There is an overwhelming lack of knowledge or understanding of loneliness and what it means for people. It is far easier to label people as “loners”, “mentally unwell”, “immersed in their phone” or “anti-social” than to understand the reasons behind the behaviours they are seeing.
People told us that admitting to feeling lonely doesn’t feel like a culturally safe thing to do. The judgement and blame are almost always attributed to a deficit in a person’s character or emotional state. It makes it difficult for people to accept or admit that loneliness could be the reason for their poor health and well-being.
“…I was embarrassed that I felt lonely. I just blamed myself. I kept thinking, “…What is wrong with me…Everyone online looked like they were having a ball with friends…. How could I admit to being such a loser…” – Participant, Inner Sydney Youth Voice Group
In our submission to the NSW Inquiry on the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness, we highlighted the voices of people with lived experience of loneliness in our region. What we know is that loneliness does not discriminate and communities that are supported are less lonely.