To think lonliness isn't just for the elderly

[RoastingYourChestnutsHurtsAlot]

So can I give you a nudge to swing by and see anyone you know who is on their own, not just this week, but maintain regular contact with them

A lot of focus at this time is in elderly and loneliness but it's something that affects all age groups - only younger people are less likely to talk about it

So pop by. Say hi. Have a cuppa. Just because they're Young doesn't mean they're not lonely

I'm 26 and watching my (already small) social circle slowly disintegrate. People are splitting up, moving away, getting married, just growing up and I feel left behind. I'm in a relationship that I know deep down isn't 100% what I dream of, but I can't imagine leaving this lovely man and having one less person to talk to.

Ah fuck.

YADNBU!

DP and I will be doing a walk all round our village tomorrow and stop to chat to as many people as we can. I agree with happy we can't exactly go round knocking on people's doors but will definitely take a more proactive lookout to see if people are out by themselves maybe with just a DC or walking the dog, as that maybe the cue that they are on their own or feeling isolated.

Also we are a bit wary of not being pushy, but we will do what we can. We did it today as well and ended up having a cuppa with a nice lady from the next village.

Just woke up and this is the first thread I have headed to.

Hope everyone feels a bad less lonely through being on MN.

I felt the biggest black hole of loneliness after my DH died, that Christmas was awful. . Enough sad talk on Christmas morning, have a good one and I hope 2015 brings you new friendship! X

Hi daisychain01 hope this christmas was an easier one for you.

I do agree that elderly people don't have a monopoly on loneliness, and this time of year can be especially difficult for anyone on their own, and those not on their own, but still lonely.

Having said that, I don't think anyone who has witnessed at close quarters the deterioration which often comes with old age, would disagree that, awful as it is to be lonely when young, it can be a hundred times worse when you're old, completely isolated and physically unable to leave the house. It's not a competition, but I think the focus is in the right place.

MrsMcRuff I agree with you very much, regarding the elderly and their challenges of isolation. Increasingly so, with the pace of life nowadays and the fact families invariably don't live and work in the same area, so the risk of separation (and lack of time) is always there.

Having said that, isolation (depression, long-term illness) can affect young and old alike . It is something I have become more aware of since being a MNer(which I'm grateful for). Heaven knows, these things can suddenly affect any of us at any time, can't they?

happy thanks for your kind words. Life will never be the same again without my dear DH, but I am so very lucky to have found happiness with my DP who has made life happy again. But I never ever lose the fear of loneliness because I saw how quickly it struck me last time - life is so damn unpredictable and cruel. I hope your Christmas was a good one.

I will be looking for more on loneliness and isolation. I wonder if it's because some of us are too proud and a bit emotionally stunted?