57% of Pinoys self-reported feeling lonely - survey

The Philippines is one of the countries with the highest level of self-reported loneliness, based on a survey conducted by Meta and Gallup.

According to The Global State of Social Connections, 57% of Filipinos said they are feeling lonely. This is much higher than the global average of 24%.

Other countries with 50% and over are Lesotho, Uganda, Botswana, and Afghanistan. A total of 142 countries were part of the survey.

In Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, a psychologist and relational life coach said it is a good sign that Filipinos are acknowledging their sadness.

"Tayo mga Pilipino magaling tayo we don't show, ayaw natin ipakita. 'Kaya ko ito e.' But the number one thing is to acknowledge and validate your feeling of loneliness," Lilia Ng Gui said.

She said a huge part of the loneliness is the lack of connections with other people.

"Ang isang tao dapat socially connected hindi lamang sa sarili niya kundi connected din siya sa ibang tao, friends, family members di ba kasama sa trabaho because social connectedness with others is also a form of support para sa kanya," she said.

To combat loneliness, she said people should talk to others who are positive- and open-minded.

"Always remember ang mga nakakausap nating tao di natin alam kung may pinagdadaan or wala kaya kindness should always start with us."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News