The Pandemic of Loneliness: Impacts on Mental Health & What We Can Do

Understanding Loneliness and its Impact in Modern Society

Loneliness is more than simply being alone — it is the distress caused by a mismatch between the social connections we desire and those we actually have. It is a significant public health concern in the UK. Around 25 % of adults report feeling lonely “some or all of the time” in the previous month (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).

While younger adults report higher rates of loneliness — 31 % of 16‑ to 29-year-olds feel lonely often or some of the time — only 16 % of adults aged 70 and above report the same (Office for National Statistics, 2025). However, lower reported rates among older adults may partly reflect underreporting. Older adults may feel stigma around loneliness or normalise social isolation as part of ageing, making them less likely to disclose feelings of loneliness (Cattan et al., 2023; PubMed, 2022).

Middle-aged adults (35–64 years) are also at notable risk. Around 8 % of this group report being “often or always” lonely, slightly higher than older age groups, with higher prevalence among those who are unmarried, live alone, or have long-term health conditions (ONS, 2018).

Loneliness and Social Media

Social media plays a complex role in loneliness, and its effects differ by age:

• Younger adults often experience “social comparison,” where exposure to curated, idealised lives online increases feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Passive use of social media is linked to higher loneliness and depressive symptoms (Primack et al., 2017).

• Older adults can benefit from social media by maintaining contact with family and friends, particularly when mobility or geographic isolation is an issue. However, digital literacy and access barriers can reduce these benefits (Cattan et al., 2023).

Thus, social media can both alleviate and exacerbate loneliness, depending on age, usage patterns, and the quality of online interactions.

Impacts on Mental Health

Loneliness is strongly associated with poor mental health outcomes:

• Depression: People who experience chronic loneliness are 2–3 times more likely to develop depression. Older adults with persistent loneliness are at higher risk of depressive episodes and cognitive decline (Cattan et al., 2023).

• Anxiety: Loneliness contributes to heightened stress responses and social evaluative fears, which can lead to generalized anxiety, panic symptoms, and social anxiety (Primack et al., 2017).

• Suicidal thoughts: One in eight UK adults reported experiencing suicidal thoughts as a result of loneliness (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).

• Youth vulnerability: Among young people aged 17–22, 12.6 % reported feeling lonely often or always, compared with 5.2 % of children aged 11–16. Those with probable mental disorders are disproportionately affected, with 18 % reporting frequent loneliness versus 1.7 % without (NHS Digital, 2022).

• Older adults: Despite lower reported rates, social isolation in later life is linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and mortality. Underreporting due to stigma may mean the true prevalence is underestimated (Cattan et al., 2023).

• Middle-aged adults: Those aged 35–64 face loneliness from life transitions, work and family pressures, and health challenges. About 8 % report being “often or always” lonely, with higher rates among those living alone or with health conditions (ONS, 2018).

  
  

Loneliness, depression, and anxiety often co-occur, creating a cycle where social isolation worsens mental health, and poor mental health increases feelings of loneliness. Biological and psychological mechanisms — including stress pathway activation, sleep disruption, inflammation, and negative self-perception — contribute to this interplay.

Strategies to Reduce Loneliness

Individual Approaches

• Acknowledge and discuss loneliness: Speaking openly reduces shame and stigma (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).

• Prioritise meaningful social interactions: Small group activities, volunteering, and shared hobbies are more effective than superficial digital contacts.

• Maintain structured routines: Sleep, exercise, and consistent daily schedules support mental health and resilience.

Community and Policy Approaches

• Promote structured, group-based, participatory programmes: Research shows that interventions involving group activities and participatory engagement are particularly effective in reducing loneliness across all age groups (UK Government, 2018; Cattan et al., 2023).

• Screen for loneliness in healthcare settings: Identify at-risk groups, including young adults, middle-aged adults, older adults, and those with disabilities.

• Public awareness campaigns: Normalising discussions about loneliness and emphasising it as a health issue, not a personal failing, can reduce stigma and encourage disclosure.

Conclusion

Loneliness is a widespread public health challenge with serious mental health consequences. It affects all age groups, with younger adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults experiencing unique risks. Social media can both alleviate and worsen loneliness, depending on age and usage. Reported lower loneliness among older people may partly reflect underreporting due to stigma, rather than the absence of the problem.

Effective interventions exist at the individual, community, and policy levels, particularly structured, participatory, group-based programmes. By acknowledging loneliness, fostering meaningful social connections, and addressing stigma, mental health and social wellbeing can be significantly improved across all ages.

References

• Cattan, M., White, M., Bond, J., & Learmouth, A. (2023). Preventing social isolation and loneliness among older people: A systematic review of interventions. BMC Public Health, 23, 17097.

• Mental Health Foundation. (2021). Loneliness affects mental health of millions. London: Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

• NHS Digital. (2022). Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2022: Follow-up survey. https://digital.nhs.uk

• Office for National Statistics. (2018). Loneliness: What characteristics and circumstances are associated with feeling lonely? https://www.ons.gov.uk

• Office for National Statistics. (2025). Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: April 2025. https://cy.ons.gov.uk

• Primack, B., Shensa, A., Sidani, J., Whaite, E., Lin, L., Rosen, D., … & Miller, E. (2017). Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1–8.

• UK Government. (2018). Tackling loneliness: Evidence review. London: Government Office for Science. https://www.gov.uk