{"id":7863,"date":"2025-08-01T10:30:29","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T00:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nararavalleymedical.com.au\/staging-sept\/?p=7863"},"modified":"2025-12-13T16:47:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T05:47:55","slug":"loneliness-a-hidden-health-concern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nararavalleymedical.com.au\/staging-sept\/2025\/08\/01\/loneliness-a-hidden-health-concern\/","title":{"rendered":"Loneliness, A Hidden Health Concern"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Loneliness is a serious public health issue. It\u2019s been linked to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. But when it becomes long-term, it increases the risk of both mental and physical illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For older adults, loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day<\/strong>. It can also delay recovery from illness or surgery and reduce overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research from the Mental Health Commission of NSW<\/strong> found that nearly 40 percent of residents reported experiencing loneliness to varying degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Melanie and Alisha’s move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Melanie (55) is a single mum of Alisha (16), who is on the autism spectrum. When she separated from her husband, the pair moved away from their family home. Melanie worried that they\u2019d become more socially isolated and lonely.\u00a0<\/em>
\u201cI felt on the brink,\u201d said Mel. <\/em>
After they moved up the coast, she decided to get a dog<\/em>. (continues)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mental and emotional costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Feeling lonely can lead to a loss of purpose, low mood, and increased stress. Over time, this can impact concentration, energy levels, and motivation. People experiencing chronic loneliness may withdraw further from social situations, creating a difficult cycle that can be hard to break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is affected most by loneliness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Older Adults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loneliness disproportionately affects older adults.<\/strong> A report by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW<\/a> found that 60 percent of people aged 50 and over in NSW are lonely<\/strong>, with 25 percent experiencing extreme loneliness. The report highlights that this can profoundly impact their ability to perform daily tasks and seek medical care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young People<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Younger people are also highly vulnerable.<\/strong> While older adults face significant loneliness, data also indicates that younger people (aged 15-24) are experiencing some of the highest rates of loneliness.  Young people are the focus of Loneliness Awareness Week<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many young people believe it\u2019s easier for adults to make friends. They worry that it’ll feel or be too awkward. A little bit of awkward is a small ticket price for connection.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with mental health issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with mental health issues are four times more likely to be lonely.<\/strong> A report from the Mental Health Commission of NSW found a strong link between mental health and loneliness<\/strong>, with 50 percent of people with poor mental health reporting loneliness compared to only 14 percent  of those with moderate to good mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easing Loneliness: Tips and Local Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re feeling lonely, or you know someone who might be, you’re not alone and support is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n