This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, the week aims to raise awareness around mental health issues. For 2022, the theme of the awareness event is loneliness. 

There are a lot of misconceptions around mental health and loneliness. Today, we’re debunking some of the most common misconceptions around loneliness. 

1. Loneliness can affect anyone

It is often assumed that loneliness only affects certain people. But research has shown that a significant portion of us feel lonely some or all of the time, and long-term loneliness can cause other mental health struggles. 

Unfortunately, the truth is, anyone can feel the effects of loneliness, even if they are surrounded by people.

Drivers are particularly susceptible to loneliness, as so many hours a day can be spent alone on the road. Over time, these hours add up and can have a significant impact on your mental health. 

2. Bad mental health is common in Spring 

Many people experience a rapid decline in their mental health during Winter. With less hours of sunlight and many of us leaving the house and returning home in the dark, it can be a very challenging time of year. 

But what many don’t realise is that Spring is often a worse time for those struggling with bad mental health. After months of feeling low, these negative feelings, including loneliness, can feel overwhelming in the first half of the year. 

3. Asking for help is hard

20% of those struggling with loneliness will try to hide our feelings of loneliness from others. Because so many of us experience loneliness, this amounts to millions of people suffering in silence. 

Nobody should suffer with feelings of loneliness, and those that do should not be left to suffer alone. 

For further help and support with mental health issues please refer to the NHS online or book an appointment with your GP.