Loneliness and community mental health

In this paper I will discuss loneliness in the community.

Finding a non-medical way to support people who feel lonely is really important. Many will never have considered joining groups of identity like the offer briefly discussed.

In future community mental health features, the author will consider topics such as community mental health advocacy, debt, benefits and finance, housing and self-help.

In this column, the author briefly considers the concepts of loneliness, social isolation and solitude; review some research; and offer ideas about how help may be given in community settings.