13/08/2025
⭐️ LONELINESS ⭐️
Loneliness isn’t always about being alone.
You can feel it in a crowded room, at a family gathering, or while scrolling through hundreds of online “friends.” It’s that quiet ache of disconnection—the sense that no one truly sees or understands you.
In the UK, research shows that 1 in 4 adults feel lonely some or all of the time. It can affect anyone, at any age, and it’s more than just an emotional state—it can impact mental health, physical well-being, and even life expectancy. Prolonged loneliness has been linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and weakened immunity.
Why Loneliness Matters
• It’s as harmful to health as smoking 15 ci******es a day.
• It can drain self-esteem and hope.
• It often hides behind a smile—making it harder to spot.
Breaking the Silence
Loneliness thrives in secrecy. The first step in tackling it is talking about it—reminding ourselves and others that it’s a human experience, not a personal failing.
Here at the Rutland Mental Health Cafes, we can support anyone who is feeling lonely, or who needs a little support in their life.
We run our sessions on Thursday evenings, 5:30-8:30pm in Oakham, and Fridays 1:00-4:00pm at Uppingham Town Hall.
Please feel free to drop by and have a chat with one of our lovely listeners who will be able to listen, offer guidance and signpost if needed.