LONDON has 'officially' been declared the loneliest city in the UK, according to new research by a co-living rental brand, MyLondon has reported.
With the highest number of one-person households, London and specifically Westminster top the loneliest city charts, while Liverpool, Riverside and Birmingham, Ladywood rank second and third in the findings from Gravity Co's study.
Researchers have found that loneliness is as harmful to a person's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and can increase the risk of dementia.
According to Mind, a mental health charity, loneliness can be associated with "an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress".
MyLondon asked people such as cafe owner Alma White whether she agrees London is the loneliest place in the UK, and she replied, "people are stretched for time here".
"If you have friends in deep South London, seeing those people is difficult.
"There's a hustle culture in London, people need to make money, survive and see family.
"Immediate family and school friends are the support system, else it's hard to make friends."
While Dana Depta said it can be hard to find people who genuinely want to spend time together, "people will ask, 'do you want to do something on Friday?' but Friday comes around and you don't meet."
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