Combatting loneliness this Christmas and New Year
For some the Christmas and New Year period is something to look forward to but we know that for others it can be a stressful or lonely time, where our normal routines are temporarily disrupted and we may feel isolated and not so full of festive cheer as we might hope for.
We see images and adverts of people surrounded by family and friends but this is not the case for everybody. For some of us, we may feel excluded if the festivals, holidays and religious events we celebrate don't get the same attention as Christmas.
We may be looking forward to a quiet time, to get things done, or just to watch a favourite tv programme in peace, to go for a quiet walk with less traffic around. Or we may wish we had more contacts and people to be with than we currently do. Some people may be surrounded by family groups but still feel lonely. Everyone is different.
Loneliness and isolation may or may not affect you, or you may be concerned about others and wonder how you might be able to support them.
Remember you’re not alone if you are feeling lonely or worrying about the festive period. Around three million people in England have said that they have often felt lonely in the last two years. The Campaign to End Loneliness has researched how common loneliness is in society and offers ideas to help. We know that for some people, living with health conditions like epilepsy can also add to feeling isolated.
Ways to cope with loneliness
We have information on our website about ways of managing isolation and loneliness and details of organisations that can help.
The charity MIND has information and advice about why Christmas can be a hard time for some people.
Samaritans has advice if you’re finding things hard this festive season.
We have made the following short list of ways to deal with loneliness and some simple ideas to think about, for now and in the new year. Some may be helpful for you:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you want it. Try talking to someone who you feel comfortable with, such as a family member, a friend, your carer, or GP. Some charities, like Age UK, offer weekly friendship calls.
- Marmalade Trust is a loneliness charity for all ages and offers befriending services and a Christmas Cheer programme for people who live in certain areas (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire, and they are continuing to expand).
- There are many ways that people find to combat loneliness and these are varied and personal. Creative writing can help some people, while others may find comfort in pets.
- Join an online community, like Side by Side. Use social media to make positive connections, but take a tip from the Samaritans and manage your social media and try not to compare yourself with others, which may impact your self-esteem. Or connect with Epilepsy Society on social media. See the end of the blog for how to do this.
- Think of ways to become more at ease in your own company. Some people find it helps to have background noise, such as tv, radio or a podcast. Others find hobbies and interests can be all absorbing and enjoyable. Consider trying something new.
- Find out what may be available in your area. There may be plenty going on over the holiday period which you may like to try. For example, churches will have services for all to attend and there may be other free events in your local community. Some organisations like Crisis or British Red Cross are always looking for volunteers.
- Keep active as much as you can – it can help your wellbeing. If you can’t get out for a walk, check out Bill Bailey’s SOFA workout here.
- Think of how you might be able to help or support someone else. It could be inviting a friend for a coffee or simply calling someone for a chat.
Contacting our Helpline
If you are affected by epilepsy and need support at this time, or any time of the year, our helpline is there for you. It’s confidential, providing information and emotional support.
Our Helpline will be open until 4pm on 24 and 31 December and closed for the bank/public holidays. More details about our helpline and how to connect with us by phone, live chat or email can be found here
If you need to talk to someone when our Helpline is closed you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free every day of the year including the festive season. They remind us all that you are never alone and their volunteers are there for you all the time. The Samaritans also offer tips if you’re feeling lonely and how to recognise and support someone who may be lonely . Or you might like to join in with online conversations on our Facebook page, X page or our Instagram page.
November 2025