North Rhine-Westphalia against loneliness
Overcoming loneliness
Almost all of us are familiar with the feeling of temporary loneliness. Sometimes it's only for a few moments and this phase usually passes after a short time. Sometimes, however, the feeling of loneliness lasts for a longer period of time. In this article, you can read about the consequences of feeling permanently lonely, what small steps can help to overcome loneliness and what initiatives the state government in North Rhine-Westphalia is taking to combat loneliness.
Loneliness occurs in all age groups, all generations and in a wide variety of life situations. Loneliness is an individual feeling that people experience as unpleasant because they lack deep, intimate relationships. We can therefore feel lonely even when we have a lot of people around us. If the feeling of loneliness becomes permanent in the long term and leads to withdrawal or isolation, experts speak of chronic loneliness, which can cause physical and mental illness.
Loneliness on the rise
Studies show that the feeling of loneliness has increased in Germany over the past five years. Certain population groups are particularly affected. Younger adults, single parents, older people and people with ongoing health problems, as well as people with a history of immigration, are particularly likely to report feeling lonely.
Causes of loneliness
There are many different factors that can trigger or promote loneliness:
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Changes in life
When a move, a new job or a move to a different school changes the social environment, it can take a while for new connections and new friendships to develop.
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Partnerlessness
The desire for a partner who shares life and everyday life does not come true for everyone. Singles often experience moments when they particularly long for emotional support from someone close to them.
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Loss of a loved one
Saying goodbye to someone close to you, whether through death or separation, leaves a huge gap in your life. Such a loss can trigger a strong feeling of loneliness.
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Lack of social contacts
Due to work commitments, caring for relatives or living in a remote area, there may be a lack of time or opportunities for encounters during stressful phases of life. Even digital contacts are not always a substitute for being close to others.
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Health reasons
Illness, physical limitations or psychological stress can also lead to a long-term feeling of isolation and loneliness.
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One bad day or several
Sometimes everything comes at once: stress, worries or failures. Then it can happen that people withdraw emotionally for a longer period of time and the feeling of loneliness increases.
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Financial worries
People who are affected by poverty or job loss participate less in social life. No longer feeling like you "belong" can increase the feeling of loneliness.
Loneliness can make you ill
Loneliness has many faces and causes. What they all have in common is that those affected can become ill.
The health consequences of long-term loneliness include sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, depression and other physical ailments such as heart disease and strokes. The risk of addiction also increases.
However, there is another serious aspect to consider when looking at the consequences. If loneliness leads to prolonged social isolation, there is a risk that people may become politically or religiously radicalized.
Escaping loneliness: taking the first step
Loneliness doesn't have to be permanent. Even small steps can help you feel less alone and find more joy in life again. There are various ways and strategies to overcome loneliness:
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Talk openly about the topic
Many people think that they are the only ones who feel lonely, because loneliness has long been a taboo subject. Sharing the feeling of loneliness with a trusted person can already be a great relief. And the more people talk about it, the less alone the individual feels.
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Maintain existing contacts
Regular phone calls, messages and virtual meetings can help to maintain contact with relatives and friends even over a physical distance.
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Hobbies and sport
Whether it's a course at the gym, a weekly running group or a book club - clubs and courses offer many different ways to get moving, meet new people and find like-minded people to spend your free time with.
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Voluntary commitment
Doing good for others has a double effect. Volunteering not only helps other people in society, but also makes you feel needed yourself.
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Using social networks
Keeping in touch via WhatsApp or social media can help you stay in touch with other people, especially when face-to-face meetings are difficult.
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Look for targeted support services
There are many initiatives and offers aimed specifically at families, single parents and senior citizens that help to break the feeling of isolation.
No one is really alone: North Rhine-Westphalia against loneliness
The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia has set itself the political task of curbing loneliness. It has drawn up an action plan entitled "You+We=One".
Five measures are helping to develop solutions to counter the feeling of isolation:
- The topic of loneliness is being scientifically investigated in order to gain a deeper understanding of its causes and effects.
- Awareness campaigns and educational programs are designed to help raise awareness of loneliness.
- Successful projects and initiatives will be brought together on an online platform to promote awareness and exchange.
- Different ministries and authorities work together to tackle loneliness on a broad front.
- The promotion of sporting activities and volunteering is intended to strengthen social contacts and prevent isolation.
As part of the loneliness strategy, an online platform has been set up, which already networks more than 600 initiatives against loneliness in North Rhine-Westphalia and serves as a central point of contact for those affected.
Where can we find help and advice?
At www.land.nrw/einsamkeit you will find an overview of many different services and initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia. By entering your zip code in the search function, you can search specifically for offers in your area.
The Verband allein erziehender Mütter und Väter e. V. (VAMV.NRW) has collected special offers for single parents on its portal, ranging from meetings with other single parents to courses for children and vacation offers. If you enter your place of residence or zip code in the search field, you will receive a map with offers in the vicinity.
Redezeit für dich is a platform with over 350 trained volunteer listeners who offer callers free support in cases of loneliness, insecurity, self-doubt, helplessness or other stress.
Loneliness can be particularly acute during the holidays. You can find a selection of offers that offer help during the holidays, provide advice or bring people together on the Loneliness Competence Network portal.
Further information Links to read more
