Hello ,

In this edition of the Mental Health Wire, you will gain a deeper understanding of what loneliness actually is, learn practical, evidence-based coping strategies for yourself, and discover meaningful ways to show up for friends, family, and neighbors who may be struggling.

We all experience feelings of loneliness or isolation from time to time, but when loneliness becomes severe or long-lasting, it can deeply impact our overall mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, chronic loneliness can build quietly, making it harder to reach out or feel grounded in our everyday relationships.

We all experience feelings of loneliness or isolation from time to time, but when loneliness is severe or lasts a long time, it can negatively impact our overall mental health.

When chronic, loneliness can create a difficult spiral:

• Feeling isolated makes it harder to reach out or connect with others.

• Over time, this can cause people to feel apprehensive or anxious in social situations.

• Consequently, finding joy in daily life and escaping negative thought patterns becomes increasingly difficult.

Key Takeaway: Loneliness is different for everyone, and there is no single way to experience it. Some people can be alone and feel completely fulfilled, while others can be surrounded by people in a crowd and still feel profoundly lonely.

While loneliness is a universal human experience that can affect anyone at any point in life, certain life circumstances and risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing severe or chronic loneliness. Some examples of this are:

• Being widowed or single

• Being unemployed or navigating career transitions

• Living alone or living in rented accommodation

• Being between 16 and 24 years old

• Serving as a caregiver for a family member or loved one

• Managing a long-term health condition or disability

• Belonging to an ethnic minority community or the LGBTQIA+ community

Dealing with loneliness can be difficult, but there are things we can all do to cope with loneliness and prevent some of the negative feelings and mental health problems that can come with it.

1. Try to do some enjoyable things that will keep you busy

One way of trying to manage loneliness is by keeping busy and doing things we enjoy. This might be a hobby such as a bit of gardening, going to the gym, or even sorting out your kitchen cupboards, jigsaws, puzzles, or knitting. Small activities can give you energy and positive feelings. It’s important these things are fun or fulfilling.

• A Note on Distraction: Be careful about working too hard or watching TV shows simply as a distraction. These will only delay or suppress your feelings and could actually make your mental health worse.

2. Try to do things that stimulate your mind

Activities that occupy your mind can help with loneliness. This can include the benefits of taking online courses or listening to podcasts on topics from comedy to fitness. This can be stimulating, and something as simple as listening to the familiar voice of someone you like can help you feel less lonely.

3. Think about doing a physical activity

Physical exercise can help with loneliness. It can be as simple as having a walk in the park when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Alternatively, you could listen to music and do a bit of dancing around your living room!

If you're looking for something that combines tips 1-3, consider signing up to participate in NAMI CCNS' 2026 NAMIWalks on Saturday, October 10th. NAMIWalks is a great way to distract yourself with something positive and feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself. Aside from the physical activity of the walk itself, it is also an opportunity to connect with people in your community who may have similar lived experiences and can remind you that you are not alone.

4. Try to engage with the people you meet in your daily life

It can be hard to talk to others when you’re feeling lonely. However, trying to connect with the people you meet as you go about your day can be helpful. Even catching someone’s eye and saying “hi” as you walk along can make you feel better. Or it could be about saying hello to the postwoman or postman or going to the shops and talking to the person at the checkout. By sharing a polite greeting, you might find you give someone else a positive lift too.

5. Spend time with pets

If you are lucky enough to have a pet, it can be a great way of managing loneliness. Not only do animals provide us with unconditional love and support, but they also help to give structure to our days and even encourage us to get out and connect with others. Interaction with pets is also shown to help reduce stress levels.

6. Find people that ‘get you’

It can be hard to connect with others when you’re feeling lonely. But there are great benefits in finding people who have been through similar experiences to you. Interacting with others that ‘get’ you can give you a sense of belonging that may be missing. People who have been there have found connections in weekly support groups, like the free support groups offered by NAMI CCNS.

If someone in your life or community is feeling lonely, your compassion and approach can make a world of difference:

Don’t judge or stigmatize

It’s important not to judge or stigmatize people who feel lonely. Stigma around loneliness is a huge barrier to the kind of open and genuine conversations that can help. It’s more important to be aware of just how common loneliness is. It’s a normal feeling that all of us are likely to experience at some time in our lives. Telling other people that their poor mental health is the reason why they are feeling lonely is really not helpful.

Try to make groups welcoming to other people

It can be difficult for people who are feeling lonely to join a group like a club. This might be because people are shy or feel nervous about existing relationships in the group which they don’t feel part of. It’s important to be aware of this and try to make groups as welcoming as possible to newcomers. Flexibility around things like how often people attend is also important.

Try to listen and show understanding

A great way to help a friend or family member is simply to listen. People who have experienced loneliness relate how they valued friends who really considered what they might enjoy and were even willing to join them in some shared activities. Having a compassionate approach, and not ignoring the person’s experience, will help them to feel heard and understood.

Do you have go-to positive affirmation to get you through tough times? Share it with us for a chance to be featured in the Mental Health Wire!

No one in our community should have to face isolation or mental health challenges alone. At NAMI Cook County North Suburban, our peer-led support groups, education programs, and community outreach are provided free of charge to individuals, families, and caregivers across our region.

Your generosity directly sustains these life-changing resources and helps us build a more connected community. Every donation helps us keep our doors wide open for anyone seeking hope and human connection.

Thank you for taking the time to read, learn, and engage with us on this crucial topic. Mental health and connection are shared journeys, and by understanding loneliness better, we can foster a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone in our neighborhoods. Whether you need a helping hand or are offering one to a friend, remember that NAMI CCNS is always here alongside you.

Copyright © 2026 NAMI CCNS, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
NAMI CCNS
8324 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, Illinois 60077
United States

Our email address is:
admin@namiccns.org

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.