Loneliness and social isolation
Loneliness describes how a person feels when they perceive a lack of meaningful connection with others. It’s not necessarily about being physically alone, but about feeling isolated, unseen, or disconnected, even in the presence of others.
Loneliness and social isolation can be experienced by anyone of any age and from any background.
It's common to feel lonely and isolated after being diagnosed with sight loss, and this can significantly impact mental health. If you are feeling lonely and isolated, you can get help. Many people with sight loss experience loneliness and isolation, sometimes more intensely than the general population. This can be for many reasons, including emotional distress, difficulty leaving the house, not feeling understood and a lack of support and information, especially at the point of diagnosis.
Being lonely and/or socially isolated can also have an impact on our physical and mental health, and therefore the importance of the relationships we have with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours in giving us our sense of belonging and well-being.
Here's why you might be feeling this way and what can help:
Reasons for loneliness and isolation.
Emotional impact:
Sight loss can be emotionally challenging, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a negative self-image. This can make it harder for us to get out-and-about and interact with others.
Lack of support:
There can be a lack of emotional support and information, particularly at the time of diagnosis, which can heighten feelings of isolation.
Changes in social life:
Adjusting to sight loss can make it harder to participate in activities and social events, leading to a reduction in social interaction.
Signs of loneliness
Answering yes to any of these may indicate that you are feeling lonely:
• Do you struggle to connect with family or friends?
• Do you constantly feel isolated regardless of where you are and who’s around?
• Do you always feel negative about yourself?
• Are you having difficulty sleeping?
• Are you finding that you are not going out as much and spending more and more of your time at home or by yourself?
What can help
Seek emotional support. Talk to friends, family, or a counsellor about your feelings.
Support Groups
Support groups are places or virtual spaces where people with shared experiences can talk freely with each other and offer advice and emotional support. The important ingredient is that people with lived experience are speaking from a position of empathy, not just sympathy. They can understand what you are going through,
To find a support group, go to https://perspectif.org.uk/service/search?type=18
Social Groups
Social groups may have some of the features of a support group, but are more directed to simply offering a place to chat and form friendships. While there may be an element of sharing experiences and advice, their focus is more social and sometimes centred on an activity such as arts and crafts, a pastime such as hiking, or simply chatting over a cup of tea. They are a great way to combat loneliness.
To find a social group near you, go to https://perspectif.org.uk/service/search?type=17
Buddying schemes and befriending
These tend to offer one-to-one support and may take the form of accompanying you while shopping or going to the cinema, or simply ringing you up for a chat (telephone befriending). They are a great way to make sure people you trust are aware of your situation and can look out for you.
Go to https://perspectif.org.uk/service/search?type=19
Emotional Support and Counselling
Emotional support and counselling are different practices. Emotional support tends to be informal and can be offered by people with varying degrees of expertise and training. They are a good sounding board and can offer advice to get you the kinds of support that will help you cope with your situation. Counselling is a more formal process and is conducted by trained professionals who know the best methods to support you to overcome your difficulties. Counselling services can prove of real value to people; as they often have waiting lists, it is always worth getting some informal emotional support while waiting so that you are supported during this time.
Go to https://perspectif.org.uk/service/search?type=39
Other ways to help yourself
Learn about your condition.
Understanding your sight loss and available resources can empower you and reduce anxiety. It is a great way to come to start coming to terms with your situation. It also gives you the language you need to be able to talk to professionals about how you feel and what support you need. Many of us don't know what support is available and being able to speak about your needs will help others understand what you are seeking. There are many organisations for people with different kinds of sight loss –specialist organisations such as the Macular Society, as well as general ones such as RNIB.
You can learn more about your eye condition at the About Eye Conditions dropdown list on Perspectif.
Accept help
Don't hesitate to accept offers of assistance from others. Sometimes shame or pride will stop us from reaching out for support. Don't let these get in the way of seeking help.
Be patient with yourself
Coming to terms with sight loss takes time, and it's okay to grieve the loss of your previous vision.
Find activities you enjoy
Engage in hobbies and activities that bring you pleasure and a sense of purpose. You might feel unable to do what you used to take for granted, but try to find the things you can do to start with, and build from there. Don't punish yourself for not being able to do what you did before you lost your sight. Other things might take their place, or you'll discover different ways to do those things. Concentrate on your strengths and abilities, and explore new ways to engage with the world.
Physical activity can improve your mood and reduce stress.