BBC Loneliness Experiment

Having been involved in fund raising activity for Somerset MIND, and also as a listening volunteer for Samaritans, I am always interested in finding out more about issues relating to mental wellbeing. It is good that high-profile celebrities, along with royalty, have recently helped to raise awareness, breaking down some of the taboos surrounding mental health.

The survey carried out on behalf of Radio 4’s All in the Mind has also helped to bring it to the top of the health agenda; but, we must not forget that the 55,000 people who took part will have been, to some extent, self-selecting. I believe it is just the tip of the iceberg. This view is borne out by the fact that during my Samaritans listening duties the vast majority of callers speak about issues relating to their mental health, loneliness and isolation being the key to much of what is troubling them. A lack of NHS funding means that in most cases there is a woeful lack of professional mental health support, at a time when someone in crisis needs help NOW, not in six months.

This is something that should concern us all, not least because of the impact on the immediate family, friends and work colleagues of those affected, as well as society as a whole, if for no other reason than the huge cost of dealing with the many problems that manifest themselves.

It seems to me that this is a two-edged sword. Is it the myriad challenges that people face, relating to relationship breakdown, worries about money, job loss, bereavement, homelessness, health etc. that can eventually result in mental breakdown? Or is it that their poor mental health results in the former? Often, alcohol and drug abuse are inextricably linked to mental health problems too.

When we are feeling down we can all benefit from someone with whom to share our woes, a shoulder to cry on or support us in our hour of need. The problem is that the behaviour of those suffering most is also the most likely to drive their family, friends and neighbours away. The result? Loneliness, which further drives a wedge between them and those around them.

I also believe that the huge rise in the use of social media has contributed heavily towards loneliness; regular users, particularly those with low self-esteem, perceive that others gaining more attention are therefore more popular. This can give rise to extreme behaviour in order to seek the attention they crave, or worse.

There is no quick fix solution, but we can all play our part by being less self-centred and more outward thinking; saying a kind word, reaching out to others by a quick phone call, letter or email, or offering to run an errand or include them in an activity. These overtures may well be rejected but at least they will know that someone, somewhere, cares.