Have you ever felt lonely?
In this modern world of increased connectivity, you’d be forgiven for assuming we connect with others more than ever before. But gone are the days where banking meant a trip to town, a chat with the friendly teller behind the counter. So, what does loneliness look like in 2024?
The Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC) describes loneliness quite simply. You mightn’t feel as ‘in tune’ with other people, your relationships mightn’t be as meaningful as you’d like. Loneliness can feel like you don’t belong, or that no-one understands you. You might struggle to find people with shared interests, as though there’s no-one to turn to when you need support.
If this resonates, you’re not alone – ‘Ending Loneliness Together’ reports one-in-four Australians feel lonely.
Loneliness is known to have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing, but just how detrimental can it be?
“The impacts of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes or having six alcoholic drinks, per day,” says Martin Blake, Chair of Groundswell Foundation, a loneliness advocacy group.
“Loneliness has a measurable economic impact – in Australia, the healthcare costs associated with loneliness are estimated at up to $2.7 billion each year in a 2021 report from Curtin University,” he says.
How do we stave off the ‘L’ word?
Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW, reiterates connection is key.
“Humans are social beings. We vary in how much human contact we need, but we all need others to survive and thrive, emotionally and physically,” she says.
Finding meaningful ways to connect with others isn’t always straightforward, especially considering the demands of living on the land, distance, and the financial impact of a cost-of-living crisis.
Support is available in many shapes and forms, including through the passionate team at the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP). RAMHP coordinators work hard to remove these barriers, encouraging connection and wellness across regional, rural and remote NSW.
These are local people, there to support, inform and connect folks to mental health support, whilst reducing the impacts of loneliness and creating opportunities for connection.
RAMHP Service Manager, Kate Arndell is extremely proud of the support RAMHP coordinators provide across such an incredibly diverse landscape.
“For over 17 years, RAMHP has worked in rural NSW through many adverse events, witnessing the changing shape of communities. We are acutely aware connection is more important than ever, and we speak to people every day who tell us they’re feeling disconnected, isolated and alone. Through our work, we focus on increasing connection, to each other, with community and with partners, to connect individuals with the support they need, when they need it.”
RAMHP addresses loneliness meaningfully and uniquely.
“From supporting grassroots community initiatives, to delivering workshops around wellbeing and self-care, to empowering local Agribusiness workers to feel confident in supporting clients when times get tough… we want our offering to be diverse and accessible to all,” says Kate.