Covid’s secret legacy of loneliness

SCOTS are feeling lonelier since the pandemic, a survey has found.

More than half (51 per cent) told the Mental Health Foundation they would hide these feelings from friends or family.

Loneliness is this year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week and the charity is calling on the Scottish Government to implement A Connected Scotland, its £10million national strategy to combat loneliness and isolation.

The survey found that 25 per cent of adults had felt lonely at some point over the previous month. More than a quarter (27 per cent) felt ashamed about being lonely. Almost a third (31 per cent) said feelings of loneliness have had a negative impact on their mental health. One in seven who felt lonely have had suicidal thoughts.

Julie Cameron, associate director of Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, said: ‘Our research shows that loneliness is affecting hundreds of thousands of people.

‘This is very concerning as long-term loneliness can potentially lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and it is also associated with increased thoughts of suicide.

‘We must address the stigma and have open conversations to let people know that they are not alone with their feelings.’ More than half of respondents (56 per cent) said making it easier to find social clubs or groups would help.

Minister for Equalities and Older People Christina McKelvie said: ‘We understand that social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone at any point in their life.’

She said a further £15million had just been announced for the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, which has supported nearly 2,000 projects.

‘This investment reflects the importance we place on promoting good mental health and early intervention for those facing mental health challenges,’ she said.