Cheer Up the Lonely Day is on July 11, and we’re getting ready to celebrate with lots of activities to spread social cheer. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, old neighbor, new classmate, parent, child, or anybody else in your life, if you know anyone who is lonely or going through a tough time, surprise them today with a visit, a hug, or organize a get-together to help get the word out and spread the spirit of friendliness! Loneliness can be caused by health issues, financial troubles, or grief from loss, and it can be very overwhelming. This day serves as a reminder to all of us that everyone needs a little extra love and attention, especially the lonely. A small act of kindness can make a big difference. Use this day to also express gratitude to anyone who’s ever reached out to you while you when struggling.
History of Cheer Up the Lonely Day
National Cheer Up The Lonely Day hopes to spread awareness about the adverse and long-term effects of loneliness. It is celebrated on July 11 across the United States and other countries have also started to observe the day in their own way. On this day, people are expected to take some time out of their busy schedules to bring happiness to those who are lonely or feel neglected.
Since ancient times, depression and loneliness have been observed, experienced, and described by various people throughout the world. Ancient Greeks and Romans were known to have recorded basic ideas of loneliness on multiple occasions. As the world progressed, so did the ideas of loneliness. For much of the 20th century, depression and loneliness were oftentimes taboo topics reserved for very close friends (if spoken about at all). But as the rate of loneliness has risen in the population, the importance of mental health has become very apparent. Nowadays, loneliness and mental health problems can be real issues for millions across the planet. In countries like Japan, birth rates have begun to drop as mental health issues have skyrocketed.
There’s no official record as to when the day was first celebrated, however, people are of the opinion that Francis Pesek of Detroit, Michigan, is the founder of National Cheer Up The Lonely Day. His daughter, L.J. Pesek remembers her father as a quiet, kind, wonderful man who had a heart of gold. The idea struck him as a way of showing kindness toward those who were lonely. He also considered the plight of people who are neglected as shut-ins or who are left in nursing homes.
Loneliness can be temporary for some while for others it may be a perpetual state of being. Loneliness can affect people at any age and from all walks of life. It does not discriminate and can strike us at any point in our life. Loneliness can be harmful to a person’s mental, physical, and social health. Thus it is important to seek and offer company as much as we can. National Cheer Up The Lonely Day encourages us to bring joy and cheer into the lives of those who are struggling with loneliness.
Cheer Up the Lonely Day timeline
Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician, identifies depression for the first time — calling it ‘melancholia.’
An independent generation begins regularly living by themselves, something almost unheard of just years before.
Billy Wilder’s movie on loneliness, “The Apartment”, is released.
As opposed to the past, depression slowly becomes more acceptable to have and treat, and the effects of loneliness begin to decline.
Francis Pesek founds the first Cheer Up the Lonely Day near Detroit, Michigan, where it quickly spreads to the rest of the country.
The NCBI declares loneliness as a public health issue.
Gail Honeyman’s novel on loneliness, “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine,” is published.
Justin Bieber releases his pop hit, ‘Lonely.’
Cheer Up the Lonely Day FAQs
How can I celebrate?
Celebrating Cheer Up the Lonely Day is easy. All you need to do is find somebody who needs a friend, and provide one! It’s a great chance to get to know a new person and genuinely improve their life.
When is Cheer Up the Lonely Day?
The holiday is officially celebrated on July 11th but, the fact of the matter is, you can celebrate friendship and togetherness on any day of the year. Grab a friend for coffee today!
Where can I celebrate?
Cheer Up the Lonely Day can be celebrated anywhere where there are people to celebrate it with. As long as you’re spending time with somebody else, the place is completely up to you.
Can lonely people be depressed?
All depressed people are not lonely, but loneliness can lead to depression.
Can loneliness affect your health?
Yes, loneliness can seriously compromise your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
How to Celebrate Cheer Up the Lonely Day
Bring a group of people together
The best way to combat loneliness is a simple one — bringing a group of people together! Whether it's a large group in a party setting or a smaller one over a cup of coffee or a meal, celebrating the holiday is easy. You can also get your friends together and sit down for a meal. Sharing food and drinks with our loved ones is a great way to tackle loneliness.
Drop off a gift
Some people who seem lonely might just enjoy the company they offer themselves. In this case, bake some cookies or write a nice note for the person to let them know they’re not alone.
Volunteer in your city
Use this day to meet new people through a volunteering event. It’s easy, and the best part is you can choose where and what you’ll volunteer as. The nursing home, food bank, or local school are great ways to let the community know you’re there for them. The elderly tend to get lonelier easily. Take some time out of your day to visit a retirement home. This is also a great way to bond with the previous generations.
5 Loneliness Facts To Discover Today
Loneliness is contagious
Within a group of people, it takes just one person feeling lonely for it to spread to the people around them.
A lot of married people are lonely
Research shows that around 60% of married people in America are lonely.
Loneliness is more common than you think
Over 40% of people will experience intense loneliness at least once in their lifetime.
Happiness is low
In 2009, it was reported that only 33% of Americans were truly happy in their lives, with loneliness being a significant factor contributing to unhappiness.
There are even deadly effects
Being consistently lonely increases one’s chances of early death by about 19%.
Why We Love Cheer Up the Lonely Day
You’ll meet new friends
In an increasingly lonely world, this day brings us together to remind us of the importance of community and togetherness. If you use your day to reach out to those that you normally wouldn’t, you’re bound to run into some new friends.
It’s simple and makes you happy
The beauty of the holiday is that there are generally no intricate or formal celebrations. The only supplies you need are some people to hang out with, and you’re good to go! Doing something good for people makes you happy, too. The day is all about spreading cheer and enjoying each other’s company.
It’s a good thing to do
Cheer Up the Lonely Day is, at its core, a celebration of friendship and belonging. The day teaches us to be kind and empathetic to those who need our help. It’s an easy holiday that absolutely improves the lives of those you celebrate with.
Cheer Up the Lonely Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | July 11 | Sunday |
| 2022 | July 11 | Monday |
| 2023 | July 11 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | July 11 | Thursday |
| 2025 | July 11 | Friday |
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