Feeling of Loneliness & How to get away from it?

Loneliness is the feeling of sadness or distress caused by a person's perception that there is no meaningful social connection or emotional intimacy. It is not a matter of physical isolation but more a matter of being emotionally disconnected, misunderstood, or isolated even in the company of others.

The causes of loneliness are diverse including feelings of social disconnection due to a lack of understanding or support, major life transitions like moving away or relationship changes like ending of? a relationship or friendship, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Recent studies have also pointed to excessive reliance on technology as a cause of loneliness as it can replace meaningful face-to-face interactions. Personality traits like introversion or insecure attachment styles can also be a cause of feeling of? loneliness.

Loneliness can further lead to a lot of challenges. A review study in 2013 examined the physical and mental health consequences of perceived social isolation.It was stated that? loneliness is associated with increased vigilance for threats, altered psychological processes, diminished sleep quality, and heightened morbidity and mortality rates. Research indicates that loneliness can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, with individuals scoring high on loneliness being 2.1 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to those with lower scores.

Furthermore the study also stated that increased feelings of loneliness correlate with higher risks of cardiovascular health issues, such as elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Similarly a research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that loneliness is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Individuals who reported feeling lonely were found to have a 40% increased risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not feel lonely.

The effect of loneliness is profound from its effects on our physical health it also affects our mental health research studies have pointed out that loneliness is strongly linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. Studies show that individuals experiencing chronic loneliness are more than twice as likely to develop depressive symptoms compared to those who are not lonely. Let's look at how we can address this?

A Meta-Analysis study done in 2013 on? Interventions to Reduce Loneliness pointed that Interventions aimed at enhancing social skills have been shown to be effective in reducing loneliness. This includes training in conversational skills, nonverbal communication, and building self-esteem. Studies indicate that improving social skills can lead to better quality social interactions, thereby decreasing feelings of loneliness.Simple tips that can be beneficial to improve your social skills could be?

• Practice Active Listening: Pay attention, make eye contact, and show interest in others' conversations.
• Ask Questions: Show curiosity by asking open-ended questions to keep conversations going.
• Smile and Use Body Language: A friendly smile and open posture make you more approachable.
• Be Mindful of Tone and Pace: Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace, and be aware of your tone.
• Give Compliments: Sincerely compliment others to build rapport and positivity.

Group-based activities that focus on shared interests or educational topics can help combat these feelings. Engage yourself in Group activities such as exercise classes, art sessions, or reading programs which are seen effective in fostering social connections and reducing feelings of isolation?

While technology can be dangerous and contribute to loneliness, it can also be part of the solution when used mindfully. Setting boundaries around social media use while using technology for meaningful connection (like video calls with loved ones) can help create a healthier digital-social balance.

Loneliness can also stem from self-judgment. Developing self-compassion and treating ourselves with the same kindness we would offer to a friend and practicing self care and taking care of oneself creates a psychological foundation that makes it easier to reach out to others and maintain healthy relationships.

Lastlt loneliness can be challenging; it can make us feel isolated and withdrawn and create a lot of challenges in our everyday lives. Seeking professional support like talking to a therapist can also be beneficial as they may help you overcome the barriers and help you in building connections.

References?

• Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness Matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8
• Einav, M., & Margalit, M. (2023). Loneliness before and after COVID-19: Sense of Coherence and Hope as Coping Mechanisms. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(10), 5840. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105840
• Mushtaq, R., Shoib, S., Shah, T., & Mushtaq, S. (2014). Relationship between loneliness, Psychiatric Disorders and Physical health?? A review on the psychological aspects of loneliness. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH. https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2014/10077.4828
• Masi, C. M., Chen, H., Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Reduce Loneliness. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(3), 219–266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868310377394