Loneliness is a universal human experience like hunger or thirst. It is a natural signal that something is missing from our lives—in this case, human connection. While everyone experiences loneliness, some people are more susceptible to acute or chronic loneliness, meaning that it affects them more profoundly and even possibly more deeply.
Loneliness has many different causes. These vary from person to person. We don't always understand what it is about an experience that makes us feel lonely.
Certain life events or experiences may make you feel lonely, such as:
Experiencing a bereavement
Going through a relationship break-up
Retirement
Changing jobs
Starting at university
Experiencing mental health problems
Becoming a parent
Moving to a new area or country without family, friends or community networks
