What is loneliness?
The simplest definition of loneliness is when there’s a gap between wanting to connect with people and being able to connect with people. It’s not about how many relationships you have, but more about the quality of those relationships, and how you feel about them.
Being isolated isn’t the only reason for loneliness, but it can be a big part of it. People in rural communities might feel more isolated than those in cities. During the pandemic, many of us felt lonelier.
While people in rural and remote areas may be more likely to experience loneliness, some First Nations Peoples living in cities and urban settings can also feel deeply isolated – especially when they are off-country, far from family and kin, or disconnected from their home country.
Loneliness is very closely tied to disconnection. If you feel like those around you see you differently because of your gender, age, cultural background or disability, it can make you feel excluded and like you don’t belong.
Being isolated isn’t the only reason for loneliness, but it can be a big part of it. People in rural communities might feel more isolated than those in cities. During the pandemic, many of us felt lonelier.
While people in rural and remote areas may be more likely to experience loneliness, some First Nations Peoples living in cities and urban settings can also feel deeply isolated – especially when they are off-country, far from family and kin, or disconnected from their home country.
Loneliness is very closely tied to disconnection. If you feel like those around you see you differently because of your gender, age, cultural background or disability, it can make you feel excluded and like you don’t belong.
I was renting a place on my own, and I felt incredibly isolated and lonely … [Now], all I have to do is take a walk down the road here and I'll bump into somebody and have a chat with them for five or 10 minutes … It's all about mindset. And I very much believe in blooming where you're planted.”
- Sandi
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You are not alone in feeling lonely - many people living in Australia are.
