- Loneliness is a personal feeling of insufficient connection, not simply a count of how many people you know.
- You can enjoy being alone without feeling lonely, or feel lonely in a busy family, at school or at work.
- Social loneliness is more often about missing a group; emotional loneliness is about missing someone you can truly turn to.
- Persistent loneliness deserves attention because it can affect mood, sleep, habits and health.
- Small, regular contacts usually work better than forcing yourself to build a large social life immediately.
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This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
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