The Painful Experience of Loneliness

 

Suffering loneliness is a very intensive emotion, which is familiar to every person. 

Thus, loneliness is not only a state in which a person is physically alone but also a state when a person feels being lonely even if there are many people around him. 

Here are some aspects to consider when understanding and addressing loneliness: 

Causes of Loneliness:

#1 Life Transitions: 

Life events and stressors are also triggers for loneliness; for instance, relocating to a new city, getting a new job or experiencing a break up. 

#2 Lack of Social Connections: 

Lack of support and proper relationships leads to loneliness. 

#3 Health Issues: 

Illness and other conditions affect a person’s ability to be with others and to relate to them. 

#4 Technology: 

For instance, social media can bring people together but at the same time it can cause loneliness by making people interact in what can be referred to as fake friendships. 

Effects of Loneliness:

#1 Mental Health: 

In this case, loneliness is known to have negative effects on the mental health of an individual since it causes depression, anxiety, and high stress levels. 

#2 Physical Health: 

Long-term isolation is dangerous for human health as it results in cardiovascular diseases, lowered immunity, and sleeping disorders. 

#3 Cognitive Decline:

Social isolation can lead to cognitive impairment in elderly people and also makes them more vulnerable to contract dementia. 

Coping Strategies:

#1 Build Connections: 

Go to friends, relatives or co-workers. 

Engage in activities of clubs or groups of your choice in order to make new friends. 

#2 Volunteer: 

I would like to help people as it can give me a purpose in life and I will be able to meet people like-minded. 

#3 Practice Self-Care: 

Take part in exercises, meditate, or do something that would make you feel happy and healthy. 

#4 Seek Professional Help: 

Counseling or therapy may be useful in dealing with the root of the problem and ways of managing it. 

Aloneness, therefore, is a state of acknowledging the feeling, understanding why the feeling exists and taking measures to reduce the feeling and its impact on one’s health. 

When loneliness becomes intolerable, it is necessary to consult mental health professionals.