Both suicide and loneliness are recognized as serious public health concerns, and research shows they are connected. Loneliness is a “significant predictor of both suicidal ideation and behavior,” according to a systematic review published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Suicide is complex and has many leading causes in addition to loneliness. However, knowing how loneliness and suicide are related can encourage empathy and social support, reducing risk.
How are loneliness and suicide related?
The correlation between loneliness and suicide is still being studied, but several factors may explain the relationship. Lonely people often feel misunderstood and that they do not belong, even if they socialize regularly. They might grapple with a low self-image and believe they are lonely because of perceived flaws in their personality. Having these thoughts can contribute to mental health concerns such as depression, a leading cause of suicide.
Challenging circumstances can also increase loneliness, depression and the risk of suicide. Significant life changes, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, disability or illness, can cause identity-related stress and isolation. Additionally, mental health concerns can worsen for people in some demographic populations due to isolating experiences, discrimination and lack of resources. At-risk groups include:
Older adults. As people age, they grieve the loss of friends, family members and life-long partners. Changed mobility, hearing and sight can make visiting and communicating with others difficult, increasing isolation. Older adults must grapple with losing their former identity as their abilities change.
Adolescents and young adults. For many, youth is a time when social belonging feels like a critical aspect of self-worth. Social media encourages comparison and can worsen feelings of disconnection from peers. Adolescence and young adulthood are also stressful periods during which identity and significant life changes occur.
Veterans. Combat exposure can lead to mental health concerns associated with suicide, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Veterans also often grapple with a lack of resources and support. Additionally, veterans frequently report feeling ignored, disrespected and misunderstood by non-veterans who do not share their experiences.
LGBTQ+ people. Housing discrimination, physical harm and bullying based on sexuality and gender identity can worsen stress and lead to mental health concerns for LGBTQ+ people. Lack of affirming spaces and accepting friends or family for support causes loneliness.
People of color. Discrimination, prejudice and an institutional disparity in resources are persistent stressors in the lives of many people of color that negatively affect mental health. Invalidation of these experiences can cause people of color to feel alone and unsupported.
Many people feel isolated because they believe others won’t identify with them. However, research shows that suicide risk can be significantly reduced through social support, regardless of challenges or demographics.
How to get help
If you or a loved one is in danger, call the national suicide prevention hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you are in an immediate medical crisis, please call 911. The operator will try to de-escalate the situation and collaborate with you to determine a safety plan. If necessary, they will send police or crisis counselors to you, who may take you to the hospital. You can also take yourself to the hospital, where a professional will evaluate your mental health to determine the best form of care.
It is crucial to ask for help if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. If you feel lonely, you may believe no one can support you, but you are never alone. Often, people are empathetic and more than willing to help. Consider contacting a friend, family member, neighbor, teacher, mentor, counselor, therapist or employee assistance program. Professionals who work at suicide hotlines are also available. Together, you can decide on the best course of action.
If you are experiencing loneliness, you can find support and foster meaningful connections. Reaching out for help is a crucial step toward healing and moving forward.
Compassion and social support are crucial to reducing loneliness and the risk of suicide. Consider checking in on loved ones more frequently to see how they are. Simply listening can be beneficial to people experiencing loneliness and other challenges.