Loneliness In Midlife Women

A growing concern...

Earlier this morning I read an article about the Loose Women star Andrea McLean, about her ‘loneliness’ following her recent struggles with long covid. The presenter mentioned that a lot of women she’d spoken to recently, worry about whether they’re relevant as they age, but particularly worry about the increased levels of loneliness that creeps in at middle age.

I can so relate to this as do many of my friends. We often talk about how there is an increasing prevalence of loneliness and isolation among our friendship groups. How it is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. I find it to be really challenging to actually pinpoint a single cause to the loneliness.

Over the past decade I know exactly what caused my loneliness. I’ve lost count on the numerous occasions I’ve felt vulnerable and with that came a lot of shame. Now I’m at peace with it all and put it down to my colourful life experiences. I’d always whisper to myself ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. But…