Alone Together: Understanding the Quiet Struggle of Loneliness with Dr Richard Pile

The Happier Life Project

Sometimes it can be difficult to admit we are lonely. Experiencing loneliness from time to time is a normal part of life; but when loneliness is severe, or persists over an extended period, it can have a detrimental impact on our mental health.

Some ways loneliness can be experienced are:
emotional loneliness – a lack of emotional attachment to someone like a close friend or partner
social loneliness – a lack of friends to go out with, or who share our hobbies or interests
existential loneliness – a sense of being in a room of people you know and still feeling alone

According to the World Health Organization, loneliness is a pressing global health threat, heightened by the pandemic. Research has shown that severe loneliness poses the same health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And the demographic most affected by loneliness is not (as you might assume) the elderly, but 16 to 24 year olds.

We often discuss the emotional aspects of loneliness, such as feeling low, isolated or disconnected, but loneliness can also manifest through physical symptoms and affect our behaviour. For instance, you may get nervous about or avoid going to social events, change your daily routines, like stop cooking for yourself, caring about your appearance or getting up early, or you may find it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep.

Dr Richard Pile is a GP specialising in lifestyle medicine and cardiology. Also an author, blogger, podcaster, mentor and coach, Dr Richard’s TedX talk titled ‘The Dangers of Loneliness’ offers an eye opening, research backed, insight into the physical and mental health consequences of prolonged loneliness.

Talking to host Gabby, Dr Richard defines loneliness, the causes and effects. The ‘Fit For Purpose’ author also discusses what signs to look out for, both within ourselves, and in others, that may indicate we are chronically lonely. Then he suggests practical steps towards forming new connections and reducing isolation.

Dr Richard stresses why nurturing the relationships and connections we already have is so important, and shares some ideas about how we might go on to find more people who are like-minded within our local community. Gabby and Dr Richard discuss the role loneliness plays in our mental health and how the two are so interlinked. Dr Richard also explains how finding purpose in our lives is a great antidote to feeling lonely and where to find our nearest 'social prescribers'. A free NHS service set up that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social, and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.

To download the My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself
For more information on Dr Richard Pile and his services: https://feelgoodforlife.uk/
To watch Dr Richard’s TedX talk on Loneliness: https://youtu.be/sPsvOd-kwVU?si=dAIYYR_E_ukAhcyg