Medical Advice on Loneliness

24th January 2020

As more research becomes available, the negative impact of chronic loneliness is becoming more apparent and more widely recognised. Many news pieces on loneliness quote the statistic that loneliness can have as negative an impact on health and well-being as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Campaigns to stop smoking and methods of doing can be easily found on a leaflet at many a doctor’s surgery, but what is the medical profession recommending for loneliness?

The guidance provided by the NHS offers a ‘mood assessment, a list of Do’s and Don’ts about coping with loneliness, links to helpful resources as well as an explanation of causes of loneliness such as changes in life circumstances or other physical or mental health conditions. For those working to raise awareness about loneliness, its inclusion on NHS guidance alongside low mood, anxiety, depression, stress and wellbeing is good news.