2nd November 2020
Christmas can be a hard time of year for many of us, but it can be especially true for those living with a disability – and even more of a concern for those who are elderly and disabled. The UN states that 46% of those over 60 have disabilities, and in the run-up to the next decade, globally, that figure will increase by 56%. In this post, we at Falcon Housing Association C.I.C (FHA) share some background to this problem and how we can help those living with a learning disability or seeking supported living.
Why is loneliness a problem?
The mental health charity, Mind, shares that loneliness can increase your risk of conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem and poor sleep. This can have a knock-on effect on your desire to socialise, which further increases feelings of isolation. Those who are from minority groups, such as the disabled, and live in an area without others from a similar background, can be even more vulnerable to loneliness, especially over the Christmas period. There’s also a strong link between learning disability and mental health in general – affecting over half of individuals.
Signs & causes of loneliness
Loneliness can be a miserable or shameful feeling, which makes it more challenging to deal with. Mind describes loneliness as ‘not feeling part of the world’, where you might feel you do not belong. It can be triggered by a new life event (such as moving house or city, starting a new job/study, ending a relationship, or bereavement) and can present as feeling constantly tired, stressed and cut-off, even if you regularly use technology and social media.
How to manage loneliness
There is a lot you can do to help manage feelings of loneliness.
Put yourself out there – It doesn’t need to be a situation where you’ll be forced to interact, but could be something simple, like a trip to the shops where others might be out and about, or a class that’s focused on an activity.
Network – If you are ready to meet others, volunteering could be a great place to start. This could be something you do face-to-face, or even over-the-phone or online.
Seek out support – There are also plenty of charities which offer help, advice and information which can support you. You could try joining an online community or look into befriender services.
Take care of yourself – Whether you explore positivity through talking therapies such as CBT, or live the good life through a healthy diet, improved sleep and time exercising and enjoying the outdoors, these can all help boost mental wellbeing and combat feelings of depression or anxiety.
How can FHA help?
At Falcon Housing Association C.I.C (FHA), we recognise our unique position in helping those with disabilities through specialist supported living. We do not discriminate on age, gender, background or any other factors, and we work hard to find housing solutions for those who are most vulnerable. We also work with other bodies – from charities to care providers – to ensure no disabled person in society is overlooked.
Finally, while we encourage independent living where possible through our specialist supported living services, we also offer help with everything from paying bills, to carrying out everyday tasks and boosting both wellbeing and mental health. We recognise that our tenants want to belong to their communities, so not only can we provide shared accommodation with communal areas, but we can also help with a larger, supported-living scheme.
How do I get in touch over the Christmas period?
From individuals to families and friends, to local authorities, care providers, charities, and property developers, we want to hear from you. If you or someone you know could benefit from our specialist independent living services, please visit our contact page to get in touch with Falcon Housing Association C.I.C (FHA) today.