Tag: Loneliness

  • Loneliness Is Causing Physical Harm in Students – Why Universities Need to Treat Loneliness Differently 

    Loneliness Is Causing Physical Harm in Students – Why Universities Need to Treat Loneliness Differently 

    This HEPI blog was kindly authored by Rupert Houghton, a Student at Magdalen College School. 

    Loneliness is a fundamental part of being human, and it occurs as a part of everyone’s life at some point. But today’s world, and the changes in the way we all interact mean that loneliness has found new, easier ways to enter the lives of many people, and particularly, younger people. The statistics on this are clear: 

    • 10.3% of British secondary school students feel ‘often or always’ lonely (ONS) 
    • 43% of 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK would feel uncomfortable about admissions that they feel lonely (YouGov)  

    Loneliness is clearly a big issue for those in higher education and for those about to enter it. There are some schemes and policies to attempt to counteract this, but what is often not considered when it comes to policymaking is that loneliness is a physical condition, not just one based on feelings. How, then, should loneliness be thought of differently? 

    An important fact to remember when dealing with loneliness is that humans are not merely social out of choice, but out of evolutionary necessity. Pre-agrarian humans (before the Agricultural Revolution 7000 years ago) operated in groups, and they depended on each other to fulfil different roles for the group’s overall survival. As a result, humans evolved to seek out positive social relationships as working with others was crucial to our survival.  

    Loneliness is used to signal to the brain that a person’s social inclusion, and therefore survival, is at risk, and the brain therefore starts fighting for survival. Social rejection uses the same neural networks as physical pain, and causes a minor stress response in the brain. Loneliness is merely the prolonged and sustained activation of this stress response and so puts physical stress on the mechanisms within the brain that cause it.  

    When this response is elicited, the brain starts to transition itself into a socially hyper-alert state, as it attempts to preserve existing positive relationships, and minimise the number of negative interactions experienced. Studies have shown that the brain changes its own structure to accommodate this and changes the way facial expressions are read. Lonely individuals show a heightened sensitivity to negative social stimuli, including negative facial expressions, words, phrases, or pictures. They were shown to more quickly and accurately spot negative social cues but were also seen to mislabel neutral and even positive social cues as negative more often than their non-lonely counterparts.  

    In a pre-agrarian human social structure, this problem would have been resolved relatively quickly. It was necessary to work together in groups to survive, which would force a degree of socialisation. To avoid social rejection, an individual would perhaps change some aspects of their own behaviour and be able to pick up on the reaction of their peers, and so change to be better accepted into the group, which would enforce more positive social relationships.  

    Nowadays, however, it is harder for this process to take place. Instead, it is far easier for people to spend more time alone or reduce the time they spend socialising. The changes in neural pathways therefore start to have a different effect on a lonely person’s behaviour. As they become more sensitive to negative social stimuli, their brain can view them as ‘threatening’, and attempts to prevent exposure to them, causing them to self-isolate. This, rather than fixing the problem only exacerbates the perception of low social standing, increasing the feeling of loneliness.  

    The main physical impacts of loneliness come from its effects on the hormones secreted by glands within the brain. One of these hormones is cortisol, often called the ‘stress hormone’. Loneliness has been shown to make the brain overwork and produce more cortisol than it would ordinarily. This leads to a number of detrimental health effects: high levels of cortisol have been linked to chronic inflammation, disrupted sleep cycles in young adults, and raised blood pressure.  

    Loneliness is clearly becoming an endemic problem, particularly in secondary and higher education and is having a very real effect on students’ health. Loneliness is a self-perpetuating condition and something that easily becomes chronic, so it is therefore best to prevent it before it begins. The policy focus must be placed on making students aware of loneliness before it can start to impact on people’s education and wellbeing. Whether that be through making universities give more open information on loneliness, how to keep social, or ensuring that students are informed about how the choices made could affect their risk of loneliness, starting a conversation about it before it becomes a problem should be a priority. 

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  • Student Minds Blog : Loneliness at University: A Common, Shared Experience

    Student Minds Blog : Loneliness at University: A Common, Shared Experience

    William discusses the common experience of loneliness at university, emphasising that it’s okay to feel this way. He shares tips for coping and encourages students to connect, support each other, and create a more inclusive environment.



    – William Sarenden

    Loneliness is something we don’t talk about enough. Yet, it’s an experience many students face — perhaps more often than we realise. 

    The transition to university is a massive life change. You’re stepping into an unfamiliar environment, meeting new people, and often leaving behind the support systems you’ve relied on. You might even find yourself feeling lonely despite making friends, excelling in your studies, or working toward your goals.  

    If this resonates with you, know this: you’re not alone in these feelings, and it’s okay. Loneliness is a deeply human emotion, and acknowledging it is the first step toward overcoming it.  

    The Impact of Loneliness

    Loneliness is more than an emotional challenge and can affect many aspects of life, from academic focus to physical well-being and self-esteem. It often leads to a cycle of withdrawal, making it even harder to break free from. But loneliness isn’t a sign of weakness or failure; it’s a natural signal that something needs attention. Much like hunger tells us to eat, loneliness is a reminder to seek connection. What matters is how we respond to this feeling and the steps we take to address it.  

    The Value of Community

    During my time at university, I’ve learned that community is vastly understated. Whether it’s sharing a laugh during a chaotic group work session, exchanging smiles in a lecture, or starting a conversation at an event, small interactions can lead to the most meaningful connections. It’s true though that building a sense of community requires effort. Imagine how different university life could feel if we all made an effort to include others — whether by saying hello, organizing a get-together, or simply asking, “Are you okay?” It’s not about having a vast social circle but about fostering genuine moments of connection.  

    Practical Ways to Tackle Loneliness

    If you’re struggling with loneliness, here are some strategies that have worked for me and others I know:  

    • Reframe Your Perspective – Loneliness is a signal, not a flaw. Instead of seeing it as something negative, think of it as an opportunity for growth. This mindset shift can help you feel empowered to take action.  
    • Seek Social Opportunities – Get involved in campus clubs or societies that align with your interests. I found that group activities have helped me slide into conversation more easily, allowing me to grow my circle and feel more comfortable starting conversations with new people.  
    • Open Up – Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can make a significant difference. Vulnerability can deepen relationships and help others understand you better.  
    • Start Small – Begin with small gestures, like greeting someone in your class or striking up a light conversation. Over time, these interactions can grow into meaningful connections. I know that some of my closest friends have come from these small acts.  
    • Care for Yourself – When loneliness feels overwhelming, self-care can often be overlooked. Prioritise eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest—your physical well-being directly affects your mental health.  

    A Shared Journey

    Loneliness is a common experience that doesn’t define you but reminds you that you’re human. It might feel daunting at times, but with patience, persistence, and a little drive, it’s something you can overcome.  

    If you feel isolated, remember that many of your peers are navigating similar challenges. None of us have it all figured out, and most of us have moments of uncertainty and longing for connection.  

    University life is full of ups and downs, but it’s also brimming with opportunities for growth and connection. Let’s make an effort to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, together. Who knows? That awkward hello might lead to a friendship that lasts a lifetime.  

    Take care of yourselves, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it.

     

    Find out more about how you can overcome loneliness at the Student Space.

    I am a final-year Philosophy undergraduate, and I wanted to write about loneliness because it’s something I’ve observed all too often during my time at university and something I’ve experienced myself. Reflecting on my journey, I realise how helpful it would have been to have some guidance along the way. My hope in sharing these thoughts is that it might help others feel a little less alone.

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  • Student Minds Blog : Dealing with homesickness and loneliness: tips for year-abroad students

    Student Minds Blog : Dealing with homesickness and loneliness: tips for year-abroad students

    Before you go on a year abroad, you’re told plenty of advice: try to take it all in, say ‘yes’ to everything, and speak as much of the local language as possible. The list goes on.   

    Much of this advice before I moved to Lyon in France for my year abroad faded into irrelevance as I was consumed by nerves and worries about the move. What was my accommodation going to be like? Would it be easy to make friends? Was I going to be able to cope with university academics in another language?  

    Although many of these questions have fortunately been replaced by positive experiences, there are two things I didn’t quite expect to encounter: homesickness and loneliness. When I was not in Lyon, I studied at The University of Manchester, a city I grew to love and appreciate. Embarking on a year abroad is particularly challenging when you’ve become accustomed to one place, only to uproot everything and move. Adjusting to living away from home in a new location is hard enough, but having to do it again and re-adjust next September adds another layer of difficulty. One of the most important things is to acknowledge that you are completely within your right to feel homesick and unsettled. I’ve found it really helpful to avoid comparing my current experience to my life in Manchester. This has limited feelings of homesickness and instead allows me to appreciate that the two experiences will be inherently different.   

    I have grown to learn that I instead cannot simply ‘replicate’ my life in Manchester in Lyon. Keeping similar routines and activities has allowed me to be more settled, even just having the same decorations as my last two rooms at university.    

    Surrounding yourself with people from all walks of life can also be beneficial in helping with homesickness – being open with how you’re finding it can spark conversations and ultimately build stronger friendships too. Having friends who also come from your home country can help too – it’s surprising that not hearing your own language whilst out and about can be isolating. I will never take for granted the experience of being a home student in the UK again.  

    I’ve become much better at using FaceTime, as keeping up with friends from home, university, and my year abroad can be challenging. It’s comforting to know that even though I don’t see them as often as I used to, many of my friends are still there for me. Scheduling calls can help you stay in touch with those who matter a lot to you.  

    Another challenge I’ve found with doing a year abroad is overcoming loneliness and feelings of isolation. Fortunately, there is a group of students who’ve also come from Manchester, as well as friends from all over the world, who have made the experience a lot easier. The temporary nature of a year abroad (or even just a semester for some) is undoubtedly a double-edged sword. While you want to make the most of everything, it’s impossible to do it all. Spending an evening in my flat instead of going out with friends, or dedicating a weekend day to relaxing and catching up on work – though necessary – sometimes leaves me feeling like I’m not fully maximising the experience I could be having. The reality is, we’re only human. Going out every night, constantly staying busy, and completely neglecting university work would ultimately have negative consequences in the long run. It can be hard not to compare yourself to others who are on a year abroad, whether they’re in different cities, countries, or even the same place as you. 

    While social media allows us to stay updated on the experiences of lots of people, it often serves as a highlights reel—especially for something like a year abroad. I frequently remind friends who respond to my Instagram stories about day trips, scenic viewpoints, or fun activities that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Many people who’ve done a year abroad focus on sharing the positive moments, often leaving out the less glamorous side of the experience. My grades from the university here don’t directly transfer to my final transcript; instead, all I need to do is pass. 

    This has been incredibly helpful in reducing the pressure to excel academically, allowing me to focus on making the most of the experience. However, the free time this arrangement inevitably gives me has been a challenge as someone who thrives on staying busy. That said, it’s been a valuable learning experience. My second year in Manchester was intense—I was constantly juggling my course, societies, and socialising with friends. Being abroad, though, has forced me to slow down, providing a much-needed break. It’s been a steep learning curve but one I can say has been incredibly beneficial for my personal development.  

    Remember that your home university is there for you throughout your year abroad and the reason you pay a percentage of fees that year is for continued access to services (including mental health support). The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Travel Aware Campaign has specific advice on mental wellbeing and living abroad too.

    I’m a third-year History and French student at The University of Manchester but am currently studying in Lyon in France as part of my year abroad. I’m passionate about making sure more students are aware of the support they have access to and destigmatising the challenges mental health can pose whilst in education.  

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  • Building a Connected Workplace: HR’s Role in Reducing Loneliness – CUPA-HR

    Building a Connected Workplace: HR’s Role in Reducing Loneliness – CUPA-HR

    by Julie Burrell | August 28, 2024

    Editor’s Note: This is the second of two posts that explore the loneliness epidemic and practical ways HR can help combat it in the workplace.

    Social bonds are as necessary to our well-being as a healthy diet, exercise and sleep, according to the Surgeon General’s 2023 report on the loneliness epidemic. The report recommends that workplaces make decreasing loneliness a strategic priority at all levels. Here is how higher ed HR can help prioritize social connection as a vital tool in supporting employee happiness and well-being.

    Increase Inclusion to Fight Loneliness

    Groups most at-risk for social isolation include “people with poor physical or mental health, disabilities, financial insecurity, those who live alone, single parents, as well as younger and older populations,” according to the report. Additionally, marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community may feel increased isolation.

    Your inclusion and belonging initiatives might be the natural place to begin strengthening social connection on campus. Foreground accessibility in these initiatives by asking:

    • Is social programming accessible for people with disabilities and people with mental health challenges?
    • Is your programming inclusive of people who are neurodivergent?
    • Are working parents, caregivers and remote employees unable to participate in on-site or off-hours socialization?
    • Is cost a prohibitive factor for socializing?
    • Are Employee Resource Groups or affinity groups supported in terms of budget and time within the workday?

    Making Connections

    Intergenerational Connections. Research suggests that making connections outside of our own age or social group may reduce the risks associated with loneliness. One inclusion strategy is to help bridge generational gaps by bringing younger and older people together, which also targets two of the most at-risk populations.

    Volunteering with community groups that serve young and older people can also be effective in helping employees forge intergenerational connections (bonus: volunteering enhances employee satisfaction and engagement).

    Campus and Community. Connecting with people of different social statuses has also been shown to improve well-being. How are leaders connecting with employees across campus in low-stakes ways?

    Also consider how partnerships with your leadership, health centers, research faculty and student groups can make the dangers of loneliness a campus-wide concern.

    How is your campus connecting with and enriching the larger community? According to the Surgeon General’s report, upward mobility is improved through relationship-building among people of differing socioeconomic status. (Register for our upcoming webinar to learn more about Duquesne University’s Minority Professional Development Internship Program, which was awarded CUPA-HR’s 2024 Inclusion Cultivates Excellence Award.)

    Hybrid and Remote Employees

    According to Gallup, fully remote employees report a higher level of loneliness (25%) than fully on-site employees (16%). At the same time, hybrid, remote and flexible work is an important strategy to retain top talent. And flexible work can be a boon to people with disabilities and neurodivergent employees.

    This means that special considerations should be made for those workers who may not be on site every day.

    Encourage online connections. Water cooler conversations are more difficult virtually. Consider establishing a rotating committee who can schedule casual chats online. Your internal communication tools, such as Teams and Slack, should have social spaces as well.

    Model setting boundaries between work and home. Hybrid and remote opportunities are important in maintaining work-life balance, but remote employees may feel like they’re always “on.” The Surgeon General’s report recommends that workplaces “put in place policies that protect workers’ ability to nurture their relationships outside work.”

    Beware of treating employees inconsistently. It’s important that managers find ways to boost face time with their remote or hybrid employees. For those employees who must be on site, provide what flexibility you can, such as summer Fridays off. Learn more about success in managing hybrid teams in Roadblocks to Supervision: Clearing a Path for Peer-to-Supervisors, New Supervisors and Hybrid Team Supervisors.

    Starting With HR

    Let’s face it: HR can sometimes feel like a lonely place. Whether you’re a CHRO, a department of one, or a member of a team navigating the increased scrutiny of a role in HR, you might feel like few people understand your own daily challenges beyond the CUPA-HR community. HR is so often tasked with helping others, but HR pros need support too.

    Raising awareness about the basic need for social connection might help you and your team reframe social connections at work from a luxury to a basic tool for retention and employee happiness. Socializing replenishes our emotional stores and our physical resilience. Leaders can model setting healthy boundaries at work and convey that self-care is not selfish, but rather a critical tool in the HR toolbelt. (Learn how to use “no” as a complete sentence in this on-demand webinar.)



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  • Making Sense of the Loneliness Epidemic – CUPA-HR

    Making Sense of the Loneliness Epidemic – CUPA-HR

    by Julie Burrell | August 21, 2024

    Editor’s Note: This is the first of two posts that will explore the loneliness epidemic and practical ways HR can help combat it in the workplace.

    Loneliness can be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a Surgeon General’s report from last year.

    The report identifies loneliness as a national epidemic experienced by about one in two adults. Loneliness is “associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.” That means human connection is as necessary for your long-term survival as food and water.

    Feeling isolated can also decrease general well-being. People who say they’re lonely are more likely to experience sadness, worry, stress, anger and physical pain, according to a recent Gallup poll. Their research shows that over one in five people globally feel lonely “a lot.”

    When Loneliness Is Worrisome

    Of course, we have all felt lonely sometimes, when changing jobs, getting a divorce, moving to a new city, or recovering from an illness. But when does a temporary feeling of loneliness become chronic?

    Chronic loneliness occurs when the feeling of isolation goes on for a long time and the inability to connect to other people is constant or prolonged. Chronic loneliness can occur even among very social people — you can still feel lonely in a crowd — and is often connected to self-doubt or low self-esteem.

    Taking Away the Stigma 

    Feeling lonely can come with a sense of shame. However, it’s important to understand that loneliness isn’t about who you are, but about a lack of deep social connection driven by factors in our sociocultural environment.

    Even though loneliness has been on rise since before COVID-19, the pandemic and recent political divisiveness have contributed to the epidemic. Social media is likely exacerbating the problem. People who report more than two hours of social media use a day are twice as likely to report feelings of isolation (versus people who use social media less than a half hour).

    The good news is that loneliness can be addressed in part by deliberately strengthening engagement in our workplaces, communities and other social networks.

    While workplace changes alone won’t combat political and social divisions, it’s still a key starting point for helping to decrease loneliness — especially considering how much time we spend at work. When implementing programs targeted at the loneliness epidemic, it can be best to frame your efforts as a positive: increasing social connection.

    One Small First Step

    Efforts to boost connection may help increase employees’ job satisfaction. The Surgeon General’s report stresses that “supportive and inclusive relationships at work are associated with employee job satisfaction, creativity, competence, and better job performance.” Connection at work prevents stress and burnout and can even be linked to fewer missed days of work after injury or illness.

    In the next post in this two-part series, we’ll focus on concrete steps that higher ed HR can take to combat loneliness at work, including for hybrid and remote employees.

    But you can take a meaningful first step by making a small personal change, such as tracking how much time you spend on social media, practicing short mindfulness sessions, or scheduling one phone-free lunch per month with a work friend. Even a positive interaction with a colleague you don’t know well, a barista or cashier, or someone in line with you at the coffee shop can have lasting mental health benefits by expanding your “relational diversity” — the variety of relationship categories you have daily.



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