The mental health charity Mind cites two main factors that can cause loneliness: 

• someone either not having enough basic social contact or, 
• despite being surrounded by p...

Some research suggests that who you spend your time with matters, too. 

One study in 2011 found that elderly people who spent time with family were less lonely than ...

Spending time online obviously cannot replace all your real-life interactions, but it can help.

However, the research found a link between loneliness and time spent online, so it is important to supplement online chats with actual meetups, too.

One 2010 study found that approaches designed to change "maladaptive thinking” – such as negative beliefs or black and white thinking – were, on average, four times more effective than any other kind of approach. 

Attend...

• Talk to friends and family.
• Join a club or socialize through hobbies or interests. It is a good way to meet new people and increase social interactions. 
• Do voluntary work. It forges connections as well as makes you feel worthwhile.