Loneliness is associated with high rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) loneliness, among heart failure patients, was associated with a nearly 4 time increased risk of death, 68 per cent increased risk of hospitalisation, and 57 per cent increased risk of emergency department visits.

In mental health, loneliness itself is not diagnosed as a disease or mental disorder. It is a symptom of other mental disorders like depression. The causes of loneliness can be different, like personality, there are people who do not interact with others because of this.

According to Uzziel Manirareba, a licensed clinical psychologist, depressed people are characterised by loneliness as a symptom. This symptom should be associated with others like insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss or weight gain, which are persistent for more than two weeks.

He says that though lockdown has become the prevention measure for the pandemic, it can lead to loneliness for some individuals. Ageing can also be a reason— adults who no longer have children around can experience loneliness. If loneliness is caused by depression or another mental health condition, mental healthcare should be the best remedy. This can be medication and psychotherapy or psychosocial support.

Manirareba suggests that in case of lockdown, people should seek other ways of interaction, like using technology for communication. People can use phones to message and call, and use social media to communicate with friends and family.

In the case of ageing, a culture-based response should be prioritised. For instance, children should spare time to interact with their ageing parents, as this helps the parents’ mental health. Mental health professionals are available, and people can use hotlines to talk to them and get support for free. Manirareba says that it is important to talk to mental health professionals to get appropriate support.