Feeling Lonely This Christmas? You Are Not Alone

As the festive season approaches, glittering decorations, holiday gatherings, and cheerful music often paint a picture of universal joy. However, for many, this time of year brings a stark reminder of loneliness. The holiday period magnifies feelings of isolation, whether due to geographic distance, strained family relationships, or the pressures of societal expectations.

The Hidden Epidemic of Loneliness

Loneliness has profound effects on both mental and physical health. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and even premature death. It’s even been reported that loneliness is as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

For Gen Z, loneliness disrupts their nights too. A study from Oregon State University found that lonely college students were twice as likely to experience insomnia. Psychologists explained that loneliness increases vigilance against threats, making it harder to relax and fall asleep. Furthermore, loneliness fosters negative thought spirals, exacerbating mental health struggles.

The LGBTQIA+ community faces unique challenges. Many grapple with estrangement from family or a lack of safe spaces to connect. Holidays can amplify these struggles, with some feeling excluded from traditional family celebrations.

Loneliness in Numbers

1. Holiday Triggers:
   According to Medibank's Loneliness Population Index, 22% of people identified Christmas as a key trigger for loneliness. The holiday season amplifies feelings of isolation, particularly for those without strong support systems.

2. LGBTQIA+ Community Challenges:
   For LGBTQIA+ people, the emotional toll of family rejection and the pressures of navigating the holidays as a single person exacerbate feelings of loneliness. A survey by The Advocate sheds light on the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community during this time.

3. The Economic Cost:
   Loneliness comes at a significant economic cost. In the U.S. alone, it costs the economy $460 billion annually due to absenteeism. This estimate likely underrepresents the true impact, as it doesn’t account for productivity losses or reduced workforce participation.

Finding Hope and Connection

Despite these challenges, there are inspiring examples of communities addressing loneliness:

1. The Power of Early Intervention: Belgium has taken steps to prioritise early intervention in tackling loneliness. By focusing on support systems for individuals early in life, the country has seen a positive impact. In 2024, only 6.7% of Belgians reported feeling lonely most of the time, a significant drop from 9.1% earlier in the year.

2. Inclusive Spaces: LGBTQIA+ groups globally are hosting alternative holiday events to provide a sense of belonging.

3. Acts of Kindness: Beyond Blue in Australia emphasises the power of small, meaningful gestures like inviting someone for coffee or engaging in a brief conversation with a neighbour.

Steps You Can Take

If you’re feeling lonely this Christmas, remember, there’s help and hope:

• Deepen Existing Relationships: Focus on meaningful connections with people who bring you joy.

• Engage in Micro-Interactions: A friendly chat with a barista or a neighbor can brighten your day.

• Seek Community: Volunteer or attend local gatherings — these are excellent ways to meet like-minded individuals.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Loneliness is a common experience, not a reflection of your worth.

For LGBTQIA+ individuals, platforms like Get Out are creating spaces for meaningful connections beyond dating apps, emphasising the importance of community over transactional interactions.

Together, We Can Build Belonging

Loneliness may feel like an insurmountable barrier, but the festive season also brings opportunities for connection and growth. By reaching out to others and fostering a culture of inclusion, we can transform isolation into community.

This Christmas, know that you are not alone. Somewhere out there, someone is looking for the connection that only you can provide.

If you know someone who might be feeling lonely, take the initiative to reach out. A simple gesture — a kind message, a visit, or sharing a meal — can mean the world to someone in need of connection. Don’t assume everyone you know has companionship. Pay attention to the signs of loneliness in those who might seem distant, withdrawn, or whom you haven’t heard from in a while.

Never underestimate the power of a thoughtful gesture. Extending a kind word or a heartfelt check-in won’t bother or embarrass them— it will show that someone cares. Take the chance, make the effort. It’s not an exaggeration to say that your compassion could truly save a life.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help.

National Crisis and Mental Health Support:

1. Lifeline Australia

   • Contact: 13 11 14 (24/7 Crisis Support)

   • Website: Lifeline

   • Offers crisis support and suicide prevention.

2. Beyond Blue

   • Contact: 1300 224 636 (24/7 Mental Health Support)

   • Website: Beyond Blue

   • Provides support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.

3. Suicide Call Back Service

   • Contact: 1300 659 467 (24/7 Crisis Counselling)

   • Website: Suicide Call Back Service

   • Professional telephone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide.

4. Headspace

   • Contact: 1800 650 890 (9am to 1am)

   • Website: Headspace

   • Mental health support specifically for young people aged 12-25.

LGBTQIA+ Specific Mental Health Support:

1. QLife

   • Contact: 1800 184 527 (3pm – midnight, 7 days)

   • Website: QLife

   • Australia-wide anonymous LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral service.

2. Thorne Harbour Health (formerly VAC)

   • Contact: 1800 134 840

   • Website: Thorne Harbour Health

   • Provides counselling and support services for LGBTIQA+ communities and people living with HIV.

3. Switchboard Victoria

   • Contact: 1800 184 527 (via QLife)

   • Website: Switchboard Victoria

   • Provides telephone and web-based counselling, specializing in LGBTIQA+ mental health.

4. ACON (NSW-based but serves all of Australia)

   • Contact: (02) 9206 2000

   • Website: ACON

   • Promotes the health and well-being of LGBTIQA+ people and provides mental health resources and support.

5. Twenty10 (NSW)

   • Contact: (02) 8594 9555

   • Website: Twenty10

   • Provides support for LGBTIQA+ youth and people of diverse genders, sexualities, and intersex status.