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Body state

Loneliness and isolation

Related terms: Loneliness, Isolation, Social isolation, Social connection, Feeling lonely

SupportedGood evidence from several human studies, with details still being refined.
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Loneliness is feeling down because you do not have the social relationships you want. Isolation means not having many people to talk to or spend time with. They are not the same, and both can affect health.

  • To talk to someone about your mental health, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
  • Volunteering is a great way to meet people and find a sense of purpose, according to healthdirect.
  • You can speak with your doctor about your mental health.

How it works

You can be isolated without feeling lonely, and feel lonely even when you are not isolated. Loneliness and isolation can increase the chance of heart disease, lung conditions, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity and metabolic problems, trouble sleeping, and depression and anxiety. Older people and people living with disability, mental health conditions, relationship break-ups, grief or stress may be more likely to feel isolated.

Contacting a family member, workmate or neighbour, joining a club, organisation or online community, volunteering, staying physically active and spending time with pets can all help you feel more connected. Loneliness is also linked to a higher risk of dementia, and staying socially connected is protective.

Looking after it

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).

Connections

4 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.

Loneliness and isolation can raise DementiaDementiaLoneliness and isolation can raise DepressionDepressionLoneliness and isolation can raise Coronary heart diseaseCoronary heart diseaseLoneliness and isolation can raise Trouble sleepingTrouble sleepingLoneliness and isolation can raise DementiaDementiaLoneliness and isolation can raise DepressionDepressionLoneliness and isolation can raise Coronary heart diseaseCoronary heart diseaseLoneliness and isolation can raise Trouble sleepingTrouble sleeping

Loneliness and isolation can raise

Sources

  1. Loneliness and isolationhealthdirect Australia, last reviewed July 2025
  2. Dementia: reducing your riskBetter Health Channel (Victorian Government), last reviewed 13 February 2026

Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.

Summarised from healthdirect and the Better Health Channel. Sources read on 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.

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