Loneliness and Isolation

There can be no doubt that loneliness can lead to depression. Human beings are social creatures and Johann Hari talks of ‘a disconnect’ from other people as a cause of depression and anxiety. In our modern world, we are too busy with our own lives to worry about others. The corona pandemic, although dreadful in terms of our health has, no doubt, brought people together. We are all looking after our neighbours. We are coming to our doors on a Thursday evening to clap the care workers, nurses, and doctors who are saving lives. When we take our walk we are making a point of speaking to other walkers. (All be it at a distance.) These small things help the quality of our lives and alert us to the need for social activities. When this is all over, there will still be people who are housebound. There will be lonely men and women struggling to keep themselves on an even keel. Will we remember them and offer help? Will we re-establish the youth clubs and social clubs for the old, which were closed during the austerity measures? Will we invest in the people who have saved our lives? Will we create a world that helps everyone’s mental health? But always remember some people can be lonely in a crowd. Look beyond the superficial and look beyond the eyes. See the person smiling but crying out for help.