THOUGH our need to connect is innate, many of us frequently feel alone. Loneliness is the state of distress or discomfort that results when we perceive a gap between our desire for social connection and actual experiences of it. This has been emphasised more in recent times, especially with more people working remotely.

People who are surrounded by others throughout the day, or who are in a long-lasting marriage for example, can still experience a deep and pervasive loneliness. Research suggests that loneliness poses serious threats to well-being as well as long-term physical health.