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Loneliness

How loneliness affects our mental wellbeing

Lots of us can feel lonely at times and for many different reasons. You don’t have to be on your own to feel lonely and there can be other factors that are impacting your feelings of loneliness which are personal and unique to you.

Sad thoughtful

Certain life events or experiences may make you feel lonely, such as:

  • Experiencing a loss of someone close to you
  • The end of a relationship
  • Friends moving away
  • Key dates in the year (including birthdays and at Christmas)
  • Starting college or university as a new student 
  • Welcoming a child
  • Moving somewhere new

Feeling lonely can have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if you have felt lonely for a long time.

Some research suggests that loneliness can increase stress. It is also associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, for example, depression, anxiety, low mood and sleep problems.

If loneliness is affecting your mental health and your daily life then TALKWORKS, Devon’s NHS Talking Therapies Service can help. You can self-refer, without seeing your GP.

How TALKWORKS can help

At TALKWORKS, our qualified therapists will see you for an initial assessment, to understand how you are feeling and will then work with you on care and treatment options, which are based on using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches.

They will help you to set achievable goals and create manageable routines to boost your mood and improve your overall mental wellbeing.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talking therapy that can help you change your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to overcome your problems.

Getting help

If you are struggling, TALKWORKS is here to help. We are a free, effective, confidential, NHS Talking Therapy Service, for people (aged 18+) in Devon (excluding Plymouth)

You can self-refer to TALKWORKS by completing our online self-referral form:

SELF-REFER TO TALKWORKS 

If you prefer, you can speak to us over the phone by calling 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 4:45pm), or you can make an appointment with your GP to discuss how we can help.


Your experience with us

Your feedback matters

“The therapy gently supported me to both understand and come to terms with my diagnosis and how it has impacted on me as a person for so many years. I felt I could be open and honest in a very safe space. I not only feel better, I understand myself better too.”

“I could not fault the service I received. I was listened to and given so many different resources to help my anxiety and depression. I was so very low a year ago but with the amazing support from my therapist I feel more and more myself every day. Thank you TALKWORKS.”

“I was apprehensive about using the service thinking I wasn't "bad" enough but a talk to the cardiac group by a TALKWORKS practitioner gave me confidence to self-refer. I was referred with respect and taken seriously throughout, felt safe and was given tools and advice to help myself take control of my situation.”