Understanding Loneliness
Loneliness is a state of mind. It occurs when a person feel abandoned, and physically or socially isolated.
Loneliness isn’t the same as being alone. It is that feeling of emptiness and longing that arises when you notice a difference between your current situation and your desired social life.
Loneliness isn’t always about the physical closeness to other people, though physical isolation can lead to loneliness. You can have lots of social contact like being in a party surrounded by crowds of people and still feel lonely.
Loneliness is a potential problem no matter where you live. The feeling of being lonely isn’t a mental health problem, but having a mental health problem can increase the feeling of loneliness. Loneliness shouldn’t be confused for solitude. In fact, solitude has a number of mental health benefits, including allowing people focus better, meditate, and plan precisely.
Several factors contribute to the feeling of loneliness, such as:
• Death of someone significant in a person's life
• Divorce or Breakup in a relationship
• Low self-esteem
• Physical disability
• Relocation
• Job change
• Becoming a parent
Loneliness has a wide range of negative effect on a person's physical and mental health, including:
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Antisocial behaviour
• Depression
• Cognitive decline
• Risk of physical illness
• Suicide
It requires a lot of conscious effort to subdue loneliness. Forming a new connection might help overcome the feeling of loneliness.
Here are some ways to prevent loneliness:
• Volunteer: this gives you an opportunity to support a cause or program that allows you meet new people.
• Strengthen a current relationship: improving your existing relationship with either a family member or friend is a great way to overcome loneliness.
• Get in contact with an old friend: use social media to reach out to old secondary school and university friends. Reminisce about old memories and chat about life.
• Go to local events: you can find like-minded individuals and become friends with them at sport events in your local community, concerts or art exhibition.
• Ask for help: if you need help with moving to a new home or fixing a device, you can casually ask for an helping hand. Also, if someone around you needs assistance you should consider lending a hand.
Conclusion
It is not wrong to be alone or enjoy your solitude, but choosing to be alone when you can spend time with like-minded people learning or having fun can lead to the feeling of loneliness.
Loneliness can have a person feeling disconnected from others. It can have serious health effects including decreased mental wellness and physical problems.
If loneliness is affecting your wellbeing, work on forming new connections, and spend time having conservations with people in your life. And if you’re struggling with this, you can consider therapy. Always remember there are people around you who can help you.
