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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, organize a get-together today to help get the word out and spread the spirit of friendliness!
History of Cheer Up the Lonely Day
Loneliness is something that has affected humans since the dawn of time. It can even affect our animal counterparts, too. Because of this, Cheer Up the Lonely Day was created with the specific intention of spreading happiness and reducing loneliness.
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 a taboo topic 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 a real issue for millions across the planet. In countries like Japan, birth rates have begun to drop as mental health issues have skyrocketed. Find out how you can help, and more, by reading about Cheer Up the Lonely Day below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More than 60% of lonely people are married
Make sure to check in on your spouse and married friends, they might be lonelier than you think.
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
If you use your day to reach out to those that you normally wouldn’t, you’re bound to run into some new friends. Who knows where the day will take you?
It’s simple
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!
It’s a good thing to do
Cheer Up the Lonely Day is, at its core, a celebration of friendship and belonging. 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 |
