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In part two of the series, Lou Forster speaks to three people about their experience of loneliness and the factors that contribute to being lonely. Loneliness is often linked to an event, like the death of a loved one. Or it can stem from other changes in our lives, like employment, health, relationships or living arrangements.

Karen’s dad lost his wife and then had a fall when he was aged 92.

“He found himself in a back room alone. What we noticed in that time is that dad’s whole demeanour changed,” says Karen.

George is a single man in his 50s, has no children and works part-time. He lives with depression.

“Status is a pretty big thing as a man; you’re supposed to be a provider. It wipes you out as a prospective ‘friend’ with a woman and it’s just another level of loneliness,” says George.

Jessica is 32 and works in the health sector in Perth. Her life has been complicated by chronic health conditions.

“If I spend too much energy in a day, I will be in bed for the next two days. I don’t have a social life; I don’t have the energy to go out and socialise or catch up with friends on the weekend,” says Jessica.

Tune in next week for the final of our three-part series on loneliness when Chorus Voices looks at what we can do about loneliness.

 

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Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Chorus Voices Podcast.  If you find yourself inspired by these stories, head to our website and learn more about what we’re doing.

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Find out more

Loneliness can be addressed. To find out more visit the below websites:

 

References

 

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Credits
Podcast Host:
Louise Forster

Opening Voiceover:
Ryan Burke

Chorus Voices Theme:
“Wattlebird” by Dylan Hatton Music

Interviewer:
Louise Forster

Story Editor:
Dan Hatch

Production and sound design:
Matthew Clark

Music:
“Interflowing” by Dylan Hatton Music

Special Thanks To:
Karen Martin
George
Jessica Molloy

Loneliness Artwork:
Suzanne Waldron
“I see this image exploring loneliness from left to right. Almost as if the wispy uncertain cloudiness of feeling lonely invade the internal space of the body,” says Suzanne. “Though as each of us know it’s a feeling that passes and move into the brighter shades of life, which is what the yellow represents to me.”

About Suzanne Waldron

“I use alcohol inks to get the effect on the paper. When I prepare for the piece, I take myself into the question and the actual feelings I want to represent. I never know what the image will look like until it is appearing on the page. It’s a very organic process that almost happens through me rather than from me. I love not knowing how it will finish. I use a great deal of instinct and depth of my own knowledge of human behaviour to represent the topic on the page.”

All proceeds go to two different causes. Suzanne buys coloured pencils for children who would like to experiment with art, but do not have the funds to do so. She also contributes to an art therapy project that supports women refugees.

Mental Health