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Social and emotional risk factors

Loneliness and social isolation: effects on health and how to cope

Feeling lonely from time to time is normal, but when loneliness is severe or lasts a long time it can harm mental health and is listed among factors linked to dementia risk. This guide explains what loneliness is, who is more likely to experience it, what it can do to health and what helps.

Last checked: 2026-10-10

Key facts

At a glance.

  • Different from being alone

    The Mental Health Foundation says some people can be alone and not feel lonely, while others can be surrounded by people and feel lonely.

  • Common

    The British Red Cross says more than 9 million people in the UK say they feel lonely some or most of the time.

  • Can harm mental health

    The Mental Health Foundation says that when loneliness is severe or lasts a long time it can negatively affect our mental health, and the Red Cross says chronic loneliness and isolation can seriously affect health and wellbeing.

  • A negative spiral

    The Mental Health Foundation says being lonely for a long time can make it harder to connect and lead to fear of social situations.

  • Linked to dementia risk

    The NHS lists loneliness or social isolation among factors the latest research suggests are important for Alzheimer's disease risk, although this does not mean they directly cause dementia.

  • Anyone can be affected

    The Mental Health Foundation says anyone can experience loneliness, but risk factors include living alone, being widowed or single, having a long-term health condition, being a carer and being aged 16 to 24.

What loneliness and social isolation are

Loneliness is a feeling: the distress of having fewer or less satisfying connections with other people than you would like. Social isolation is more about circumstances, such as having little contact with others. The two overlap but are not the same. The Mental Health Foundation makes the point that some people can be alone and not feel lonely, while others can be surrounded by people and feel lonely.

We all feel lonely from time to time. The Mental Health Foundation says it becomes a problem when it is severe or lasts a long time. The British Red Cross says more than 9 million people in the UK say they feel lonely some or most of the time, so if you are affected you are far from alone.

Who is more likely to be affected

The Mental Health Foundation found that anyone can experience loneliness, but some factors increase the chance of severe loneliness. It lists being widowed, being single, being unemployed, living alone, having a long-term health condition or disability, living in rented accommodation, being between 16 and 24 years old, being a carer, being from an ethnic minority community and being LGBTQIA+.

Circumstances can change quickly. The Red Cross, for example, offers volunteer support after a hospital stay for people who do not have help at home, which reflects how isolating the return home can be.

How loneliness can affect health

The Red Cross explains that loneliness influences how we think, feel and act. It can make you feel less confident, disconnected, tired, isolated, trapped, less focused or lacking purpose, and frustrated. It also says that in the most extreme cases loneliness can cause thoughts of suicide and self-harm.

The Mental Health Foundation describes a negative spiral: loneliness makes it harder to connect, which makes people afraid of social situations, which makes it harder to find joy in life and to escape negative thoughts.

There are physical and brain-health links as well. In its guidance on the causes of Alzheimer's disease, the NHS says that the latest research suggests that other factors are important, including hearing loss, untreated depression, loneliness or social isolation and a sedentary lifestyle, though it stresses this does not mean they are directly responsible for causing dementia.

When to seek help

It is worth speaking to a GP if loneliness is lasting, affecting your sleep, appetite or mood, or if you are developing symptoms of depression or anxiety. A GP can discuss talking therapies and may be able to point you to local services.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, the Red Cross advises calling the Samaritans, and you should call 999 or go to A&E if you are in immediate danger.

What can help

The Mental Health Foundation suggests starting small. Its ideas include doing enjoyable things that keep you busy, such as a hobby, doing things that stimulate your mind such as a podcast or a new course, thinking about physical activity, even a walk in a park, engaging with the people you meet in daily life such as a delivery person, and using social media positively to find digital communities that share your interests.

The Red Cross suggests talking to someone with experience, reaching out to others, building meaningful connections, making new friends by volunteering and getting involved in your local community. It offers local support services, workshops and wellbeing resources, including support at home in some areas.

If you are worried about someone else, a simple chat or helping them to join a local community group could be all it takes to help them feel better, according to the Red Cross.

NHS and community support

Loneliness is not a diagnosis, so there is no single NHS pathway for it. Help usually comes through your GP, NHS talking therapies if low mood or anxiety has developed, and community and charity services such as befriending, volunteering schemes and local groups. Many of these are free.

Private options such as counselling or therapy are available if you prefer and can afford them. Be wary of any service that promises to cure loneliness quickly. For most people, steady small steps towards connection, with some support, work better.

Frequently asked

Questions people ask.

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.

  • Is loneliness bad for your health?

    The Mental Health Foundation says severe or long-lasting loneliness can negatively affect mental health, and the British Red Cross says chronic loneliness and isolation can seriously affect health and wellbeing.

  • Is being alone the same as being lonely?

    No. The Mental Health Foundation says some people can be alone and not feel lonely, while others can be surrounded by people and feel lonely.

  • Does loneliness raise the risk of dementia?

    The NHS lists loneliness or social isolation among factors that research suggests are important for Alzheimer's disease risk, but says this does not mean they directly cause dementia.

  • Who is most at risk of loneliness?

    The Mental Health Foundation lists being widowed, single, unemployed, living alone, having a long-term health condition or disability, being a carer and being 16 to 24, among other factors.

  • How common is loneliness in the UK?

    The British Red Cross says more than 9 million people in the UK say they feel lonely some or most of the time.

  • What are small steps I can take?

    The Mental Health Foundation suggests enjoyable activities, mind-stimulating things like podcasts or courses, a walk in a park, chatting with people you meet each day, and positive use of social media.

  • Can volunteering help?

    The British Red Cross suggests making new friends by volunteering and getting involved in your local community as ways to build connections.

  • What if loneliness is making me feel hopeless?

    Speak to a GP. The Red Cross says loneliness can in extreme cases cause thoughts of suicide and self-harm, and advises calling the Samaritans. In immediate danger, call 999.

  • How can I help someone who is lonely?

    The British Red Cross says having a chat over a cup of tea or helping someone join a local community group could be all it takes to help them feel better.

  • Is there an NHS treatment for loneliness?

    Loneliness is not a medical condition in itself. Your GP can discuss mood, anxiety and local support, and NHS talking therapies are available if loneliness has led to depression or anxiety.

Where this comes from

Sources and checking.

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.

Published 2026-10-10, next review 2027-10-10.

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