Loneliness can make you feel like an outcast or destroy your self-worth. It feels incredibly isolating, but you're not alone. Nearly 60% of people report experiencing loneliness at some point in their lives.
Loneliness is painful, and that's why most people don't openly discuss their feelings. But that's the thing about loneliness; it wants you to itself. The only way to get past it is to talk about it. So, let's discuss loneliness and how to beat it.
How can loneliness affect your mental health?
Loneliness can happen to anyone; it's not limited to shy or reserved people. It can happen to the life of the party too.
Loneliness is triggered by but not limited to:
Loneliness can become emotionally consuming if given a chance and greatly impact your mental health. It's more than just sadness. Loneliness and depressioncan form a vicious cycle that feeds on each other -- loneliness can exacerbate depression symptoms, and you experience symptoms when you're lonely.
Loneliness can happen in short bursts throughout someone's life or become a chronic condition someone experiences. Chronic loneliness can cause someone to think negatively about themselves and increase their risk for depression and anxiety. Long term, it can impede someone's cognition, such as problem-solving and concentration.
Coping strategies if you're experiencing loneliness
Loneliness isn't a character flaw and doesn't have to last forever. While it's a journey to get through, you can cope and come out of loneliness. Try using these strategies when you're experiencing loneliness.
1. Acknowledge what you're feeling
It might seem small, but naming what you're feeling is one of the most important things you can do when coping with loneliness. It's the basis for everything you do next. You can't find a solution to something if you don't know what you're dealing with.
The common symptoms of loneliness include but are not limited to the following:
Once you accept that you're feeling lonely, you can step back and see how it's impacting your life. Then you can decide what to do next.
2. Make use of your time
Taking your alone time and using it to achieve something you want is a way to take back control over being by yourself. That shifts the focus away from being lonely and wishing you were with people to something you look forward to.
You can take back your time any way you like. Maybe it's taking up a new hobby or working toward a goal you have. Or maybe it's carving out time to practice yoga. The point is to pick something that helps you connect with yourself and how you feel. It's important that you value the activity you pick.
3. Make connections with others
Loneliness stems from the lack of meaningful connection with others. One of the best ways to cope with loneliness would be to be intentional about meeting people and cultivating relationships. How you choose to put yourself out there is entirely up to you. It can be anything -- volunteering, joining a class or hanging out with your family.
Jumping into socialization can become overwhelming. Remember a few key things when making friends:
4. Use peer support groups
Meeting others is great, but sometimes, the deepest connection comes from people who understand what you're going through. There are various online support groups that will allow you to share experiences and build relationships with people who have similar interests.
If you'd rather meet face to face, you can use the National Alliance on Mental Illness's support group locator to find one in your area.
5. Prioritize self-care
It's easy to assume that the ultimate cure for loneliness is to connect with others and let everything else fall by the wayside. But when you're in the thick of loneliness, self-care is essential. Self-care is a big term; let's break it down.
6. Consider therapy
There's no true diagnosis for loneliness, but that doesn't mean you can't get help for your feelings. When loneliness is comorbid with other conditions, like depression, it can change the way you live. You sometimes need help with loneliness beyond self-help strategies, and that's okay. Sometimes, the root problem needs to be addressed in therapy.
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Working with a therapist through cognitive behavioral therapy will help you challenge negative thinking and direct your thoughts, emotions and actions more constructively. If you can't afford traditional therapy, consider online platforms or affordable therapy options that don't require insurance. Starting therapy can seem daunting, especially if you don't know where to start. Start looking for the best therapist through your healthcare provider, online resources or local groups.
Loneliness can feel incredibly isolating, but you're not alone.
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