People in cities report feelings of loneliness more than the rest of the UK

THE IMPACT OF ‘CITY LIFE’ ON OUR MENTAL HEALTH

New research from the Office of National Statistics shows people in cities report feelings of loneliness more than the rest of the UK overall.

While it has been reported that loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes-a-day, those suffering from feelings of loneliness are 50% more likely to die prematurely than those with good social relationships. Considering this and in light of Mental Health Awareness Month, reports collated by Forest Holidays explores what effects living in a city can have on our mental health, and why loneliness continues to be an increasing concern in 2019.

The Facts

• One in six people will experience mental health problems every week
• Nearly 20,000 children contacted Childline with depressive thoughts in 2015/16
• Instagram has been named the worst social media network for mental health and wellbeing
• One in five young people admits to waking up in the middle of the night to check messages on social media
• Demand for mental health services for students has risen 50%
• Almost half of UK students admit to loneliness during their time at university
• Those aged 50 and over are more likely to report feelings of “chronic loneliness”

The City vs the Country

Last year, a study found children in cities are four times lonelier than those living in the countryside (19.5% compared to just over 5%), with urban isolation being a potential reason for this as parents are more hesitant to let children out on their own.

Close Relationships Can Help Reduce Stress

Studies have shown that close relationships can help reduce stress; however, while social media has allowed quick connections around the world across the internet, those connections don’t necessarily cure loneliness. Having close relationships also helps to create a supportive circle should you find a who can be turned to should Creating a supportive

The Loneliest Age Groups

Information stating loneliness is primarily felt by older people, which is supported by data from the ONS indicating those aged over 50 suffer from ‘chronic loneliness’, However, reports gathered by Fresh Student Living suggests students are just as prone to loneliness, with half a million admitting the suffer with it during their time at university.

This is backed up by data stating 18-24-year olds are most likely to say they have felt lonely compared to people aged 55 and over (75% vs 63%). While figures published in April 2018 showed 1 in 10 16-24-year olds were often always lonely compared to just 3% of pensioners.

The Impact of Technology and the Rise of ‘Alone-Together’ Time

Technology makes it easier to communicate with colleagues, friends and family, and in some cases can assist in reducing loneliness – particularly for those aged 50 and over, as reports have found. Conversely, it has contributed to the rise in ‘alone-together time’ – meaning they’re in the same house but separately.

Studies on the topic have revealed, overall, ‘alone-together’ time has risen by 43%, demonstrating families are often engaging with devices instead of each other. In 2015, mobile devices took up 38% of total family time and 47% of ‘alone-together’ time.

Spend time in nature

Numerous reports state spending time outside, surrounded by greenery, can help improve mental and physical wellbeing.

• Boost moods and fight anxiety – Research shows that being in nature for just 20 minutes will lower stress hormones, such as cortisol levels. 
• Combat loneliness and antisocial feelings – trading the grey city for a stroll in the woods surrounded by natural beauty can result in more prosocial behaviours, such as generosity and empathy.
• Better mental health – Walking has been proven effective in reducing anxiety and depression, and further evidence suggests walking in nature improve this further because different parts of our brains activate in nature.
• Eliminate fatigue – Studies indicate that people’s mental energy bounces back just by looking at images of nature, while pictures of cities did not effect.