”
Raj Bassi continued, “The main way to beat loneliness is to focus on building connections with others, which can be much easier said than done. However, there are some realistic, small steps you can take to reconnect with yourself and others during times of loneliness or isolation.
Reach out
A simple phone call can make a world of difference when you’re feeling lonely. Or, if you’re up for it, don’t wait for someone else to be the organiser, talk to family members and friends and make the effort to invite them out for a walk or for a coffee.
Join interest groups
It is so easy to find safe and welcoming communities thanks to the internet. Think book clubs, running groups, social events, board game nights, these are great ways to find like-minded people and get out of the house. But, if this feels like too big a step, many groups have online chats where you can talk to someone without feeling overwhelmed. You can always build up to in-person meetings later.
Get out and about
It can be useful to spend time in environments where there are lots of other people around, even if you’re there alone. For example, spending time in coffee shops, libraries, or shopping centres can feel comforting and decrease feelings of isolation.
Be your own best friend
My biggest tip is to be happy with your own company, as it has a lot more to do with feeling lonely than you might assume. For many, low self-esteem or self-confidence is the main factor in feelings of loneliness, rather than a lack of a support system. To combat this, it’s really important to practice self-care and find out what makes you happy. This could involve starting a hands-on hobby or going out to cafes by yourself. However you choose to spend it, your alone time doesn’t have to be lonely.
Seek professional support
There is no shame in reaching out to a professional for support. CBT therapy, for example, focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone; it’s wise to reach out for support early, rather than waiting until your symptoms become too much to handle.
