Loneliness is the distress you feel when your relationships fall short of the connection you want or need.

Social isolation describes having few relationships or little contact with others. You can feel lonely in company, and you can enjoy spending time alone. World Health Organization, 2025 · 1177

When the feeling keeps coming back

Loneliness can follow a move, a breakup or the death of someone close. It can ease as life changes, come and go, or persist. Researchers use different definitions of persistent loneliness, so there’s no agreed number of weeks or months that marks the point when it becomes long lasting. 1177 · Heu, 2025 · Getz Sheftel et al., 2024

If you’ve noticed that the feeling keeps returning, try asking yourself a few questions.

  • When do I feel lonely, and how often has it been happening?
  • What do I miss most? Is it regular company, someone to confide in, or a place where I feel I belong?
  • How, if at all, is it affecting my day?

Putting the feeling into words can help you explain what you’re missing. You might say: “I see people most days, but I miss having someone I can talk to about how I’m really doing.”

Why it’s worth paying attention

A review of studies that followed people over time found that adults who often felt lonely were more likely to develop depression later. That’s an association observed across groups of people. Mann et al., 2022

The survey figure tells us how often people felt bothered. Studies that ask the same people at several points in time can tell us more about how loneliness persists or changes. Public Health Agency of Sweden, 2025 · Getz Sheftel et al., 2024

A first step that fits what you need

If you miss regular company, consider an activity you can return to, such as a library group, a course, or a local association. If you miss having someone to talk to, consider asking someone you trust for a walk or a call.

You could say: “I’ve been feeling lonely lately. Do you have time to talk this week?” If nobody comes to mind, 1177 lists organisations that offer someone to talk to. Cost, language, and accessibility can all shape what is possible, so start with an option you can realistically use. 1177 · Public Health Agency of Sweden, 2025

If depression, anxiety or other difficulties are making it hard to manage everyday life, 1177 recommends contacting a primary care centre. You can call 1177 for healthcare advice and guidance on where to seek care.

Sources checked on 4 November 2026. Candle Light summarises research and public guidance. This article does not replace individual medical advice.