One in four Australian adults experience loneliness, according to the recent .
The Swinburne University study showed that 50.5 per cent of Australians felt lonely one day a week, while almost 30 per cent felt lonely for three or more days – an issue which is amplified during the festive season.
Kim Sutton, CEO of the charity Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, said the holidays were often the most difficult time of the year for many people, particularly for those in the community who were too unwell to leave the hospital.
“Christmas is when families get together and celebrate life and the year’s achievements. It’s the saddest thing for people to be injured, or to lose family members, over the festive period,” she told SBS Cantonese.
"I think it's just more obvious to them to feel more lonely at that time because they're more aware of it."
One obvious characteristic of being lonely is to feel more disconnected with other people or not part of something, feeling that you do not have people to talk to or to visit, Ms Sutton said.
"It's just missing the companionship."
The Australian Loneliness Report showed that Australians with higher levels of loneliness had significantly worse physical and mental health than those with lower levels of loneliness.
In general, compared to non-lonely people, lonely people were more anxious about social interactions, have symptoms of depression, negative emotions, poorer physical health and a lower quality of life.
For those finding themselves alone these holidays, Ms Sutton shared five ways to lift your spirits:
Gold Coast Hospital Foundation CEO Kim Sutton. Source: Supplied
Take the chance to complete those things you’ve always wanted to do: Make a list of all the things you wanted to do, but never had a chance – tick off your bucket list. At least plan your time in advance so you don’t wake up at a loss on Christmas morning with nowhere to go and nothing to do.
Random acts of kindness: A growing mountain of research shows that one of the best ways of lifting your spirits is giving to others – so think about volunteering your time or donating to a worthwhile cause. You will feel good and brighten other people’s holidays in turn.
Head to a busy social place and chat: I’ve travelled the world solo many times and often found myself facing a day, or a meal, alone. To overcome this, try heading to a relaxed busy place such as the beachfront or a café and chat with others.
Step out of your comfort zone: Those that don’t have any plans for the holidays might consider opening their house to a friend or neighbour who may also want company this Christmas – but doesn’t know where to find it.
Know that time will heal: If you are alone and full of grief, it’s going to be a hard time and I feel for you. Mourning the loss of someone, or something, is made harder by the social importance placed on certain periods and assumptions – particularly at this time of year. Reach out and let people know how you feel.
The top reasons for feeling lonely, according to a Red Cross survey, are death of a loved one (34 per cent); moving from friends and family (31 per cent); isolation at school or work (22 per cent); divorce or separation (21 per cent); losing a job (17 per cent).
Taking care of your neighbours
For people who are fortunate enough to have friends and families around during the festive season, Ms Sutton said it is important to show your care towards lonely neighbours and to offer assistance to them if needed.
"It's just asking people, 'Are you doing anything? What are you doing for Christmas?'" she said.
"Sometimes it is hard to invite people in for Christmas Day, but you can simply invite them over, even for a segment of the day, for a drink or some food."
Gold Coast Hospital Foundation is a non-profit organisation that assists people in hospital overcome distress and medical hardship that comes with being unwell, injured, or disabled.
"We work broadly with the community helping about 150-thousand people that come into the Gold Coast University Hospital acquiring health services every year," Ms Sutton said.
"We provide services such as emergency accommodation. So if someone got a family member that's unexpectedly unwell, [especially] during the Christmas period, and needs to be in the hospital and that family's visiting, who might not necessarily live here in the Gold Coast, and that can create a real burden in terms of accommodation."
The Foundation also runs cancer patient transport services, child life therapy and music therapy services.
