Loneliness Awareness Week is here, and as a single mother, this is a topic that hits close to home. Loneliness is a normal human emotion; it’s a signal that we need connection. In the chaos of nappies, night feeds, and work deadlines, loneliness can quietly creep in, no matter how busy we are. That's what the single mothers club is here for!
I remember standing in my kitchen one night in 2023, washing dishes in silence while my little one slept. The house was still, but in my chest, a quiet ache pulsed. I wasn’t sad exactly, just… disconnected. I missed adult company; I missed being seen by friends and family members. That’s when I realised how loneliness can often show up not just in empty rooms, but even when we’re surrounded by noise and responsibility.
This blog is for every mama who’s ever felt that ache, and for all of us trying to make sense of loneliness for our well-being.
Understanding Loneliness in Parenthood
Being a mother is full-on. Between school runs, childcare, work, and laundry that seem to multiply overnight, there’s little opportunity for true connection. You can feel the loneliest even when surrounded by adorable tiny humans. You might feel lonely even when you're never technically alone, and that's completely normal. When we’re not around other adults who truly get it, social isolation and loneliness can sneak in. It’s important to recognise that feeling this way isn’t a sign that something is wrong, but a signal that we need to reconnect.
Why Loneliness Awareness Week Matters for Mums
Loneliness Awareness Week exists to normalise talking openly about loneliness. This matters deeply for mothers, because so many of us feel ashamed to admit we’re struggling. We tell ourselves we “should” be grateful or busy enough not to be lonely, but loneliness can lead to serious mental health struggles.
By shining a light on this issue during Loneliness Awareness Week, we remind mothers that it’s okay to not feel okay. We support one another by being real. Organisations like Marmalade Trust are working hard to help us realise that loneliness is a normal human emotion; something to talk about, not hide.
What Loneliness Really Feels Like for Mums
For me, loneliness often looks like scrolling my phone at 10 pm, wishing I had someone to debrief the day with. Or dreading weekends because there’s no grown-up chat at playdates. It can feel overwhelming, like there’s a disconnect between who I was before becoming a mother and who I am now.
Sometimes, I feel invisible, especially during times of social isolation. I experienced loneliness most when I was on maternity leave, isolated from my old routine and my friends. The lack of social contact and adult conversations chipped away at my confidence and mental health.
Why Feelings of Loneliness Can Be Dangerous if Left Unchecked
When loneliness is left unchecked, it hurts our hearts and affects our bodies. Research shows it can lead to mental and physical health issues like heart disease, cognitive decline, dementia, and even early death. That’s heavy stuff.
As a mother, it’s easy to put your needs last. But understanding that loneliness can lead to real harm makes it clear: we need to care for ourselves, too. We wouldn’t ignore a cough in our kids, so why ignore our own mental health problem?
Related article: 107 Free and easy self-care ideas: Boost your mental and physical wellbeing
You’re Not the Only Lonely Mum - The Single Mothers Club
If you’re lonely, you’re not alone, Mama. Many people can experience loneliness, and single mothers are among the most at risk. One survey in 2023 revealed that people in the UK felt lonelier than ever, especially after the pandemic.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mummy or juggling work and childcare, feeling lonely and isolated can sneak up on you. Know this: your feelings are valid. And there’s nothing wrong with seeking support, whether that’s from a support group, your GP, or a local organisation.
How to Combat Social Isolation as a Single Mother
First step? Acknowledge it. Then, make the first move. I started with a local library baby rhyme time, even though it felt awkward at first. Later, I joined a single mothers club through Nextdoor, and suddenly I wasn’t so alone in the park anymore.
Loneliness and social isolation are powerful, but so is connection. Try getting involved in community groups, volunteering with a local organisation, or saying yes to that coffee invite. Spending time with others, especially people in a similar position, helps us feel less alone.
The Single Mothers Club: The Role of Community in Easing Loneliness
The neighbourhood I live in now has a fantastic community engagement program. It took courage, but once I started chatting with other mothers at the local market, my feelings of loneliness eased. Don’t underestimate the power of simply saying “hi.” The more we interact, the more we build that sense of belonging that keeps loneliness at bay. And local social networking platforms make connecting with your neighbourhood so much easier.
Creating Safe Spaces for Honest Conversation
Sometimes we need a safe space just to say, “I’m not okay.” That’s why I created a WhatsApp group for the single mothers club in my area. It’s where we share wins, vent frustrations, and plan wine-and-chocolate nights. Creating or joining a support group can be a game-changer. When you’re lonely, having people who get it can feel like fresh air after weeks indoors. Empathy, compassionate listening, and knowing someone else gets it makes all the difference.
Loneliness Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing
Here’s the truth: loneliness can often show up even when everything looks “fine.” Having a full calendar doesn’t equal a full heart. And being lonely doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad parenting job. We need to normalise talking about the quiet moments of isolation. Let’s be honest about the challenges so we can better support each other. After all, the strongest mamas are often the ones who admit when they’re struggling and reach out for help.
The Single Mothers Club: Building Long-Term Social Connections
Start small. Invite a neighbour over for tea. Sign up for a pottery class. Go to the local mothers' group even if you’re nervous. These moments add up to strong social connections, the kind that feel less lonely and make life richer. We are biologically wired to connect. Let’s stop waiting for someone else to reach out. Be proactive. Little steps like saying hello, spending time outside, or helping someone with their pram can shift your whole day. Social needs matter, yours included.
Final Thoughts: The Single Mothers Club
Loneliness doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human. Especially in parenthood, where giving everything can sometimes leave your cup empty. During Loneliness Awareness Week, let’s remind each other: it’s okay to feel lonely. It’s okay to reach out. It’s okay to say, “Hey, I need someone.”
Last bit of advice from the single mothers club - being a mother is hard. Being a lonely one is even harder. But you don’t have to stay there. The first step might just be a conversation, a wave to a neighbour, or reading a blog like this. Together, we can help each other feel more connected, more seen, and a lot less alone.
