Gina, my aunt, had been lonely for a long time and always felt something was missing. One day, she changed her life’s direction and started looking into ways to avoid loneliness. Gina had always wanted to paint, so she enrolled in art classes and began to enjoy her hobby.
Another critical thing Aunt Gina found was joining a support group similar to “Loneliness Anonymous”. She hadn’t thought about it before, but was glad she did; communicating with others in similar situations was greatly appreciated.
The health risks of isolation and loneliness are increasing—a greater risk than being overweight. Although many people believe it is better to be alone than in bad company, social isolation can have harmful effects in the brain, including the non-generation of new neurons.
According to other research, people who suffer from loneliness risk dying more than friendly people. The feeling of being alone can also affect mental health. More than 4 in 10 lonely people take psychotropic drugs, mainly in wealthier countries. And suicidal thoughts are more common.
The definition of loneliness states that loneliness is the absence of involvement in a social relationship. According to life, loneliness is a feeling of isolation, which can be chosen and sometimes suffered. What is a sense of loneliness? It is a fact, not a feeling,
Loneliness can be chosen or suffered. For some people, being alone is a time to reflect, meditate, and learn about themselves. On the contrary, loneliness suffered has disastrous effects on health: weight loss, depression, addictions, and stress. Both body and morale are affected by an acute feeling of loneliness.
The causes. Any event can cause feelings of loneliness. Not feeling supported or validated by others can lead to suffering and isolation. Absence is also a cause of loneliness: for example, a spouse who passes away.
It’s something we all experience in one way or another. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate loneliness and improve your quality of life.
1 Take care of yourself. Isolation alters self-esteem. Before reconnecting with others, taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is essential. Taking care of your appearance, doing physical or artistic activities, and making a list of what would make us feel good daily is the first step toward getting out of your “igloo.”
2 Fight negativity. Researchers found that feeling lonely and isolated makes people more negative and critical. Both behaviors do not promote relational openness. A good exercise is to figure out when our pessimistic beliefs or binding judgments take over. These beliefs or observations must have one or two arguments that contradict them. Another way to feel better is to write down three positive things daily. Gradually, you will want to be part of a less hostile world.
3 More activities. One of the problems of being alone is that you can’t be close to people. Why not get out of the way and converse with our neighbors or shopkeepers? Why not try to find old-school friends on the Internet? Today’s technology allows communication between people with similar interests.
4 Caring for others. The feeling of being useful strengthens self-esteem and changes the dynamics of the relationship. It is also the best way to overcome emotional isolation. Instead of wondering, “Why don’t I receive anything from anyone?”, it is better to think about how to help others. The main goal is to propose, offer, and share.
5 Sleep. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep has an antisocial disorder effect. Bad nights harm moods and emotions. Therefore, it is best to ensure that your sleep conditions are good. It is also vital to perform breathing and relaxation exercises before bedtime, to eat lightly at night, and to turn off all screens (TV, computer, and mobile) to sleep without startling.
6 Music and books. Stay in touch with friends and family. Recalling memories and telling stories will help you feel less lonely. Furthermore, listening to music or reading a book lets you relax, distract yourself, and forget that you are alone.
_____
Although loneliness may be a challenging experience, it can be fought and won. There are keys to coping with loneliness and developing meaningful and lasting healthy relationships, from having a positive attitude to seeking professional help. The therapist can help you discuss your concerns and find positive ways to cope better with your current situation. Furthermore, there are many locally available organizations dedicated to mental wellness.
Encyclopedia Online > Loneliness. Psychotropic drugs. Antisocial.
