Modern lifestyles leave us feeling lonely

THE fast pace of modern life is leaving people feeling increasingly isolated and lonely, a mental health charity claims.

The rise in individualism and family breakdown – and changes in relationships and the workplace – make it more difficult for us to connect with others, according to the Mental Health Foundation (MHF).

The charity's report The Lonely Society?, released today, says just over one in ten people (11 per cent) often feels lonely and just under half (48 per cent) believe people are getting lonelier in general.

Social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter make it easier to communicate with family and friends, but young people complained they did not give them the real contact they needed.

The findings also suggest increased wealth has led to a psychologically fragile society in which welfare services have failed to get a grip on the growing problems of mental illness and distress.

The MHF survey of 2,256 adults found 42 per cent of people have felt depressed because they felt alone, with women most prone – 47 per cent compared with 36 per cent of men.

Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the MHF, said the report was aimed at raising awareness and tackling the stigma attached to loneliness.

He said: "Changes to the way we live are putting an increasing number of people at risk of loneliness which can lead to health problems if chronic.

"People who find themselves feeling lonely should not have to feel uncomfortable talking about it or asking for help."

Simon Lawton-Smith, head of policy at the charity, said: "Human contact feeds the heart and mind, and there is evidence that the way we live now means we are getting less of it.

"We are not trying to turn the clock back to a glorious golden age before information technology. The internet can be wonderful in the way it keeps us in touch with loved ones

"But it is all about getting the balance right."

The report says individuals at risk of isolation – such as the elderly, those out of work and people with disabilities – should be offered support at an early stage to reduce their vulnerability to chronic loneliness and it's associated health problems.

Last year ChildLine received nearly 10,000 calls from children saying they felt lonely – an increase of 60 per cent from five years ago.

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